Vijaydurg Fort, known as the Gibraltar of the East, is one of the most formidable and strategically significant forts built by the Marathas. Located on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, this sea fort was a key naval base for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

Built over a 17-acre area, Vijaydurg Fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides, making it one of the strongest marine forts in India. With hidden underwater walls, secret tunnels, and a rich history of naval battles, this fort is a must-visit for history buffs, adventure seekers, and nature lovers.

 

📜 1. History of Vijaydurg Fort

🏰 Early & Medieval History

• Vijaydurg Fort was originally built in the 12th century by Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahara dynasty.
• Later, it was renovated and strengthened by the Adil Shahi rulers of Bijapur.

⚔️ Maratha Era – The Rise of a Naval Stronghold

• In 1653, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj captured Vijaydurg Fort and converted it into an impregnable naval base.
• He expanded the fort, built triple-layered walls, and added 27 bastions for greater defense.
• The fort was a key location for the Maratha Navy, where they built and stationed their powerful warships.
• In 1713, Kanhoji Angre, the Maratha naval commander, used Vijaydurg as his headquarters and defeated multiple Portuguese, British, and Dutch naval attacks.

🏛️ British Era & Current Status

• In 1756, the British and Peshwas joined forces to defeat Kanhoji Angre’s descendants, marking the decline of Vijaydurg’s naval dominance.
• By 1818, the British took control of the fort, and it lost its military significance.
• Today, Vijaydurg Fort stands as a historic marvel, attracting tourists, trekkers, and historians.

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🚗 2. How to Reach Vijaydurg Fort

📍 Nearest Cities & Distances

Location	Distance from Vijaydurg Fort	Approx. Travel Time
Mumbai	385 km	8 hours
Pune	345 km	7 hours
Ratnagiri	110 km	3 hours
Goa	170 km	5 hours

🚆 By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Rajapur Road Railway Station (65 km)
• From the railway station, hire a cab or take a local bus to Vijaydurg Fort.

🚌 By Bus

• MSRTC buses operate from Mumbai, Pune, and Ratnagiri to Devgad, which is a 27 km drive from Vijaydurg Fort.
• From Devgad, take a rickshaw or private taxi.

🚖 By Road (Best Option)

• From Mumbai/Pune: Drive via NH-66 (Mumbai-Goa Highway) and take the Vijaydurg exit via Devgad.

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🥾 3. Trekking to Vijaydurg Fort

🗺️ Trekking Routes & Difficulty

Route	Starting Point	Difficulty Level	Time Required
Main Road Route	Vijaydurg Village	Easy	30-40 minutes

⏳ Best Time for Trekking

✅ Winter (November - February) – Best time, pleasant weather ❄️
✅ Post-Monsoon (September - October) – Green landscapes 🌿
❌ Avoid Monsoon (June - August) – Heavy rainfall & high tides 🌊

🔍 Trekking Tips

✔️ Start early (before 9 AM) to enjoy the fort with fewer crowds.
✔️ Wear comfortable trekking shoes for uneven terrain.
✔️ Carry at least 2 liters of water per person.
✔️ Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect from sun exposure.

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🤩 4. Why You Must Visit Vijaydurg Fort?

✅ A Historic Naval Fort with a Stunning Coastal View 🏕️
✅ One of Maharashtra’s Strongest Sea Forts 🌊
✅ Hidden Underwater Wall for Defense 🤯
✅ Perfect for History Lovers & Photographers 📸
✅ Nearby Attractions: Devgad Beach, Kunkeshwar Temple, Sindhudurg Fort 🚗

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🏰 5. Important Fort Details

🚪 Fort Gates (Darwazas)

Gate Name	Significance
Main Entrance Gate	A massive fortified entryway.
Hidden Escape Tunnel	Used by Maratha warriors during attacks.

🛡️ Fort Towers & Structures

Structure	Significance
Underwater Defense Wall	A unique 300-meter-long hidden wall under the sea.
Kothi Pir (Granary Storage)	Stored food for the entire garrison for years.
Bastions & Cannons	27 bastions for defense against naval attacks.

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🚨 6. When to Avoid Visiting Vijaydurg Fort

❌ During Heavy Monsoons (July-August) – Dangerous sea tides & heavy rains.
❌ Late Evenings/Night – No lighting, unsafe for exploration.
❌ Hot Summers (April-May) – Extreme heat & humidity.

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⚠️ 7. Who Should Avoid This Trek?

🚷 Elderly people with mobility issues – The fort has uneven steps & steep paths.
🚷 People with a fear of heights – Some sections offer exposed sea cliffs.
🚷 Young kids (under 5 years) – The rocky terrain can be risky.

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🎒 8. What to Carry for the Trip?

✔️ 2-3 liters of water per person.
✔️ Trekking shoes with a strong grip.
✔️ Cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen (for summer visits).
✔️ Raincoat/Poncho (for monsoon visits).
✔️ First aid kit (band-aids, antiseptic, painkillers).
✔️ Energy bars & dry snacks.
✔️ Power bank & fully charged phone.

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💭 Final Thoughts

Vijaydurg Fort is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, adventure seekers, and nature lovers. Whether you want to explore a Maratha naval stronghold, admire breathtaking sea views, or dive deep into history, Vijaydurg Fort is an unforgettable experience.

📍 Plan your trip wisely, respect nature, and enjoy the adventure! 🚶‍♂️🏰🌊