Padmadurg

About:

Padmadurg, also known as Padmadurga Fort, is a historical fort located off the coast of Maharashtra, near the town of Malvan in Sindhudurg district. The fort was built during the reign of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in the 17th century to protect the Konkan coast from enemy invasions. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and serves as a testament to the region's rich maritime history.



Spread over a vast area of about 9 acres, Padmadurg Fort is regarded as one among the major sea forts in India. A monument of great historical importance, it is situated in Raigad District of Maharashtra. This famous fort is constructed by the great Marathas in order to conquer the Janjira Fort which lies near by.

Padmadurg Fort commemorates the repeated failure attempts of the mighty Marathas reigme against the tiny Siddis. Padmadurg fort which is now called as Kasa fort, spilt in to three by the ravage of time and now it is not accessible to the public. Ruins of this great fort can be seen from the seashore.

Location info:

District: Maharashtra state.
Nearest City: Mumbai
Best time to visit: Any Time

Climate/Weather:

Summers (March to June): The region experiences hot and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C. Monsoons (June to September): The area receives heavy rainfall, which can affect accessibility to the fort, but also enhances the lush greenery. Winters (November to February): Winters are mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, making it the best time to visit.

History:

Padmadurg Fort was constructed in 1664 as part of Shivaji Maharaj's efforts to strengthen coastal defenses against the Portuguese and other invaders. The fort is known for its strategic location and was used as a naval base. It features various structures, including temples, water cisterns, and bastions, reflecting the architectural style of the period.

Interesting things to do:

Exploring the Fort: Visitors can explore the fort's ruins, including the bastions and temple, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding sea.

Interesting things to Visit:

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary: It is a small sanctuary - all of 52.71 sq. km and was hunting preserve of the erstwhile Nawab of Murud. It is an unspolit forest area with thick vegetation. The Sanctuary is situated between Murud and Kashid.

Carambi Dharan (Dam), a picnic spot providing clean water through pipes to Murud throughout the year channeled from its natural springs.

Murud not Just means Beach's & Fort. it also has a Temple over the hill next to the New Bus Depot ( known as Datta cha Dongar) Hill of Lord Dattatray. one can have a paranormic view of murud & both the forts together from the hill.

Further ahead of the hill is an idga, the walk though the dense jungle is a experience in itself.

On a hillock to the north is the shrine of Lord Dattatraya, the three heads representing Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara

And just a few kilometers away are two undiscovered beaches : Nandgaon and Kashid.Nandgaon is famous for its Ganapati temple and the annual fair held in honour of this elephant headed god every February.

Mobile range info:

Mobile network coverage is generally good in Malvan, but may be limited on Padmadurg Island. It's advisable to check with your service provider for coverage details.

How to reach?

By Air:The nearest airport is in Dabolim, Goa, approximately 130 km away. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Malvan.
By Rail:The nearest railway station is Kankavli, about 35 km from Malvan. From Kankavli, local transport can be used to reach Malvan.
By Road:Malvan is well connected by road, with regular bus services from major cities like Pune, Mumbai, and Ratnagiri.

Nearest Visiting places:

  • The Casa Fort
    This is located on another island.
  • The Janjira Caves
  • The Temple of Lord Dattaraya
  • Alibagh Beach
  • Kashid Beach
  • Nandgaon Beach

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Petrol pumps are available in Malvan, making it convenient for travelers to refuel before heading to Padmadurg.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

  • Hotel Sea Face
  • Sahil lodge.
  • Golden Swan Beach Resort

Things to carry:

Drinking water and snacks, especially if you plan to spend a day exploring the fort. Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the fort and surrounding areas. Sun protection gear, including hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen, particularly during summer. A camera for capturing scenic views and wildlife.

Tips & Suggestions:

The best time to visit Padmadurg is during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant. Be cautious during the monsoon season, as heavy rains may affect access to the fort. If planning to engage in snorkeling or scuba diving, ensure you book with licensed operators for safety. Respect the local environment and avoid littering, especially around the fort and beaches.

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:100
Nearest Hospital:At the Nearest City.