Khanderi Fort, located off the coast of Alibaug, Maharashtra, is one of Shivaji Maharaj’s strategic naval forts, built to counter the powerful British and Siddis of Janjira. This sea fort was a key part of the Maratha naval defense system and played a crucial role in controlling trade and military movements along the Konkan coast.

Today, Khanderi Fort (also known as Kanhoji Angre Island) is under the Indian Navy’s jurisdiction, and visitors require special permission to explore the fort. The fort is well-known for its lighthouse, bastions, underground passages, and ancient canons.

 

📜 1. History of Khanderi Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Khanderi Fort was built in 1679 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as part of his naval expansion to counter the Siddis of Janjira and British forces.
• The fort was strategically positioned to monitor enemy movements and protect trade routes.
• It was heavily fortified with bastions, high walls, and a lighthouse to guide naval ships.

⚔️ Maratha & British Era

• In the early 1700s, Kanhoji Angre, the chief of the Maratha Navy, used Khanderi as a major naval base.
• The British repeatedly tried to capture the fort but failed due to its strong defenses.
• In 1750, the British launched a final attack and captured the fort after a long battle.
• Khanderi was then used by the British as a military outpost.

🏛️ Current Status

• Today, Khanderi Fort is under the control of the Indian Navy.
• The fort’s walls, bastions, lighthouse, and underground tunnels remain intact.
• Tourists require special permission to visit.

---

🚗 2. How to Reach Khanderi Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Khanderi Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Alibaug	5 km	20 minutes (by boat)
Mumbai	110 km	3.5 hours
Pune	150 km	4.5 hours

⛵ By Boat (Only Way to Reach)

• Khanderi Fort is accessible only by boat from Thal Beach (Alibaug).
• Visitors must obtain prior permission from the Indian Navy to explore the fort.
• Boats are not regularly available, and you need to hire a private boat from Thal Beach.
• The boat ride takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on the sea conditions.

🚖 By Road to Alibaug

• From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66) and then the Alibaug-Thal Road.
• From Pune: Drive via Tamhini Ghat and Pen to reach Alibaug.
• From Mumbai (Sea Route): You can take a ferry from Gateway of India to Mandwa Jetty, then take a bus/taxi to Alibaug.

---

🥾 3. Exploring Khanderi Fort

🗺️ Trekking & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Thal Beach Boat Route	Thal Beach (Alibaug)	Moderate	20-30 minutes (by boat)

⏳ Best Time for Visit

✅ Winter (October - March) – Best time, calm sea and pleasant weather ❄️
✅ Post-Monsoon (September - October) – Ideal for a scenic boat ride 🌿
❌ Avoid Monsoon (June - August) – Rough seas, boat rides unavailable 🌊

🔍 Travel Tips

✔️ Get prior permission from the Indian Navy.
✔️ Hire a local guide to arrange a boat.
✔️ Wear a life jacket during the boat ride.
✔️ Carry waterproof bags for valuables.

---

🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Khanderi Fort?

✅ One of the Most Important Maratha Naval Forts – A key stronghold of Shivaji Maharaj’s navy.
✅ Scenic Sea Views – Offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea & nearby forts.
✅ Well-Preserved Bastions & Canons – Explore historic ruins, old canons, and defense walls.
✅ Adventure Experience – Accessible only by boat, making it an exciting journey.
✅ Ancient Underground Tunnels & Lighthouse – Unique features not found in many forts.

---

🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance Gate	The only entry point to the fort.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Lighthouse	Built by the British in 1867, still functional.
Fort Bastions	Used for defense and placing canons.
Underground Tunnels	Secret passages inside the fort.
Water Tanks	Ancient reservoirs for drinking water storage.

---

🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Khanderi Fort

❌ During Monsoons (June-August) – Rough sea conditions, boat services unavailable.
❌ Without Permission – The fort is under the Indian Navy’s jurisdiction.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No lighting, unsafe due to the sea.

---

⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trip?

🚷 People with seasickness – The boat ride can be rough.
🚷 Young kids & elderly people – Uneven terrain and boat travel may be difficult.
🚷 People with fear of deep water – The fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea.

---

🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trip?

✔️ Waterproof bag for valuables.
✔️ Life jacket (provided by the boat operator).
✔️ Sunglasses, cap, and sunscreen (to protect from sun exposure).
✔️ Trekking shoes for walking around the fort.
✔️ Snacks & drinking water (no shops on the fort).
✔️ Camera & power bank (for capturing scenic views).

---

💭 Final Thoughts

Khanderi Fort is an offbeat historical site that offers a blend of adventure, history, and stunning sea views. It is one of the last-standing Maratha naval forts, making it a must-visit for history buffs and adventure seekers.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, obtain necessary permissions, and explore this forgotten sea fort of the Marathas! 🚤🏰