Visiting coastal forts was on my bucket list for the longest time and eventually started this year with visit to coastal forts around Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg.
Day 1 2nd Jan 2021: Started with Purnagad which was built in 1724 by Maratha Naval Admiral Kanoji Aangare. The fort is engulfed in casuarina trees and the Gakhadi seasore lies on the south of the fort.
Our journey proceeded to to Ambolgad which is located in Rajapur taluka. Ahead of fort is the mesmerising view of sea. In this peaceful place you can hear only sound of waves bashing on the cliffs.
We then visited Yashwantgad in Nate which was built in 17th century,. Today is fort is in dilapidated and needs attention to develop for coming generations to know about such places. The fort is surrounded by a trench which was built to protect the fort from direct attack from enemies.
After covering Ratnagiri district we then travelled to Vijaydurg which is located in Devgad. Vijaydurg was formerly known as Gheria and the reason this was named Gheria is its location, its surrounded by water from all the side. This fort was built by king Bhoj in 12th century and later Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj took over this fort rebuilt it and named it as Vijaydurg. This fort was strategically built as a naval base of Marathas and to have command over the Arabian sea. If possible do plan your visit to this fort to know more about this. I would recommend to hire a guide who can show all the places and makes you understand the places on the mighty fort.
Later we proceeded to Devgad which was built by Dattajivraj Angre in 1729. Currently the fort is in the ruined stated and has fortification in parts. One can visit the lighthouse though.
We ended our day by visiting Yashwantgad in Redi which was built in 17th century. The fort area is 3 hectares and built in two levels. The lower level of the fort is larger than the upper level. Upper level was basically for keeping watch on maritime activities. The upper level has few structures in runied condition. Try visiting this fort during sunset. The sunset view from here is amazing.
Early morning we headed to Nivati Fort which is located 25 kms away from Malvan. Fort is spread in 4.5 acres of area and was built to oversee the karli creek and vengurla port. The view from this fort is just mesmerising.
Finally, we ended our trip by visiting Sindhudurg. This fort was built by Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj to counter the rising influence of Portuguese britishers dutch via waterways. Fort was built on Khurte island. Fort has massive walls which protect from approching enemies and also from tides. If at all you are visiting this Fort take guide along to understand more interesting facts.
