Post by harsha on Dec 21, 2003 2:36:16 GMT -5
Murud-Janjira, Maharashtra
A 950-year old fort built by an African King, a virgin beach fringed with casuarina and coconut trees ... that's the sleepy fishing town of Murud on the west coast. The successors of the African king - known as the Siddhis of Murud - continue to live in a palace in Murud.
Getting There
Panvel is the nearest railhead. Mumbai is 165 kms away from Murud by road, approximately a four hour drive.
What To See
Janjira Fort
Located on the island of Janjira, this 950-year old fort was built by an African trader who turned ruler in the 12th Century. Considered impregnable, the fort has never been conquered. It has two natural sweet-water reservoirs within its premises. The fort can only be accessed by boats, which are available from the nearby port of Raipuri.
Spread over an area of 22 acres, it took 22 years to build this fort. The four mosques still exist and later, a Ganapati temple was erected. The king lived in Sheesh Mahal which is the glass palace. This formed the central part of the fort. He would use the Chor Darwaza (secret door) to access the underwater route and reach the administrative building. The walls and the ceiling had mirrors placed everywhere in order that the administration keep an eye on all the activities of people inside the fort.
The Casa Fort
This is located on another island.
The Janjira Caves
The Temple of Lord Dattaraya
Alibagh Beach
Kashid Beach
Nandgaon Beach
Where To Stay
The M T D C Holiday Resort on the beach is the popular means of accomodation.
Sandpiper Resort. Tel: 91 - 22 - 6408502. Website: www.sandpiperresorts.com
Shoreline Resort
The majestic fortress of Janjira is three centuries old. Set on an island, it can be accessed by boats. Murud, which houses this famous fort, is also popular for its enchanting beach and stretches of coconut and palm groves. A little further away are the two beaches of Nandgaon and Kashid.
A 950-year old fort built by an African King, a virgin beach fringed with casuarina and coconut trees ... that's the sleepy fishing town of Murud on the west coast. The successors of the African king - known as the Siddhis of Murud - continue to live in a palace in Murud.
Getting There
Panvel is the nearest railhead. Mumbai is 165 kms away from Murud by road, approximately a four hour drive.
What To See
Janjira Fort
Located on the island of Janjira, this 950-year old fort was built by an African trader who turned ruler in the 12th Century. Considered impregnable, the fort has never been conquered. It has two natural sweet-water reservoirs within its premises. The fort can only be accessed by boats, which are available from the nearby port of Raipuri.
Spread over an area of 22 acres, it took 22 years to build this fort. The four mosques still exist and later, a Ganapati temple was erected. The king lived in Sheesh Mahal which is the glass palace. This formed the central part of the fort. He would use the Chor Darwaza (secret door) to access the underwater route and reach the administrative building. The walls and the ceiling had mirrors placed everywhere in order that the administration keep an eye on all the activities of people inside the fort.
The Casa Fort
This is located on another island.
The Janjira Caves
The Temple of Lord Dattaraya
Alibagh Beach
Kashid Beach
Nandgaon Beach
Where To Stay
The M T D C Holiday Resort on the beach is the popular means of accomodation.
Sandpiper Resort. Tel: 91 - 22 - 6408502. Website: www.sandpiperresorts.com
Shoreline Resort
The majestic fortress of Janjira is three centuries old. Set on an island, it can be accessed by boats. Murud, which houses this famous fort, is also popular for its enchanting beach and stretches of coconut and palm groves. A little further away are the two beaches of Nandgaon and Kashid.
