Korlai Fort — Attraction in Maharashtra

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...

This fort was built in 1521 by the Portuguese with the permission of the Ahmednagar sultanate. In 1521, taking advantage of the confusion in the aftermath of the death of the Burhan Nizam the Portuguese tried to take over the fort.However the sultan retaliated and sent some of his best men to reclaim the fort. Subsequently, a truce was reached in which the Ahmednagar sultanate occupied the island and no further fortification of the island took place. Only a wooden cross remained on the island as a sign of its former rulers.

Before its destruction, Korlai had been described by travelers as a "magnificent fortress as strong as any other in the world".On the inland side - the only place where it was susceptible to be attacked it was protected by a ditch and could only be accessed by a drawbridge. The main entrance was guarded by a bronze lion and the highest tower by a bronze eagle. It housed 7,000 horses and as much men.

Some parts of it were rebuilt later but now had a garrison of only 50 men. The church within the fort was used for worship on Sundays and holidays. Korlai fort was also strategically very important as it guarded the mouth of the bay.  Chattrapati Sambhaji Maharaj the son of  Chattrapati Shivaji maharaj tried to take it over but failed and had to withdraw his forces on 6 December 1687.The fort was taken by the Marathas who held it from 1739-1818.

HOW TO REACH It is easily approachable by road. The road from Korlai bus stop ends at the Lighthouse. The fort has three entrance. The entrance from western side is the easiest way, it is from the Lighthouse side. Climbing few steps one reaches in the middle of the fort. The entrance from the eastern side is a tideous walk of 20 minutes. This route is the main route and the entrance is through main gate, but this route is not recommended in rainy season as this is less used route. The entrance from the port side or northern side is good one. One can reach there by walking along a path from the light house.There is ample of water on the topmost fortification, so a night halt can...

Dear All,

Nature Lovers, Health is wealth Lovers, Trekkers and Travellers.

Korlai Fort also known as Morro or Castle Curlew.

LOCATION – Korlai Fort is located at top of hills. Its beauty is The fort is 2828 feet long, and its average breadth is eighty-nine feet. The enclosing wall is 5' 3" high and has 305 battlements for guns.

TRANSIT MODES - Till Roha you can reach in train and then the private Auto will take you to the fort. You can Drive your own vehicle also as there is ample parking space beneath the Hills at the Light house. Better commuting is road transport. The road from Korlai bus stop ends at the Lighthouse. Korlai is around 117 Km south of Mumbai via State Highway 104 and 24 km from Alibag via State Highway 91.

WAY TO GET ALONG - CLIMBING THE HILLS This Fort is situated on Hill Top so you have to climb up from the Light house. The beginning is a very smooth road but later on turns into a tedious one. But once you reach top and see the top view full of all Natural beauty your all efforts are worth taking.

The view from the Hills is definitely magical and memorizing.

Lots of Stone made huge doors entrances and big cannons are something for you to see and enjoy.

PHOTOES & SELFIES TIME - On my visit to the hills surrounded by beautiful blue water beach I have clicked lots and lots of photographs... Even captured myself in the Natural ranges, below sky, hills, nature cover etc etc. I am putting all those along with this review. Do have a look so that you can get an idea about the place. So Also, I am very sure that my clicks would definitely inspire you to visit this Korlai Fort as early as possible.

So Do grab your chance to fly upstairs and see a new life full of sprituality, nature and joy.

Visit it Soon...& Safe

CURRENTLY DUE TO COVID SITUATION THE TEMPLE AND THE CAVES ARE CLOSED.

Please see the situation and then only travel.

Please press the LIKE Button to my review.

Thank you for your precious...