Vijaydurg,
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).
The fort is
an architectural genius because of the manner in which Shivaji took advantage
of its location. The Kharpetan creek linked to this fort makes entrance of
large ships and vessels into the vicinity practically impossible. This area was
used to harbour the warships of the Maratha clan. This fort hence earned the
name of the ‘Eastern Gibraltor’.
This is interestingly
the one of the only two forts where where Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj personally
hoisted the saffron flag. The Torana Fort is the other place. The nearby area
sees numerous temples with idols of various deities ranging from Maruti to
Mahapurush and Mahadeo. There also exists a rustic, age-old temple known as the
Rameshwar Temple. It is famous amongst worshippers and Hindu followers.
Vijaydurg’s
beach is a stretch of about a kilometer with good views of the fort at the
right and a small plateau with a hut to the left.
Approx 1.5
km from the fort in the Wagjotan Creek is a naval dock. The maratha warships
were built and repaired in this dock. The ships built in this dock were of the
500 tonnage capacity.
Vijaydurg
has a lot to offer to the quintessential tourist. The beaches are lined by a
thick green forest rich with Coconut trees and palms. Mango plantations fill
the entire region with the heavenly smell of juicy Alphonso mangoes ever
summer. There are typical houses made of red wood and stapled roofs that
increase the beauty.
How
to Reach:
By
Air: The
Dabolim airport (180 km) in Goa state is nearest airport from Vijaydurg.
By
Train: Nearest
railway station from Vijaydurg is at Rajapur (75 km).
By
Road: There
is regular buses ply to Vijaydurg from Major cities like Mumbai (475 km), Pune
(431 km), Madgaon & Rajapur. Also there are buses ply from Goa state.
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