District: Sindhudurg
Approximate Budget: Ferry & Parking: ₹80 – ₹100 (round-trip boat) + ₹40 (car parking at Dandi). Guide Service: ₹300 – ₹500 per family/group. Total Excursion Budget: ₹700 – ₹1,400 per person (including ferry, guide, tender coconut, and an authentic seafood thali lunch in Ma
Things to Do
Take the 15-minute coastal ferry ride across the sea channel from Dandi Jetty to Khurte Island.
Spot the hidden Dilli Darwaza water entrance, designed into a curved stone recess so it cannot be spotted by naval cannons from open waters.
Walk along the 3 km outer stone rampart wall to examine the 52 defensive bastions and artillery loopholes.
Visit Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple to see the unique seated idol of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj without a beard or sword.
View the stone dome preserving the authentic left hand and footprint impressions of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Inspect the freshwater wells (Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswati) that provide potable drinking water on an offshore marine island.
Experience scuba diving and shallow snorkeling over the natural coral reef banks at the base of the fort's southern ramparts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the boat timings and ferry ticket charges for Sindhudurg Fort?
Passenger ferry boats operate daily from 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM (subject to sea conditions) from Malvan Dandi Jetty. The round-trip ferry ticket costs approximately ₹70 to ₹100 per person.
Is Sindhudurg Fort open during the monsoon season?
No. Because the fortress is an offshore island accessible only by boat, all passenger ferry operations remain suspended from June 1 to September 30 due to high tides, rough sea conditions, and maritime safety regulations.
How much time is needed to explore Sindhudurg Fort?
A complete visit requires about 2 to 3 hours, which includes the 15-minute boat journey each way and 1.5 to 2 hours of walking through the ramparts, temples, and historic sites.
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Duration
2 to 3 Hours (including round-trip ferry transit)
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Best Time
October to March
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Entry Fee
Free
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Difficulty
Moderate
Why Visit Sindhudurg Fort?
It is India's most expansive and best-preserved Maratha sea fortress, home to the only operational temple dedicated to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and the historical anchor for scuba diving along its surrounding rock-coral reefs.
About Sindhudurg Fort
Commissioned in 1664 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and designed by master architect Hiroji Indulkar, Sindhudurg Fort stands on Khurte Island off the Malvan coast in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district. Covering roughly 48 acres surrounded by 3 kilometers of outer walls joined with molten lead foundations, the fortress served as the maritime headquarters of the Maratha Navy. It contains 52 circular bastions, living history in its concealed Dilli Darwaza water gate, and three active sweet-water wells (Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) that produce drinkable water despite being surrounded by the Arabian Sea. The fort houses the Shri Shivrajeshwar Temple, constructed in 1695 by Chhatrapati Rajaram Maharaj, where an idol of Shivaji Maharaj is worshipped. Accessible exclusively via motorized passenger ferry boats from Malvan Dandi Jetty, visiting the fortress offers panoramic sea views, living military architecture, and the stone-preserved palm and footprints of Shivaji Maharaj.
🎒 What to Carry
Sturdy walking shoes or sandals with solid traction, wide-brim sun hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, adequate drinking water, cash for ferry and guide fees, and a light waterproof pouch for electronic devices on the boat.
⚠️ Safety Information
Step carefully between the boat bow and the stone jetty stairs during low/high tide transitions; stay away from unfenced rampart drop-offs along the outer sea perimeter; keep close hold of children along high parapet pathways.
🙏 Visitor Etiquette
Do not climb or deface ancient ramparts, bastions, or temple structures; carry all plastic wrappers and water bottles back to the mainland (strict zero-litter zone); adhere to boat crew instructions during boarding and disembarking.
Visiting Information
| Hours | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Closed | Open all 7 days |
| Parking | ✓ Available |
| Photography | ✓ Allowed |
| Drone | ✗ Not Allowed |
| Accessible | Limited |
📍 Location
Khurte Island, off Malvan Dandi Coast, Malvan Taluka, Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, 416606
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