Jaygad

Built by the Sultan of Bijapur in 1727, the Jaygad or the Jaigad fort has been ruled by many different dynasties. It has been under the possession of the Sultan of Bijapur, Kanhoji Angre, who served as Shivaji’s naval commander, the Maratha Empire during its heydays, Sangameshwar chiefs and Konkan pirates till it was finally taken over by the British at the end of the Maratha War. With such a lot of history here, the Jaigad fort could be an interesting weekend trip. You don’t really have to be a history buff to enjoy a trip to this fort. You will love the natural surroundings of Jaigad. And if you are a student of history, then this is the perfect destination for you.

The fort is located at the tip of a peninsula in the Ratnagiri District in Maharashtra. It is an example of superb coastal fortification. Ensconced in a sheer cliff, it overlooks the bay where the Shastri River meets the Arabian Sea. Because of its location, it commands a panoramic view of the bay as well as the open sea for as long as the eye can see. Today the fort itself is in ruins, but its outer walls are still intact as also the deep moat that surrounds it (excepting the cliff edge). The fort today contains a temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh, a lighthouse and remains of the caretaker’s living quarters.

In earlier days, when battles were fought by armies stationed at these coastal fortifications against invaders coming by ships, the former naturally had more advantages. Shivaji’s naval commander Kanaoji Angre was well aware of this strategic battle tactics. He was thus able to achieve control over most of the coastal regions of the Konkan.

How to reach: There are many trains and buses that ply the Konkan route. You can take any one of them to reach Ganapatipule and eventually the Jaygad fort. If you are coming by train, then you must get down at Bhoke. Take an auto rickshaw from there. You can also change at Ratnagiri. Private vehicles can reach the beach.

There are no resorts in Jaygad fort, or hotels in Jaygad fort. You will have to stay at Ganapatipule or Ratnagiri and see the fort from there.