Sindhudurg Fort
सिंधुदुर्ग
Built by Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire, in 1664 on an offshore island, this sea fort is reached by small boat and has become the emblem of Malvan.
Sindhudurg Fort stands on Kurte Island, about 1 km off the coast of Malvan. Shivaji, the Maratha king, built it between 1664 and 1667 to guard against Portuguese, British and Siddi naval forces. Its walls stretch about 4 km with 42 bastions, and legend says thousands of 'dan' (a traditional unit of weight, roughly 50 kg each) of lead were poured into the foundations. On the island you can visit what is said to be the only temple in India dedicated to Shivaji himself, see his handprints and footprints set into lime plaster, drink from a freshwater well, and visit Queen's Beach outside the walls. Ferries leave from the Malvan jetty and take about 10 minutes. A return ticket costs about 100 rupees, and boatmen usually allow one hour on the island. The midday sun is fierce, so go in the morning and combine your visit with snorkelling nearby.
Opening hours
About 09:00–17:30 (October–May, depends on ferry; closed during monsoon season)
Nearby sights
- Snorkeling & Scuba Diving off Sindhudurg
- Rock Garden Malvan
- Chivla Beach
- Tarkarli Beach
- Tsunami Island
- Devbag Beach & Sangam
- Bhogwe Beach
- Nivati Fort