Travelling to Janjira Fort

Rajpuri Port

Outline of the fort as seen from the port

Imposing walls of the fort

Sail boats that take visitors to the fort

Boatman aims his own canon at the impregnable fort

Visit to the mystical Janjira fort was the highlight of my recent trip to Central Konkan. The fort, built almost 4 - 9 centuries ago (accounts vary) amidst the Arabian Sea, was the bastion of local Siddi rulers and has the reputation of being unconquered (ajinkya) even by the likes of Shivaji Maharaj, the British and the Portuguese. One can read a good detailed account here  http://www.murudjanjira.com/ and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murud_Janjira

Journey to the fort begins from the old Rajpuri port (about 4 Km from Murud) in sail boats. For an extra fee, the boatman also doubles up as a guide. Even as one approaches the fort, its imposing walls tell the story of invincibility & quality of engineering. One can spot several canons thrusting out of the windows giving the appearance of being on their radar. It is said that it is difficult to make out the entrance of the fort from a distance (especially during high tides) and that a secret tunnel exists 60 feet below the fort that links the Rajpuri village. The fort is a must see site in Maharashtra.

We shall take a look at the interiors of the fort in the next post.