Konkan has a vast coastline of 720 Kms and along this coastline stand the richness of Konkan’s heritage in the form of strong water forts. One such important fort is the Suvarnadurg fort in Dapoli district.
Suvarnadurg fort was built in the 16th century during the rule of emperor Adilshah. In 1660, Shivaji maharaj defeated Adilshah the second and added this fort to the Maratha empire. In the year1688, after the death of Shivaji Maharaj, Maharaj Rajaram appointed Sarkhel Kanhoji Aangre as the authority over this fort. This fort was a headquarter to the great soldier Kanhoji Aangre who was known as the Shivaji of the sea. From Kanhoji to Tulaji, this fort remained under the command and control of the Aangre family. In the year 1755, this fort came under the rule of the Peshwas and later, under the British in the year 1818. This fort continued to be under the British until Independence.
This fort is spread across an area of about 7 acres. The fort has strong fortifications and towers on all four sides. 10 to 15 feet walls were made for strong bulwarks. Nowadays, due to neglect from the government, lots of trees and creepers have grown on the fort. But one can still see the entire fort along the bulwark. The fort’s main entrance is at the east side. Carved on the wall of its main entrance, is a statue of Lord Maruti in a warrior’s pose with his tail over his head. A tortoise is carved on the stairs of the entrance and on both of its sides are two rooms for guards. Inside the fort you will find a moss-covered pond, a well with stairs in it and a few broken platforms. Outside the fort, you will find two ruined cannons too. The outer walls of the fort were built using both black and red stones.
Taking a boat from the Harnai port and traveling to the fort is an experience in itself. The first thing you see after getting down from the boat is the black stones and the white sand around the fort which sparkles in the sun. The blue ocean brings white waves to your feet and the wind plays over the sea water like a naughty kid. One must experience this at least once in life and visit this amazing tourist attraction in Dapoli.
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