Khānderi Island, Coastal fort island in Raigad district, India
Khānderi Island is a fort island in the Arabian Sea with rocky terrain and stone structures that have survived centuries. The site features high walls and multiple observation points originally built for defense and military control.
The island was built in 1679 under Emperor Shivaji Maharaj and later became the site of naval battles between Maratha forces and the Siddis. These conflicts shaped how the site was used and maintained over the following generations.
A wooden shrine dedicated to Vetala sits on the island and attracts local pilgrims, especially during the Holi festival in spring. Visitors can observe how the island remains a place where locals gather to honor their traditions.
Visitors need to take a boat from Alibaug to reach the island, with the best conditions between October and March. These months offer stable weather and enough daylight to explore the site comfortably.
A musical stone on the island produces metallic sounds when struck, creating an unusual acoustic effect. Alongside it stand preserved metal cannons from the fort's military era, remnants that tell their own story to those who examine them.
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