Vijaydurg Fort

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Vijaydurg is the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, was constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty (construction period 1193-1205) and restructured by Shivaji.

Looking to explore a unique fort that served as a powerful military base and was impregnable from all sides? Look no further than Vijaydurg Fort, also known as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’. Located at the tip of the peninsular region of Vijaydurg, this fort has been through it all. Originally built between 1196 and 1206 AD by Bhojraja Shilahar, the fort was captured by the Maratha king Shivaji in 1656 AD and renamed as Vijay Durg. It became the main Maratha naval base under Kanoji Angre and was attacked several times by the British, Portuguese, and Dutch, but none could conquer it. It was finally taken over by the British Empire in 1818.

The fort is constructed using laterite stones and boasts 27 bastions, three of which are three-storied. It also has a 10-meter high compound wall in the sea, a prison, a huge water tank, and cannons. The fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides and has a 200-meter-long tunnel for emergency evacuation. It even has a dock along the Vaghotan River used by the Marathas to build and repair their ships. The fort was so impregnable that it was called the ‘Eastern Gibraltar’, and large ships couldn’t enter the shallow water of the 40 km long Vaghotan/Kharepatan Creek, making it a perfect spot to anchor Maratha warships, which were invisible from the sea.

The fort has seen many rulers, battles, and legends, and according to one legend, it’s one of only two Maratha forts where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj personally hoisted the saffron flag; the other fort is Torna. And with all the interesting history, it’s no surprise that the fort is a protected monument. So, if you’re looking to explore a fort that has stood the test of time and history, Vijaydurg Fort is the perfect spot to explore!

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