THE UNCONQUERED, MURUD JANJIRA FORT : Grasshopper

Sakshi Nagar 28-03-2023 03:41 PM My India

Murud Janjira Fort is a massive and powerful fort located on an island in the coastal village of Murud, about 55 kilometers from Alibaug in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort of Murud Janjira was built by Siddi Jauhar. Marud Janjira Fort is believed to be around 350 years old and it took 22 years to build it. The height of Janjira Fort is about 90 feet from the beach and the depth of its foundation is about 20 feet. You will be surprised to know that Murud Janjira Fort is spread over an area of 22 acres along with 22 security posts. This fort is known to stay unconquered in any fight until it was handed over to the Indian region after autonomy from the Britisher. This fort was ruled by the Siddi rulers and many times other rulers have tried unsuccessfully to win Janjira Fort. If you are on a trip to the Konkan coast in Maharashtra, then Murud Janjira Fort must be visited. The splendid view of the fort while taking a boat ride in the sea attracts tourists.

MURUD JANJIRA FORT HISTORY

The history of Janjira Fort takes us back to the 15th century. At this time the local fishermen of Rajpur built a wooden fort on a huge rock called Medkot to avoid pirates. The Nizam Shahi Sultan of Ahmednagar wanted to build a fort at this place. To fulfill the wish of the Sultan, a general named Piram Khan captured this fort. After this, Malik Ambar Siddi got a concrete fort constructed in place of this wooden fort. The British made several attempts to break the walls of this fort but they could not succeed.

The structure of Janjira Fort was finalized in the late 17th century. Most of the fort is still in ruins from the inside. The most spectacular attraction of Janjira Fort is the three huge cannons of the fort known as Kalal Bangadi, Chavari, and Landa Kasam. Apart from this, there are two important gates in Murud Janjira Fort. The main gate of which faces the jetty and its entrance leads you to the Durbar or Durbar Hall. Which used to be a three-storied structure earlier but has now turned into a ruin. The second gate to the west of the fort is called 'Daria Dwar' which opens into the sea.

Janjira Fort remains open for tourists from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm. However, the boats stop shortly before. Entry is free to visit Janjira Fort but tourists have to buy tickets for the boat ride and pay a fixed fee for parking. The best time to visit Janjira Fort is from October to March. As Maharashtra is known for scorching heat in summer and traveling here during monsoons does not prove to be so beneficial.

HOW TO REACH MURUD JANJIRA FORT BY BUS

Murud is very well connected via road. Regular buses go from Mumbai, Thane, and Navi Mumbai. If you want to travel at a low cost, then this is a very good option. And if you prefer to travel via taxi, then taxi services are the best. And if you have your own vehicle, it is very convenient and a good option.

HOW TO REACH MURUD JANJIRA FORT BY TRAIN

If you want to travel to Janjira Fort via train, then you will have to first reach Roha Railway Station as it is the nearest railway station to Janjira Fort. Murud Janjira is connected to all major railheads via Mumbai. It takes about 1 hour by taxi service from Roha to Murud Janjira Fort.

HOW TO REACH MURUD JANJIRA FORT BY FLIGHT

If you want to reach Janjira Fort by flight, then Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminal, Mumbai is the main airport, which is very well connected to all major countries of the world. It is approximately 100 km from Janjira Fort. Is located at a distance. After deboarding at the airport, you can take a taxi to reach Janjira Fort which can cost you around Rs.3500.