Travel Information for Padmadurg Fort (Kasa Fort) near Murud, Maharashtra

Overview

This travel guide is based on a discussion about Padmadurg Fort, also known as Kasa Fort, a sea fort located near Murud in the Raigad district of Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj to counter the Siddi rulers of Janjira. The transcript highlights the fort's historical significance, current condition, and how to get there.

Location

• District: Raigad
• Nearest Town: Murud
• Specific Location: Situated on Kasa Island, off the Murud coast in the Arabian Sea.
• Other Nearby Attraction: Close to Murud-Janjira Fort. Padmadurg was built to challenge Janjira Fort.
• Distance from Pune: Approximately 165 km
• Distance from Mumbai: Approximately 140 km

How to Get There

1. Reach Alibag or Roha: Travel from Pune or Mumbai to Alibag or Roha by road (bus or car).
2. Travel to Rajpuri: From Alibag or Roha, take a bus or taxi to Rajpuri village.
3. Boat to Padmadurg: Hire a boat from Rajpuri to reach Padmadurg Fort.

Transportation Details

• Boat from Rajpuri: Private boats are available from Rajpuri to the fort. Expect to pay around ₹300 per person (mentioned in the transcript).
• Travel Time by Boat: A speed boat can reach the fort in approximately 10 minutes, allowing more time to explore.

Important Information & Tips

• Permissions: Permission from the Customs and Navy is essential to visit the fort. Make arrangements in advance.
• Footwear: It's recommended to remove shoes and chappals before entering the water around the fort, but shoes are a good idea.
• Life Jacket: Wearing a life jacket is highly recommended for safety during the boat ride.
• Fort Condition: The fort is partially in ruins, with some structures dilapidated.
• Fort Divisions: The fort is divided into two main parts: the main fort (Mukhya Killa) and the outer fortification (Padkot), the latter being mostly in ruins.
• Historical Significance: Padmadurg was strategically built to keep an eye on Siddi's activities and restrict them, especially because the Siddi's controlled the impregnable Janjira fort.

Things to See

• Main Entrance (Pravesh Dvara): The main entrance is still intact.
• Cannons: Remains of cannons (around 42) can be seen, although in a dilapidated state. There were originally 70-80 cannons.
• Water Tanks: Fresh water tanks are present inside the fort, which were used for drinking water.
• Bastions (Buruj): Bastions, used for keeping watch on enemy movements, are visible.
• Outer Fortification (Padkot): Explore the remains of the outer fortification.

Points of Interest Mentioned

• Connection to Janjira Fort: Padmadurg was built to conquer Janjira fort. A tunnel was planned to connect the two, but it was abandoned due to an attack on Raigad.
• Cannon Locations: Cannon emplacements are mentioned on the bastions.
• Historical Buildings: Ruined buildings, possibly used as residences for officers, are present.

Preservation Concerns

• The fort requires better preservation and restoration efforts.
• Overgrowth of vegetation and the ruined state of many structures are highlighted.
• The presenter appeals to historical preservation organizations and the public to visit and support the fort's upkeep.
• Trash and litter left by tourists are a major concern.