Sindhudurga fort is undoubtedly the most formidable of
Shivaji's sea coast constructions. The Sindhudurg fort bears testimony to the
Maratha supremacy and power, especially during the reign of Shivaji. Over 4000
mounds of iron were used in the casting and foundation stones were firmly laid
down in lead. The construction was started on November 25, 1664. Built over a
period of three years, the sea fort is spread over 48 acres with a two-mile
long rampart, and walls that are 30 feet high and 12 feet thick. The massive
walls were designed to serve as a deterrent to approaching enemies and to the
waves and tides of the Arabian Sea. The main entrance is concealed in such a
way that no one can pinpoint it from outside.
Even today, as one approaches the fort past a rocky reef,
navigable through a narrow channel, one marvels at the transportation of such
heavy material through such choppy waters. Within its precincts are temples
holding the shrines of Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, Mahapurush and also
of Shivaji -- the only such shrine in the country.
Angre Bank, newly found Coral Island
Angre Bank: 40 km away from Sindhudurg is this beautiful
coral island. Maharashtra State goverment has started developing this coral
island as a tourist spot. This will help to study the corals, different species
of fish, under water research. Diving for tourists and some other sports are
being developed to attract tourists from all over the world to this newly found
beautiful island near Sindhudurg. From Sindhudurg, one can take a small motor
boat to reach the island.
How to reach
Sindudurg town lies in Sindudurg district to north of
Goa. Sindudurg can be reached either by train or by bus from Mumbai, Goa and
Mangalore. The Konkan railway has a railway station at Sindudurg. Only few
trains stop here. There are state government(State Transport) buses running
from Mumbai,Ratnagiri and Panaji.
Sindhudurg [ Dist: Sindhudurg, Height: Sea level]
·
1664: Construction of the fort started by
Shivaji Maharaj
·
1665: Treaty with Portuguese to ensure
smooth building up of own Navy
·
1666: Shivaji Maharaj went to Agra,
construction of the fort continues.
·
1667: Construction of the fort completed
·
1708: Fort under the control of Maharani
Tarabai
·
1763: Attack by the Potuguese, however they
go back
·
1765: Fort under the control of British and
renamed as 'Fort Augustus'
·
1766: Fort again under the control of Marathas
·
1805: Sawantwadikar's attack fails
·
1818: Control of the fort passes on to
British
Some
Pictures:
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