Janjira is a popular Fort off the Konkan coast of Maharashtra, in the western part of India. It is situated on an island, off the coastal town of Murud, in Raigad district of Maharashtra. It was built by the Siddis in 1567 AD. The Siddis are an ethnic group, hailing from south-east Africa, who migrated to India around 1100 AD. They established the princely state of Janjira in 1489 by defeating the Ahmadnagar Sultanate of that time. Later, they captured the island and built the Fort, making it their State Capital. Janjira State was later merged into India in 1948, after independence from British rule.
The word "Janjira" is derived from the Arabic word - "Jazira" meaning "Island". Janjira Fort is situated on an oval-shaped rock off the coast of Arabian Sea, near city of Murud, 140 KM (nearly 4 Hours drive) south of Mumbai, in the middle of western Indian coastline. Janjira is considered one of the strongest coastal forts in India. The fort can be accessed by sailboats from Rajapuri jetty, which is 5 KM (20 Minutes drive) from Murud.
Janjira Fort (as seen from Rajapuri Village), Raigad
The Main Gate of the Fort faces Rajapuri on the shore and can be seen only when one is about 40 Feet (12 Metres) away from it. It has a small gate towards the open sea for escape. The Fort has 26 Artillery Towers still intact. There are many cannons inside the Fort, rusting on the towers. Now in ruins, the Fort in its heydays was a full-fledged living fort with all necessary facilities such as Barracks, Officer Quarters, Mosque, Two 60 Feet (18 Metres) deep fresh water ponds etc. On the Outer Wall flanking the Main Gate, there is a sculpture depicting a Tiger-like beast clasping elephants in its claws. The palace of the Nawabs of Janjira at Murud is still in good shape.
(Left - Artillery Tower, Right - Main Entrance), Janjira Fort, Raigad
Visitors can gain access to Janjira Fort from Rajapuri. After a short ride in a ferry, one can enter the fort through the main entrance. The fort is oval-shaped instead of the usual oblong or square shape. Its' wall is about 40 Feet (12 Metres) high and has 19 rounded porches or arches, some of which still have cannons mounted on them, including the famous cannon Kalaal Baangadi. These cannons were greatly responsible for repelling oncoming enemies from the sea. Inside the fort walls are the ruins of a Mosque, a Palace and a Bath with water channelled from streams. There is evidence that Royal Ladies occupied the quarters here. A Deep Well, still functional, provides fresh water despite the fort being surrounded by salt water. On the island's outer wall is a luxurious mansion, the Palace of the Nawab. Built by the former Nawab of Janjira, it commands a panoramic view of Arabian Sea and Janjira Fort.
Fresh-water Pond, Janjira Fort, Raigad
Nearly 21 KM (45 Minutes drive) from Rajapuri Village is Kashid Beach. It is located 121 KM (4 Hours drive) from Mumbai. The beach is wedged between two rocky hills in a semi-circular arch. Water-Sports activities are available on the beach during peak hours. Hotels as well as home-stays are available for accomodation, along the highway that runs close to the beach.
Beach Shacks, Kashid Beach, Raigad
Both Janjira and Kashid Beach can be covered from Mumbai in a single day itself, including onward and return travel. Maharashtra State Transport (ST) Buses are available from Mumbai that travel to Murud bus depot, from where one can take an auto-rickshaw to Janjira as well as Kashid, whichever you want to visit first. It is recommended to travel to Janjira and enjoy the view of the Fort, and later go to Kashid and spend time on the beach.
