Korlai Fort,Maharashtra,India

Korlai Fort, also called Morro or Castle Curlew, was built by the Portuguese in 1521AD under the permission of Sultanate of Ahmednagar. It was built on Morro de Chaul Island which secures the way to the Revdanda Creek. It was meant as a companion to the fort at Chaul. The Portuguese built this fort as a strategic decision to defend their rule from Bassein to Korlai. 

A huge and tall fortification surrounds the entire fort area, which is of a length of 2828 feet and width of 8 feet. There are 11 large gates, of which four are outside and the remaining 7 are inside. All the gates exhibit the ancient Portuguese inscriptions.

It commands a wonderful view of the creek and is a perfect location for monitoring ships arriving in the area. It was undoubtedly one of the more important forts of the 16thcentury. The fort passed into Maratha hands, and later into those of the British in the eighteenth century. While the British are said to have used a beacon on the island to help ships navigate, the fort was neglected and it eventually crumbled and left the ruins we can see today.

The church was built in 1630 AD for the use of the army and was functional until 1728 AD. The rest of the fort structures are mostly in dilapidated condition and the entire compound has been covered with high grass. 

A set of narrow steps cut in the hillside takes us to the fort, where little remains but an old church and the remnants of a rain water harvesting system. A climb to the fort is worth the effort, simply for the views.

Korlai Fort can be easily reached by road or can be headed by boat to save time. Korlai is connected by buses to Alibaug, Murud and Roha. Korlai is connected by buses from Mumbai and Pune as well.

How to reach:

Alibag is about 100 Km from Mumbai by road. Plenty of buses are available. However, the more interesting way to visit Alibag is by ferry from the Gateway of India.

There are 3 catamaran operators – PNP, Maldar, and Ajanta – and tickets can be booked at their office at the Gateway. Both AC and Non AC seating is available. The journey by ferry from Gateway to Mandwa takes about an hour, and the fare also includes a bus ride to Alibag from Mandwa.

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