Overview of Khanderi Fort
Khanderi Fort This is an ancient sea fort situated on an island in the Thal coast of Alibaug, Maharashtra. Construction was completed in 1679 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and it served an essential purpose of controlling the sea routes and protecting the western coast.
Strategic Location
Khanderi Fort is approximately five kilometres away Thal village and about two decades to the south of Mumbai. Its position as an island nation gave the Maratha Navy the ability to spy on the enemy vessels, regulate trade routes and upset European naval forces that came to the Konkan coast.
Historical Background
The fort was created to check the increasing influence of the Siddis of Janjira and the British. It was further used as a major naval station by Admiral Kanhoji Angre who enhanced Maratha supremacy over the Arabian Sea.
British and Maratha Wars
There were regular naval battles between Marathas, Siddis, and the British at Khanderi Fort. However, despite several attacks, the fort survived decades of attack before it was officially handed over to the British in 1818 when the resistance of the Marathas had collapsed.
Renaming and Legacy
Khanieri Fort was actually changed in 1998 to Kanhoji Angre Island to commemorate the mythical Maratha naval hero. Renaming of the fort caused emphasis on the contribution of the fort to the maritime heritage of India and regional naval history.
Architectural Features
The fort complex comprises powerful rock bastions, ramparts, and walkways which are the results of the weather over centuries in the sea. The cannons that were positioned to protect the sea routes and scare away the enemy ships could be seen in 21 bastions.
Lighthouse Landmark
The lighthouse that stands out in the fort is the seventy-five-foot structure that was constructed in 1867 under the British rule. The lighthouse is operational even to date and provides the expansive views on the surrounding sea and neighbouring forts along the coast.
Religious Structures
The fort has the Vetal Temple and the Daud Pir Tomb as some of the attractions to the visitors. These monuments symbolize the way various communities co-existed in the island in the past, worshiping the island.
How to Reach
Thal village has boats to Khanderi Fort taking a time of between thirty and forty five minutes depending on the conditions of the sea. Tour operators and local fishermen usually organise the use of private boats.
Best Time to Visit
The best months to visit are between October to March where the sea conditions are calm and the weather is pleasant. Monsoon tourism is not recommended because of the harsh sea conditions and limited boat activities.
FAQs
- What is the time required to visit the fort?
Exploration of Khanderi Fort normally consumes one and a half hours.
- Does it allow entry all year round?
Access during the non-monsoon season is allowed because of sea safety.
- Is Khanderi Fort family friendly?
