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.

On several occasions, the Fort of Janjira was attacked by various outside forces but none of the enemy forces could conquer it. Janjira fort is very well fortified and survived foreign attacks. The surrounding of the fort is full of coconut and betel nut trees. To get to the Janjira Fort in Maharashtra, you need to go 2 kilometers from Murud. Over 350 years, the Janjira Fort remained unconquered and survived from the attacks of the great rulers like Shivaji, Sambhaji and the Peshwas.

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.

Recognized as one of the major monuments in India, it is frequented by thousands of travelers from all over the country. You can easily get to the Janjira Fort as it can be accessed by all forms of transport. The nearest airport is at Mumbai, while Roha on the Konkan railway in the nearest railway station. By road, it takes only five hours to reach Murud. At this town you will get private beach resorts for accommodation.