Historical Jal-durg: Janjira Fort

World vovaging brings you 1 more lace to visit near Mumbai. Be a wanterlust and enjoy the adventure. An oval rock alike fort christened as Murud Janjira is located adjacent to coastal regions of the Arabian sea near to Murud town, which is 103 miles towards southern Mumbai. One can take Sailboats from Rajapuri City each Janjira.

 Gateway to enter Murud Janjira Fort

The entrance of the fort facing towards Rajapuri can be seen when one is close to 12 m from the fort. It also has a pass way towards the open sea for escape. 

Ever since it’s construction the fort had 22 rounded bastions which can be even seen intact till date. One can also find glimpses of canons of natives and European. The fort in its heydey was housed by peoples. The proof of life is evident from the amenities found there like, palaces, quarters for officers, mosque, two small 60-foot-deep (18 m) natural freshwater lakes, etc. The main gate also has a flanking depiction of tiger-like beast clasping elephant which is a delight to watch for the eyes and it fills you with thrill.

The beastly tiger clasping the elephant

The giant cannons named Kalabangdi, Chavri and Landa Kasam are among the special attractions of Jajira.The cannons were feared for the ranges. The fort has one more gate facing towards the west is 'Darya Darwaza'.

Ghosalgad, the fortress is another attraction for visitors and is located on top of the hill around 32 km (20 mi) east of Murud-Janjira,. It was used as an outpost for the rulers of Janjira.

Top view of Janjira Fort

History of Janjira fort:

Janjira is originally an Arabic word meaning Island derived from the word Jazeera. The fort was built by Martha - fisherman Chieftain - Ram Patil in the 15^th century. The idea behind building the fort was to protect the residents from pirates and thieves (medhekhot). A Siddi commander, Piram Khan invaded the fort under the leadership of Nizam ruler of Ahmednagar. 

The fort was again invaded by Burhan Khan and this second invasion become the cause of complete destruction of the original version of fort. Post destruction Burhan rebuilt the fort in a large area of 22 acres. Upon its reincarnation the fort was built with stones and this second version was much bigger than then the one built by Patil in early 15^th Century.

Even the great Shivaji Maharaj tried to cross the granite wall but failed to do so in his regular attempts. And even his son Sambhaji Maharaj tried to win the fortress by marching through the craved tunnel through the fort. But, he also failed in doing so.

The fort has a tunnel which opens in the Rajpuri and the fort was constructed by the mixture of lead, glue and sand. Today only ramparts can be seen on the fort. In 1669, it was said that there were 572 canons on the fort and 22 bastions.

Along with this the fort also housed room like structures like Peer Panchayatan which can be seem after entering through the entrance, with this there were few graves in the front yard of the palace. Since its construction three unmoved rusted iron anchors can be seen which were never moved since ages and this also is a thrilling site to the visitors. Walking along side the Peer Panchayatan one can see the horse stables. The tallest 3 store structure of the palace belonged to Surul khan and is not in good condition these days. A lake in 20 m in diameter is situated on the northwards of the palace. Fort is square for flag hosting situated along the lake. Royal courtyard is situated behind the fort.  

Sweet water lake in janjira fort

An emergency door below the coast level named western Darwaja was used and has a jail above the door. The fort is reached by the boats which start form Rajapuri base village. It takes around 2- 3 hrs to see the whole fort.

Duration : 1 day 

Time to go: Except the Monsoon season for the obvious reasons of heavy rainfall of the Konkan Ranges the fort can be visited anytime along the year.

Nearest airport: Mumbai

How to reach janjira fort?

Mumbai to janjira fort by bus: Local and State transport buses from Mumbai can be taken to reach Murund (154 kms ) ST from murud to janjira boat is available.

Mumbai to janjira by train: From Mumbai trains are available to Roha, Roha is 78 kilometers from Mumbai, from Roha there are local transport are available to reach Murud, and from Murud to Janjira boats are available. It takes 30 minutes from Murud to the fort via Arabian Sea.

Mumbai to Janjira By road: For the road travellers the travellers needs to reach Panvel from Mumbai, thereafter needs to head towards Murud Janjira vai Pen-Roha road, which is 108 kilometers from Panvel. Psot reaching Murud one needs to take sailboats to reach Janjira It takes 30 minutes from Murud to the fort via Arabian Sea.

Places to visit on the Janjira Fort: Peer Panchayatan, Stable of Horses, Lake, Western Darwaja, Royal Courtyard, Water cisterns, etc.
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Accommodation: No, accommodation is not available on Janjira fort, but one can stay in base village (Murud), there are many Hotels, Lodges available.

Nearby places to visit: Garambi falls, Murud beach, Ahmedganj palace, Garambi dam, City shopping, Kasa fort