Korlai Fort
Korlai Fort things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIDescription
cultural
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
Korlai Fort is a colonial fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Formerly a part of the Chaul in Portuguese India, the structure is a specimen of Portuguese colonial architecture.
attractions: , restaurants:
Ratings
Description
Korlai Fort is a colonial fort in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. Formerly a part of the Chaul in Portuguese India, the structure is a specimen of Portuguese colonial architecture.
Posts
At a distance of 5 km from Revdanda, 12 km from Kashid Beach, and 22 km from Alibaug, Korlai Fort is a Portuguese fort situated at Korlai in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It is one of the best places of sightseeing in Alibag and also one of the popular historical places near Mumbai. Korlai Fort, also called Morro or Castle Curlew, was built by the Portuguese in 1521AD under the permission of Sultanate of Ahmednagar. It was built on Morro de Chaul Island which secures the way to the Revdanda Creek. It was meant as a companion to the fort at Chaul. The Portuguese built this fort as a strategic decision to defend their rule from Bassein to Korlai. In 1521 AD, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort but the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island. However in 1594, the Portuguese won the fort but not having enough men to stand guard there chose to destroy it leaving only the central tower and a battery intact. The fort was taken by the Marathas who held it from 1739 - 1818 CE. A huge and tall fortification surrounds the entire fort area, which is of a length of 2828 feet and width of 8 feet. There are 11 large gates, of which four are outside and the remaining 7 are inside. All the gates exhibit the ancient Portuguese inscriptions. The area within the fort walls is divided into three enclosures by two lines of bastioned fortifications. The outside fortification has 305 parapets for holding guns and canons, to stand against enemy attacks. It has a large rain-water cistern with three mouths, each one-foot wide, and the ruins of the magazine and a church. The church was built in 1630 AD for the use of the army and was functional until 1728 AD. The rest of the fort structures are mostly in dilapidated condition and the entire compound has been covered with high grass. From the southern gate of the fort travellers can visit the Korlai Lighthouse which is still in operation. The tall lighthouse stands amidst a well maintained compound with a neatly decorated garden on all sides. The Korlai Lighthouse is a fully automated lighthouse which was built in 1955 AD. The top radar keeps a track of the surrounding sea and constantly takes pictures which get directly transmitted to the coastal guards via satellite. Tourists have to trek 2 km from the Korlai village through rugged grassland to reach the Korlai Fort, as there is no proper road. Old aged people or people with any knee problem are advised not to visit the fort.
Sumit BhongleSumit Bhongle
00
The Korlai Fort is an extensive military fortification primarily occupied by the Portuguese during the 1500's. Currently, in ruins, the mighty fort stands strong overlooking the vast blue of the Arabian Sea. Built in 1521, on an extension of land (basically an island) shielding the Revdanda creek inlet, the island was once called Morro De Chaul, in which 'Morro' translates to a small hill, and 'Chaul' refers to a nearby Portuguese-Creole (a dialect called Kristi) speaking village. A great construction of its time, this fort now stands in ruins but is a fabulous piece of history nonetheless. The beauty of the surrounding hill slopes is another incentive to visit this destination. The Korlai Fort is huge, and it is said that in its heyday, the enclosure could fit more than 7,000 horses and as many men! The strategic significance of the fort was revealed during invasions, as it is located on the slopes of a hill, housing a towering lighthouse and eleven large gates, making it hard to infiltrate. Stretching over a length of 2828 feet and breadth of 89 feet, the enclosement overlooks a small fishing community and provides commanding views of the creek. The sight of sea waves crashing onto the rock faces from the fort top is picturesque. Korlai Fort is now a famous attraction alluring visitors owing to its enchanting atmosphere filled with historic ruins and tranquil vistas. This place is the perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers, and evenings are the best time to visit if you wish to enjoy the colourful sunset. The expanse of the fort area is quite vast, and you can also enjoy a trip to the lighthouse nearby. A charming and endearing destination, this place is a must visit for all!
Anish SawantAnish Sawant
20
Korlai Fort is about 400+ years old structure built by the Portuguese. The location is very strategic and gives an idea of the vision of those people. I suppose it is better to visit the Fort around late afternoon / evening as you can enjoy the beautiful scenic view of the sea, the korlai beach and the village from there along with the sunset, if the weather is not cloudy. You can get your vehicle up to the light house, through the Korlai village, and from there the reach to the top is a moderate small hike. You can see old ruins there. Currently the entry in the Fort and the light house etc is prohibited, due to COVID protocol, we were told. The security personnel did not allow us to park our vehicles there for more than a few minutes. Photography is also officially prohibited. However we saw a few young girls taking the hike to the Fort from outside the official entrance. We saw them reaching the top in about 7-10 minutes. This fort is a must visit point if you are at Alibaug or around. Also noteworthy is the fact that the Korlai village is the only place outside Goa, where the villagers, till date, speak a localised version of Portuguese language.
Dipak GadekarDipak Gadekar
10
Korlai Fort (also called Morro or Castle Curlew Portuguese: Fortaleza do Morro de Chaul) One of the best forts in and around Kashid. It was a surprise as we expected it to be like typical forts: Ill maintained, crumbly and inaccessible. It was neither of these things. Moreover, the lighthouse near the fort has a wonderful view of the sea plus an employee who works there explained things about the lighthouse very well and even took is around the whole place. Definitely a must go and worth the 20 buck entry fee. The fort itself has a Portuguese ruined church, which still retains the solemness of a house of prayer, even in its roofless, ruined state. There are also inscriptions in Portuguese about the fort keepers and a coat of arms that reads: "This castle was commanded to be built by the Viceroy of India Dom Filipe Mascarenhas in November of the year 1646 and Fernão Miranda Henriques being Captain of Chaul, and was finished in May 1680, Cristóvão de Abreu de Azevedo being Captain of this fort."
spandan chakravertispandan chakraverti
00
Korlai fort is located on coastal region near Nagaon beach. This fort is on peak and here Kundalika river meets sea. Mesmerizing view from fort top. Its well maintained fort. Only visitors needs be much aware to not throw plastic bottles in campus. Volunteers seems cleaning and maintaining fort by morning time. Fort have main entrance from Koli wasti from Mahadev temple and it has 10-15 minutes walk in forest like fort base. Another entrance is via Deepstambh aka lighthouse and authority charges 10₹ per Adult to enter into campus. This route have around 100 steps. Four wheeler can reach till lighthouse via narrow concrete road. Need to be much careful on this road. Must visit by early morning time if you have planned to visit beaches nearby. Fort opens at 9am so you can enjoy at Korlai beach (which is much silent) or Nagaon beach by early morning and later visit this fort and again enjoy near by beaches 😅 Happy travelling!
Vishvajit KanadeVishvajit Kanade
00
Korlai Fort is a historical site located on a hilltop in the village of Korlai, near Alibag in Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and offers a glimpse into the rich history of the region. The fort is well-preserved and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Must visit this Fort so you can enjoy small things in life without any High expectations. There is car parking but it is limited to 5 cars only. After parking you need to enter Light house premises for 5 min Trek to the fort. We have visited here at the time of sunset. Sunset View is amazing... Fort entry is free but if you want to visit light house you have to pay the entry fee of Rs.20 Per Person. Korlai Fort is also a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area. There are several spots where visitors can sit and enjoy the views, as well as a small café where you can grab a snack or a drink.
Ibad ShaikhIbad Shaikh
10
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.6K reviews)
Deep Dive
A deep dive into Korlai Fort
- Unable to get your location