Vijaydurg Fort or Gheria Fort or Fort Victor is one of the prominent sea forts encircled by the Arabian Sea on 3 sides and is the oldest sea fort on the Sindhudurg coast.

Districts/ Region

Devgad Taluka of Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, India.

History

The fort of Vijaydurg is situated in the Devgad Taluka of Sindhudurg District that is well known for Alphonso mangoes. Vijaydurg Fort is around 400 metres away from Vijaydurg Port which is a minor port and one of the significant harbours on the western coast. It even includes the 40 KM long Waghotan/Kharepatan creek. The fort was even being referred to as 'Gheria ' as it is situated in the town 'Girye'.

Vijaydurg being a sea fort seems to be harmed a ton by the tides and waves. However, during the time of Shivaji Maharaj, the triple line of fort walls, the various towers, and the gigantic inside structures were constructed. This fort is additionally known for naval fights fought for centuries to get control over the fort.

We can see several remains of medieval structures on the fort added to it over the period. The underwater structural wall near the fort to protect it makes this a unique coastal fort.

Geography

The Vijaydurg Fort is at the mouth of the Waghotan River that separates Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. It is near a minor port on the south shore of the entrance to the Waghotan river, 487.9 KM south of Bombay.

Weather/Climate

The prominent weather in the region is rainfall, the Konkan belt experiences High Rainfall (ranges around 2500 mm to 4500 mm), and the climate remains Humid and warm. The temperature reaches up to 30 degrees Celsius during this season.

Summers are hot and humid, and the temperature touches 40 degrees Celsius.

Winters have a comparatively milder climate (around 28 degrees Celsius), and the weather remains Cool and Dry.

Things to do

-On the creek two miles below the dock is a strong well built Martello tower called the Mitatya Buruj

-A little way from the fort, on the Waghotan road, is the temple of Rameshvar, probably 100 years

-A common temple with an enormous rest-house lying somewhere down in a glen, its central interest is the methodology around 250 yards since a long time ago, slice through rock fifty feet down. The idol, a four-armed figure situated on a bull, is of strong silver said to weigh a hundred kgs and is in acceptable condition as of now.

Nearest tourist place

There are various tourist spots which present great sceneries and marvellous natural beauty

-Devghali fort:- 68.1 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Devgad Beach:- 30.2 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Shri Kanakaditya Temple- 67.3 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Rameshwar temple:- 3 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Devgad Fort:- 31.6 KM  from Vijaydurg Fort

-Hot springs- Unhale, Maharashtra, 50 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Mahakali Temple- 62.7 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Devgad Windmills:- 30 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Mithmumbari Beach:- 31.6 KM from Vijaydurg Fort.How to travel to tourist place by Rail, Air, Road (train ,flight,  bus ) with distance and required time

-By Air:- The nearest airport is Goa International Airport [206 KM]

-By Train:- The nearest railway station is Rajapur Road at 63 KM and Kankavli Railway station at 76 km. All express and passenger trains stop at Rajapur and Kankavli stations.

- By Road:- Goa-222 KM, Pune-344 KM, Mumbai-418 KM.

-State transport busses are also connected to Vijaydurg and the nearest cities. The MSRTC buses are available from major cities of Maharashtra to reach Vijaydurg.

There is also a good network of private bus operators connecting to Sindhudurg which is around 60 km from Vijaydurg.

Special food speciality and hotel

Kombdi vade (कोंबडी वडे), or chicken Malvani in the sindhudurg region.

Accommodation facilities nearby & Hotel/ Hospital/Post Office/Police station

There are various accommodations available

-Vijaydurg Police Station-2.5 KM from Vijaydurg Fort

-Vijaydurg Post Office is at Vijaydurg, Devgad, Sindhudurg

MTDC Resort nearby details

Green Valley Fort View Resort, run by MTDC, is a good place to stay near Vijaydurg Fort.

Visiting Rule and Time, Best month to visit

The winters are the best time to visit this place as the temperature is cool and soothing.

-The Fort is open to anyone who wishes to come and enjoy the rich piece of heritage

.Language spoken in area

English, Hindi, Marathi.