Weekend Travels: Vijaydurg Fort

Vijaydurg (sometimes written as Viziadrug), the oldest fort on the Sindhudurg coast, was constructed during the regime of Raja Bhoja II of the Shilahar dynasty (construction period 1193-1205). The fort was earlier known as "Gheria", as it is situated close to the village of "Girye". Shivaji captured this fort from Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1653 and renamed it as "Vijay Durg" as the then Hindu solar year's name was "Vijay" (Victory). Earlier, the fort encompassed an area of 5 acres (1 acre = 4840 square yards or 4047 square metres) and was surrounded by sea on all four sides.

Over the years the eastern trench was reclaimed and a road constructed thereon. Presently the area of fort is about 17 acres and is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on three sides. Shivaji extended the area of the fort by constructing three walls on the eastern side, each 36 metres high. He also constructed 20 bastions. According to legend, this is one of only two Maratha forts where Shivaji personally hoisted the saffron flag. The other fort is "Torana". Vijaydurg Fort was called the "Eastern Gibraltar", as it was virtually impregnable. Its location advantage include the 40 km long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek. Large vessels cannot enter the shallow water of this creek. Also, Maratha warships could be anchored in this creek and yet remain invisible from the sea.

Sir J Norman Lankier, a British scientist was observing a solar eclipse from this fort on 18th August 1868. It was during his observation that the Helium Gas was discovered on Sun in the form of a yellow flame! He named this as Helios which was later named as Helium. Vijaydurg can be credited as the place where Helium was discovered.

Best time to Visit:

September to April

What to see?

Bastian, Fortification, Water cisterns.

Water and Food

Water & food is available on the Fort, however there are stalls outside fort.

Stay / Accommodation

No place to stay on the Fort. Once can stay in Malvan.

Places around

Malvan, Trakarli Beach, Devgad, Sindhudurg Fort

Approximate Distance from Malvan

72 Kms