Two Islands, Two Forts – Khanderi and Underi
If you are a student of Indian history, or if you are keen about Indian history, then you can count yourself lucky as a resident of Maharashtra. All around the state, you will find many forts and historical landmarks. But here are two forts that are really close to Mumbai. Introducing Khanderi and Underi! These two forts are located just 20 kilometers south from Mumbai. But they are five kilometers off the coast. So you will have to travel through the waters of the Arabian Sea to reach them. Actually, the two forts are located on different islands on the sea. Not too many tourists are able to visit them however, as the region is a restricted area. It is under the ambits of the Indian Navy.
The good news is that, it’s still possible to visit Khanderi and Underi with special permits from the port authorities. And given how close they are from Mumbai, it’s certainly a good idea to go there at least once. You might be pleased to know that the Ministry of Shipping and the Ministry of Tourism has recently drawn up plans to allow tourists and develop the islands to make them hot destinations. So it’s going to be easier for people to visit these two islands and the forts.
Khanderi fort was famously under the control of Shivaji, while the Underi fort was in the control of the Siddis, his opponent. In fact, Shivaji took the uninhibited island of Khanderi and constructed a fort there so that he could watch over the Siddis. There have been quite a few battles between these two sides. The British tried to overthrow Shivaji’s army once, but the effort was a huge failure. But finally it went to the British in 1818.
Khanderi Island and Fort
There are two hillocks on the island. The British constructed a lighthouse on the southern hill, which is used to this day. Interestingly, there is a rock on this hill that gives out a metallic sound when someone strikes it. There is a temple of Vetal on the northern hill. There is a Shiva temple inside the fort itself. You will also be able to see the bastions and a few cannons.
Underi Island and Fort
There is a cave in this island with a few carvings. You may want to see them too apart from the fort. Don’t miss the cannons inside the fort and the underground chamber where the prisoners were kept.
