Murud-Janjira

Murud-Janjira is a sea fort in Raigad district of Maharashtra state, located on a small island roughly 165 meters from the shore. The oval compound includes 22 bastions arranged along a wall made of dark stone, with heights reaching 12 meters in places.

The Siddi rulers built the fortress in the late 16th century on the foundations of an older wooden structure. For over four centuries it withstood all sieges until it passed to state administration after Indian independence.

The name combines two words, with Janjira derived from the Arabic term for island. Visitors today can still see the construction style with arched gateways and massive towers, showing how people lived here for centuries defending against attacks from the sea.

Boats depart from Rajapuri several times a day, with the crossing taking about 20 minutes depending on wave conditions. Sturdy footwear is advisable, as paths inside the fort are uneven and some stairs lead up to the bastions.

On the eastern side of the fort stand stone sculptures of tigers and elephants carved into the walls. These figures served not only as decoration but were likely meant to intimidate enemies and display the power of the rulers.