Murud-Janjira Fort | Alibaug | Maharashtra

At a distance of 5 km from Murud, 21 km from Diveagar, 53 km from Alibaug, 84 km from Raigad Fort, 170 km from Mumbai, and 162 km from Pune, Murud-Janjira is an island fort situated near Murud in Raigad district of Maharashtra. This is one of the top places to visit in Alibaug and also one of the popular heritage places to visit near Pune and Mumbai. 

Janjira Fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on all sides and is one of the strongest marine forts of India. The name Janjira is derived from the Arabic word Jazeera which means island. The original structure was built in the 15th century by a Koli chief as defense against pirates and thieves. Originally a small wooden structure, Janjira Fort was later captivated by Siddi Sirul Khan an Abyssinian Siddi of Ahmednagar kings in the 17th century. During its construction, the fort structure collapsed thrice. Siddi realised that a sacrifice is needed, so he offered his 22 years old son to God.

The fort has 26 rounded bastions, still intact. There are many cannons of native and European make rusting on the bastions. Now in ruins, the fort in its heyday was a full-fledged living fort with all the necessary facilities with palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, two small and 60-foot-deep natural fresh water lake, a wonder of nature in the midst of the sea. On the outer wall flanking the main gate, there is a sculpture depicting a tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws.

Cannons of Native and European make

 60-foot-deep natural fresh water lake

A wonder of nature in the midst of the sea

Main gate scriptures which were 

used as a symbol in their currency 

To escape from intruders, there is a secret tunnel dug from beneath the sea-bed into the nearest village in the main land. This tunnel has been blocked but the exit point of the tunnel is visible from the fort. 

The fort can be reached only by boat from Rajapuri jetty, which is about 2 km from Janjira Fort. The boats depart daily towards the fort from 7 AM to 4.45 PM.