Murud-Janjira Fort

Janjira stands on a rock island off the Konkan coast, fortified by the Siddis of Janjira from the fifteenth century into a stronghold with walls rising straight from the water, nineteen bastions and a gate invisible from the sea until a boat is almost upon it. Marathas, Portuguese and the British all attempted it and none succeeded, which makes it among the few Indian forts never taken. Inside are palace ruins, a mosque, cannon including the large Kalal Bangdi, and two freshwater tanks, which is the puzzle of the place: sweet water sits in tanks a few metres from the sea.

What you actually see

• The sea walls - fortifications rising directly from the water.
• The hidden gate - an entrance invisible until a boat is close.
• The freshwater tanks - sweet water pools inside a fort surrounded by sea.
• The cannon - large guns including Kalal Bangdi on the bastions.

When to go

November to May; the monsoon stops the sailboats entirely from June to September. Morning crossings are calmest. Weekends bring crowds and long jetty queues.

Honest expectations

Boats are open sailing craft, crowded and weather-dependent, and do not run in rough seas or the monsoon. The interior is ruined with no shade or facilities. Time on the island is limited by the boat schedule.

Nearby

Murud lies north; Alibaug is further north.