Sindhudurg was built by Shivaji in 1664 AD and it is believed that he personally selected this site for the construction of this ocean fort. The fort was built with the help of 500 stone splitters, 200 blacksmiths, 3000 laborers and hundreds of skilled artists who worked very hard to complete this fort in three years. The fort has magnificent architecture. The presence of liquid lead in the 3km long and 10km high outer wall was built in an impenetrable manner. It was built in such a zigzag way that it was visible from every direction which helped the Maratha soldiers trace their enemies during war. The Shri Shivarajeshwar temple at Sindhudurg fort is dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji. The other attractions are the Hanuman and Jarimari mandir, Goddess Bhavani Temple, Shambhu Mahadev temple, Jirimiri and Mahapurush temple. There is also a unique coconut tree inside the fort which comprises of two branches.
Vijaydurg Fort, also known as the victory fort, is three walled fortress comprising of umpteen towers and an awesome sized interior building. A board at the entrance states its history. The Vijaydurg Fort stretches out into the sea and is best viewed from the Jetty. About one kilometer from the fort is the Vijaydurg Beach. With its wonderful scenic beauty the views of the Vijaydurg Fort lays down the legacies of the great Maratha rulers.
The Sindhudurg-Vijaydurg forts were once the naval bases. Today the forts can be reached through the narrow channel between the islands of Dhontara and Padmagad.
Getting there:
Via Mumbai - Goa highway Sindhudurg and Vijaydurg are 510km and 245km respectively. Nearest railway stations are at Rajapur and Kudal.
Ferry services are available from Malvan port to Sindhudurg Port.
One can trek from Donaje to the top of the Fort. Bus services are also available from Pune.
