About 165 km south of Mumbai in the Raigad district of Maharashtra is Murud Janjira, one of the strongest marine forts of India and the only unconquered one along India’s western coast. Famous for its beaches, the glittering sandy coastline and the villages hemmed with coconut groves, the town of Murud-Janjira attracts large crowds over weekends from Mumbai, which is merely 150 km away. Needless to say, the sea fort is the center of all activity in this small town.
Sailboats from Rajapuri jetty are the only way to approach the fort that is spread across 22 acres. The fort has 19 bastions which still stand intact and its main gate can be only be visible when one is very close to it. The fort also has a small gate that opens to the sea as an escape route. The fort’s well is a marvel as it contains sweet water (despite being in the middle of the sea) and it is defended by cannons. In its heyday, the fort had palaces, mosques, fresh water tanks, markets and quarters for officers.
Janjira is derived from the Arabic word Jazeera which means island. The original structure was built in the 15th century by a Koli chief as defense against sea robbers and thieves.
Listing image: By Nagesh Kamath/Wikimedia commons
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN MURUD-JANJIRA
The mid-range hotel options in Murud-Janjira include Mahua Bagh, Shoreline Resort, Sand Piper Resorts, Golden Swan Resort and Lotus Beach Resort among others. The budget hotels are Sea Shell Resort, Dattakripa Lodging and Boarding, Beach Resort Silver Sand, Sea Face, Kinara Hotel and The Nest Bamboo House among others.
BEST PLACES TO EAT IN MURUD-JANJIRA
Murud has several restaurants which offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MURUD-JANJIRA
The average minimum and maximum temperature of Murud-Janjira is as given below. The best time to visit Murud-Janjira is also specified.
