Vijaydurg (विजयदुर्ग)

Vijaydurg is in really good condition and gives a good idea of its glory 300 years back. The fort was center of Maratha navy in Peshwa Rule and was considered as a symbol of power of Maratha navy in Portuguese documents.

Seeing the fort is not at all a trek but a 2 hours nice picnic of nature and historical glory. Fort is surrounded by sea from 3 sides and ground connected from one side.

1. Vijaydurg is approximately 1.5 hours form Malvan. ST buses directly go from Devgad or Kankavli to Vijaydurg.

2. One can also reach hereby a private vehicle. A

3. After you reach Vijaydurg village, the huge black walls of vijaydurg welcome you for a joy ride.

4. Vijaydurg fort is situated at the north most side of Sindhudurg district hence close form Ratnagiri city also.

Fortification of Vijaydurg

महादरवाजा (Mahadarwaja)

Sadhashiv Buruj (सदाशिव बुरुज) on the way to Mahadarwaja

Outer fortification of Vijaydurg

भुयार (Bhuyar) (Secret Passageway)

Ganesh Buruj (गणेश बुरुज)

Fortification near Ganesh Buruj and Nar Buruj (नर बुरुज)

1. History - Vijaydurg fort was constructed by Shilahaar King Bhoj (शिलाहार राजा भोज) in 1195 to 1205. It was ruled by various Hindu kings like Yaadav and Vijaynagar (यादव व विजयनगर) till 1431, when it was captured by Bahmani Sultans (बहमनी सुलतान). Shivaji Maharaj (शिवाजी महाराज) captured this fort in 1653 from Adilshah (अदिलशहा) rule and renovated the fort. Vijaydurg Fort was ruled by Peshwa (पेशवे) rulers till 1818. It has played host to many famous Maratha admirals like Kanhoji Angre (कान्होजी आंग्रे), Tulaji Aangre (तुळाजी आंग्रे), Sambhaji Aangre (संभाजी आंग्रे), Ananadrao Dhulap (आनंदराव धुळप), etc.

2. Gibraltar of Konkan (कोकणचे जिब्राल्टर) - Fort Vijaydurg is situated 150km north to Goa and 225 km south to Mumbai. Vijaydurg is one of the best ports of Konkan. Fort covers area of around 17 acres with its wall around 36 meter tall from sea. Fort has five fortifications for security. Vijaydurg has been described as "Gibraltar of Konkan" in Portuguese documents. Unlike Sindhudurg fort, Vijaydurg is completely built in Jambha Stone (जांभा दगड) which is local to Konkan and red in color.

3. महादरवाजा (Mahadarwaja) - Main gate Main gate of Vijaydurg can be reached after we enter the fort from eastern gate. a huge bastion built in red rock called as Sadhashiv Buruj (सदाशिव बुरुज) impresses you as you enter. Mahadarwaja is a huge gate hidden in the walls. You can observe the age old wood with iron nails put to prevent the door from elephant push.

4.  On the way lies a Hanuman Mandir and in front of the main gate lies Police station of Vijaydurg. Observe the entrance of the police station. Those are not stones. They are cannon balls (तोफगोळे) made up of pure iron. They used to be filled with Daaru (दारू / explosives). The Daaru Kothar (दारू कोठार) for this lies just beside the Mahadarwaja.

5. खलबतखाना (KhalbatKhana) - Place for secret discussions. Currently bats are rattling here. A really peaceful and dark place to visit. This lies just beside the police station.

6. सदर (Sadar / Office) - Now do not go the left of main gate any more. but turn to right. You will see huge two story building called as sadar or office of the fort. behind the office lies Ashwa-shala (अश्वशाळा) for Horses.

Ashwa-shala (अश्वशाळा)

7. भुयार (Bhuyar) (Secret Passageway) - The bhuyar connects normal fortification of the fort to the outermost fortification. it takes you out of the Chilkhat (चिलखत  / main fortification) to Govind Buruj (गोविंद बुरुज). It can be seen that the small exit and entrance helps to blocks the way easily using hug rocks. In case the outer fortification is conquered by enemy, inner one can be easily fought. The construction is strong and stands well in place.

8. चोरदरवाजा (Chor darwaja) (Seceret exit) - next to the bhuyar lies one more passage way but this takes you directly out of the fort. Take a boat from here and escape. This secret exit way is about 3 feet tall and hidden behind a huge rock from outside.

9. नर बुरुज (Nar buruj) - Now we are done with the right hand side of the main gate. Come back to the main gate and take left. Get on the the fort wall and you will reach flag bastion. Next to flag bastion is Nar buruj -the tallest bastion of the fort with two story structure yet in place.  There are many other mighty bastions that can hold cannons like Ganesh Buruj (गणेश बुरुज), Hanumant Buruj (हणमंत बुरुज) etc.

10. Square Tank - Now get down formt he wall and walk past the Ashwashala towards the other end of the fort. you will soon start seeing the mighty fortification of the fort and then reach a square shaped deep water tank. The structure is really impressive with steps carved till the base of the tank. to the right side of the tank there is another sadar or office building.

Square shaped deep water tank

11. Fortification - You are currently inside the inner fortification. Get out of there and get onto the outer most fortification to see the beauty of the deep ocean and Vijaydurg beach. Ganesh buruj (गणेश बुरुज), Hanumant buruj (हणमंत बुरुज) will add to your photography temptations. This is the best place to observe whole Vijaydurg fortification.

12. Now stroll across the fortification towards Nar Buruj and get back to flag bastion and there on to the main gate. This way you will be able to see this ancient fort quite closely.

Grinder for Lime and Lead

Vijaydurg beach

The same way you got there.

Time to climb	2 hours to see the fort
Food	Hotels available in Vijaydurg village
Drinkable Water	Available at Vijaydurg village
Shelter	Hotels are available in main city of Sindhudurg district and also at Vijaydurg village.

1. Vijaydurg beach - Extremely clean and pure water on a safe beach beside Vijaydurg fort. Capture sunset here on the background of the invincible fort.

2. Devgad (देवगड) - The capital of mango production of Konkan, where most of the mango is exported. You can see only mango trees everywhere forming a forest like environment.

3. Kunkeshwar (कुणकेश्वर) - Ancient Shiva temple situated at the sea shore where waves strike the temple base during high tide. The temple is calm, clean with lot of open space and cool breeze flowing from sea.

4. Sindhudurg fort (किल्ले सिंधुदुर्ग) - Sea fort surrounded by deep ocean from all sides. This fort, built by Shivaji Maharaj, stands near Malvan sea face.

More Pictures

http://sanketsan1.tripod.com/sindhudurg