Vijaydurg

Ingeniously constructed by the Shilahar dynasty, Vijaydurg or Viziadurg is the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast. Originally known as the ‘Gheria Fort’, after the name of the adjoining village named ‘Girye’, the fort was renamed as “Vijay Durg” by the legendary Maratha leader Shivaji when he captured it from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1653. Vijaydurg Fort was previously surrounded by the sea from all sides, and thus, it was turned into a naval fortress. However, with time, the fort’s eastern trench was reclaimed and a road was constructed. So now, the fort is bounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides only. Shivaji enhanced the security of the fort by erecting three walls on its eastern side. Each of these walls was 36 meters high. There were also 20 bastions.

The Vijaydurg Fort is often referred to as the ‘Gibraltar of the East’ because of its virtual impregnability. There is this 40 kilometer long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek where large vessels cannot enter because of the creek’s shallow water. Maratha warships could however be easily anchored in the creek. They were thus able to remain invisible from the open sea.

It is believed that there is a 200 meter long undersea tunnel that runs between the fort and a building located in the nearby village. It is also believed that the tunnel is well ventilated but is partially blocked due to silting. If you are thinking of visiting the Vijaydurg Fort next weekend, you could try your luck to find this tunnel. There are of course plenty other attractions here. This would surely be a memorable trip.

How to reach: Buses that ply between Mumbai and Goa passes almost through the fort. You have to get down at Kasarde, which is 52 kilometers away. You can take an auto rickshaw from there. Train travelers must get down at Kankavli. You can drive to the fort as well. It takes about 3 hours from Panaji.

You will only get basic amenities in the hotels in Vijaydurg Fort and home stays in Vijaydurg Fort. Turn to Goa for better facilities.