Suvarnadurg Fort

Suvarnadurg Fort is a fortress on a small island in the Arabian Sea off the coast of Maharashtra. The structure covers the entire islet and includes bastions, water cisterns, temples, and watchtowers carved into the rock.

The fort was established in the 17th century as a naval base by the Marathas under Shivaji. The British took control of the site in 1755 and used it into the 19th century.

The fort entrance displays traditional Hindu architectural elements, including carved figures of a tortoise and Hanuman, reflecting the regional artistic heritage.

Access is by boat from Harnai, with the crossing taking about 20 minutes and depending on tide conditions. Low tide makes some sections of the fort easier to enter, while high water leaves certain paths underwater.

Three smaller forts on the mainland – Gova, Kanakadurg, and Fatehgarh – formed a protective system around the island. These sites were connected by a narrow channel and allowed a joint defense of the coastline.