Revdanda Fort, located in the coastal town of Revdanda near Alibaug, Maharashtra, is a hidden gem among sea forts in India. Built by the Portuguese in 1558, this fort was once a thriving trade center and a strategic defense post. Today, its ruins stand majestically against the Arabian Sea, offering a mix of history, adventure, and breathtaking coastal views.

Unlike other sea forts, Revdanda Fort is accessible directly from the beach, making it a perfect destination for history lovers, beach enthusiasts, and photographers.

📜 1. History of Revdanda Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Revdanda Fort was built in 1558 by the Portuguese as a naval outpost and trade hub.
• The fort was part of Portuguese defenses in the Konkan region, along with Korlai Fort and Alibaug Fort.
• Revdanda was one of the earliest Portuguese settlements in India, and it played a significant role in spice trade and naval warfare.

⚔️ Maratha & British Era

• In 1740, the Marathas, under Chimaji Appa (brother of Peshwa Bajirao I), captured Revdanda Fort from the Portuguese.
• The fort was later taken over by the British in the early 19th century after the Anglo-Maratha wars.
• Over time, the fort lost its strategic importance and was abandoned.

🏛️ Current Status

• Today, Revdanda Fort is a scenic ruin with towering fort walls, bastions, and tunnels.
• Many Portuguese-era churches, temples, and residential buildings inside the fort are now in ruins but still visible.
• The fort’s walls are covered in moss and surrounded by coconut and betel nut trees, giving it a picturesque charm.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Revdanda Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Revdanda Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Alibaug	17 km	30 minutes
Mumbai	120 km	3.5 hours
Pune	160 km	4.5 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Pen Railway Station (45 km)
• From Pen, take a bus or taxi to Revdanda Beach.

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses are available from Mumbai and Pune to Alibaug.
• From Alibaug, hire a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to reach Revdanda Fort.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Mumbai: Take the Mumbai-Goa Highway (NH-66) and then the Alibaug-Revdanda Road.
• From Pune: Drive via Tamhini Ghat and Pen to reach Alibaug, then continue to Revdanda.

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🥾 3. Exploring Revdanda Fort

🗺️ Trekking & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Beach Route	Revdanda Beach	Easy	10-15 minutes
Forest Route	Revdanda Village	Easy	20 minutes

⏳ Best Time to Visit

✅ Winter (October - March) – Best time, pleasant weather ❄️
✅ Post-Monsoon (September - October) – Ideal for greenery & clear skies 🌿
❌ Avoid Monsoon (June - August) – Risk of high tides & slippery paths 🌊

🔍 Travel Tips

✔️ Visit during low tide to explore more of the fort walls.
✔️ Wear comfortable footwear for sandy and rocky terrain.
✔️ Carry waterproof bags for phones and cameras.

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🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Revdanda Fort?

✅ One of the Most Scenic Sea Forts – Built right next to the Arabian Sea.
✅ Historical Portuguese Architecture – Explore old churches, walls, and secret tunnels.
✅ Breathtaking Coastal Views – Offers panoramic views of Alibaug and Korlai Fort.
✅ Less Crowded & Peaceful – Unlike other forts, this one is not over-commercialized.
✅ Perfect for Beach Lovers & History Enthusiasts – A unique combination of beach and fort exploration.

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🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance Gate	Faces the sea, still partially intact.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Portuguese Church Ruins	One of the earliest churches built in India.
Fort Walls	Still standing, offering great sea views.
Secret Tunnels	Used for underground passageways.
Watchtower Bastions	Defense towers used to monitor sea activities.

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🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Revdanda Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (July-August) – High tides may cause flooding near the fort.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – The fort is not well-lit, and exploring it after sunset is unsafe.
❌ During High Tides – Some parts of the fort may become inaccessible.

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⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trip?

🚷 People with mobility issues – Uneven surfaces and rocky paths may be challenging.
🚷 Elderly people – Some parts of the fort require climbing over ruins.
🚷 People afraid of heights – The fort walls offer high, open views of the sea.

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🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trip?

✔️ Waterproof bag for valuables.
✔️ Comfortable footwear (for walking on sand & rocks).
✔️ Sunglasses, cap, and sunscreen (to protect from sun exposure).
✔️ Drinking water & snacks (No shops inside the fort).
✔️ Camera & power bank (for capturing beautiful views).
✔️ Extra clothes (if you plan to visit the beach).

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💭 Final Thoughts

Revdanda Fort is a perfect destination for history lovers, photographers, and beach explorers. Whether you want to walk through ancient ruins, enjoy a peaceful beach, or capture stunning coastal views, Revdanda Fort offers an unforgettable experience.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, respect nature, and explore this hidden treasure of Maharashtra! 🚶‍♂️🏰🌊