Murud-Janjira Fort is one of the most powerful and unconquered sea forts in India, located off the Konkan coast of Maharashtra. Built in the 15th century, the fort stands on an island in the Arabian Sea and is known for its impenetrable walls, hidden escape routes, and massive cannons.

Unlike many other forts in Maharashtra, Janjira Fort was never conquered by the Mughals, Marathas, or the British. The fort is accessible only by boat, making it one of the most exciting sea fort explorations.

 

📜 1. History of Murud-Janjira Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Originally, a small wooden fort was built by the local fishermen in the late 14th century.
• The fort was later captured and rebuilt in the 15th century by Malik Ambar, an Abyssinian (Habshi) Siddi ruler under the Nizamshahi Sultanate of Ahmednagar.
• It was strategically designed to withstand naval attacks.

⚔️ Maratha & British Era

• Despite several attempts, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj could never capture Janjira Fort due to its strong defenses and geographical location.
• The British, Portuguese, and Dutch also tried and failed to conquer the fort.
• The fort remained under Siddi rule until 1947, when India gained independence.

🏛️ Current Status

• Today, Murud-Janjira Fort stands tall and unconquered, attracting thousands of history lovers, photographers, and travelers.
• The massive cannons, ancient structures, and secret tunnels make it an adventurous place to explore.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Murud-Janjira Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Murud-Janjira	Approx. Travel Time
Mumbai	165 km	4.5 hours
Pune	190 km	5 hours
Alibaug	50 km	1.5 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Roha (50 km) or Panvel (110 km)
• From Roha, take a bus or taxi to Murud village.

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses are available from Mumbai, Pune, and Alibaug to Murud.
• From Murud, take a local rickshaw or taxi to Rajapuri jetty.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Mumbai: Take NH-66 towards Alibaug, then continue towards Murud via Revdanda & Kashid Beach.
• From Pune: Drive via Tamhini Ghat to Murud village.

⛵ By Boat (Final Journey to the Fort)

• Boats leave from Rajapuri Jetty (3 km from Murud village).
• Boat Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• The boat ride takes 15-20 minutes to reach the fort.

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🏰 3. Exploring Murud-Janjira Fort

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance (Darya Darwaza)	Massive sea-facing entrance, invisible from a distance.
Secret Tunnel Gate	Underground escape route, now closed.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
3 Giant Cannons (Kalal Bangdi, Chavri, Landa Kasam)	Enormous cannons used to defend against naval attacks.
Royal Palace & Masjid	Remains of the Siddi ruler’s palace & mosque.
Water Tanks & Wells	Ancient rainwater storage system, still functional.
Watchtowers & Walls	High walls designed to withstand enemy attacks.

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⏳ 4. Best Time to Visit Murud-Janjira Fort

✅ Winter (November - March) – Best season, pleasant weather.
✅ Monsoon (June - September) – Heavy rains, but boat rides may be canceled.
❌ Avoid Summer (April - May) – Very hot and humid.

🚨 When to Avoid Murud-Janjira Fort?

❌ During Monsoons (July-August) – Risky boat rides due to rough sea conditions.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No night stay allowed at the fort.

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🎒 5. What to Carry for the Trip?

✔️ Comfortable trekking shoes (for fort exploration).
✔️ 2 liters of water (limited drinking water inside).
✔️ Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen (especially in summer).
✔️ Raincoat/Poncho (if visiting in monsoon).
✔️ Snacks & energy bars (no food stalls inside).
✔️ Camera & power bank (for capturing the beauty).

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🚶‍♂️ 6. What to Do & What Not to Do?

✅ Things to Do

✔️ Explore the grand gates, cannons & water tanks.
✔️ Take a guided tour for a better understanding of history.
✔️ Enjoy panoramic views of the Arabian Sea.

❌ Things to Avoid

🚫 Do not litter – Keep the fort clean.
🚫 Do not damage historical structures.
🚫 Do not lean on the fort walls – Risky, especially near steep edges.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Murud-Janjira Fort is a timeless marvel that has stood strong against countless attacks. Whether you are a history enthusiast, photographer, or adventure seeker, this fort offers a thrilling experience.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, respect the heritage, and explore Maharashtra’s most powerful sea fort! 🚶‍♂️🏰🌊