Suvarnadurga Fort — Attraction in Maharashtra

Suvarnadurg (Marathi: सुवर्णदुर्ग - translation: Golden Fort, also spelt Severndroog in English, a spelling sometimes also used for Savandurga is a fort that is located between Mumbai and Goa on a small island in the Arabian Sea, near Harnai in Konkan, along the West Coast of India, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort also includes another small land fort called the Kanakadurga at the base of headland of Harnai port on the coast. Building of the fort is credited to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, founder of the Maratha Empire, in 1660. Subsequently, ChatrapatiShivaji Maharaj, other ttraPeshwas and the Angres further fortified the forts for defence purposes. The literal meaning of Suvanadurga in Marathi language is "Golden Fort" as it was considered as the pride or the "feather in the golden cap of Marathas". Built by Adilshah Navy for defence purposes, the fort also had a shipbuilding facility. The basic objective of establishing the fort was to counter enemy attacks, mainly by the colonialists of Europe and also by the local chieftains. In the past, the land fort and the sea fort were connected by a tunnel, but this is now defunct. The present approach to the sea fort is only by boats from the Harnai port on the headland. It is a protected monument.The fort is on an island in the Arabian sea on the west coast within the jurisdiction of Ratnagiri district, off the Kanakadurga fort and below the headland Harnai port. The nearest town is Dapoli, a hill station (near Chiplun), 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Harnai. Kanakadurga,[7] the harbour fort, built originally as a strategic link to the sea fort has a lighthouse. Harnai, near the dilapidated Kanakadurg fort, is an important harbour, which is right on the edge of the land that protrudes into the Arabian Sea. This is a natural harbour known for large fishing and marketing. It is conjectured that the Kanakadurga fort and other land side forts such as Bankot fort, Fategad fort and Gova fort were built primarily as lookout forts for the security of the Suvarnadurg fort. There is no landing jetty at the Suvarnadurga fort. However, the landing is on the shores of the sandy beach of the rocky island. Another feature of the area is that a narrow channel separates the Gova, Kanakadurg and Fattehgarh forts on the mainland. Climate The general climate on the west coast, which is where the Suvarnadurg is located, could be categorised as hot and humid. The temperatures vary from a maximum of 38 °C (100 °F) in summer to a low of 24 °C (75 °F) in winter. South West Monsoon controls the precipitation on the west coast, which lasts from June to September, and rainfall is in the range of 140–170...

Suvarnadurg Fort that is located on a small island in the Arabian Sea, near Harnai in Konkan, along the West Coast of India, in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The fort also includes another land fort (small) called the Kanakadurga at the base of headland of Harnai port on the coast. Building of the fort is credited to Shivaji, founder of the Maratha Empire, in 1660. Subsequently, Shivaji, other Peshwas and the Angres further fortified the forts for defence purposes. The literal meaning of Suvanadurga is "Golden Fort" as it was considered as the pride or the "feather in the golden cap of Marathas". Built for the Maratha Navy for defence purposes, the fort also had a ship building facility. The basic objective of establishing the fort was to counter enemy attacks, mainly by the colonialists of Europe and also by the local chieftains. In the past, the land fort and the sea fort were connected by a tunnel, but this is now defunct. The present approach to the sea fort is only by boats from the Harnai port on the headland. It is a protected monument. The fort is on an island in the Arabian sea on the west coast within the jurisdiction of Ratnagiri district, off the Kanakadurga fort and below the headland Harnai port. The nearest town is Dapoli, a hill station (near Chiplun), 17 kilometres (11 mi) from Harnai. Kanakadurga, the harbour fort, built originally as a strategic link to the sea fort has a lighthouse. Harnai, near the dilapidated Kanakadurg fort, is an important harbour, which is right on the edge of the land that protrudes into the Arabian Sea. This is a natural harbour known for large fishing and marketing. It is conjectured that the Kanakadurga fort and other land side forts such as Bankot fort, Fategad fort and Gova fort were built primarily as look out forts for the security of the Suvarnadurg fort. There is no landing jetty at the Suvarnadurga fort. However, the landing is on the shores of the sandy beach of the rocky island. Another feature of the area is that a narrow channel separates the Gova, Kanakadurg and Fattehgarh forts on the mainland The hidden main gate opens towards the east. It has on its threshold a carved figure of a tortoise and on the side wall, that of Maruti (Hanuman). Inside the fort there were several buildings, water tanks and a place for ordnance. The fort was probably built by the Bijapur kings in the 17th century. Captured and strengthened by Shivaji, it became a stronghold of Maratha navy and remained with the Peshwas till 1818 AD. It was one of the main naval bases...

Suvarnadurg

Hidden behind two small hills, this fortress stands majestically on an island off Harney port.

Harney or Harne is a small fishermen jetty from where one can take a fishing boat to the fort. After reaching the village the roads are confusing and often locals will guide to a road that leads to the drivable beach yet crowded because of people offloading their catch and pickup trucks parked around. Many travellers are forced to park on the beach and walk to the jetty. Please follow the navigation on Google maps, it will take you to the narrow road upto the jetty!!

Even though there's a ticket counter from MSTDC for ferry but it's not functional. Ferries to Suvarnadurg is managed by local fishermen with their customized fishing boats. They will take 10 people at a time and will charge INR 150.00 per person, why means one will have to wait until they get 10 customers.

THERE ARE NO SHOPS AROUND IN THE JETTY OR AT THE FORTRESS AND ITS ADVISED TO CARRY PLENTY OF WATER AND SOME SNACKS.

The fisherman who takes you to the fortress will give 30-40 minutes to explore the Fortress. One can take stairs to the wall and walk half way facing open sea and then can get down from the wall. All the structures inside have collapsed however don't forget to explore the tunnel that opens towards the open sea.

This fort was captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj from Adil Shah and was further fortified under the supervision of his Admiral Kanhoji Angre. This fort is also known for its ship building facilities during those days. Angre ruled from here for 31 years and was termed as a pirate by East India Company. He and his handpicked army of Jamaican gunners and Portuguese shooters gave enough trouble to the Colonialists by looting their ship and taking their officers hostage.

There's a fortress on the land called Kanakadurg in front of Suvarnadurg and during the olden days it is said that there used to be a tunnel that used to connect both fortress. Now the tunnel is defunct.

A fortress worth visiting especially after knowing the history of the place. You won't get a guide here so it's recommended that you read about the history of...