Rajkot Fort which is also called Malvan Castle, is located on a rocky hill northwest of Malvan town in Maharashtra. It stands close to the sea, with water on three sides, and is only about half a kilometre from the Malvan jetty by the coastal route. Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj between 1664 and 1667, this fort once helped guard the stronger Sindhudurg Fort nearby.
Today, you can spot only one bastion remains, which has a flagpost and is used to warn boats of the rocky coastline. The fort also has a rock garden where you can watch the waves crash on the rocks apart from enjoying the sea view. Near the fort, you can spot a Lord Ganesh temple with an idol made of pure gold, as well as a temple dedicated to Mauni Maharaj. You can also admire the massive 91-feet tall bronze statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj which has been designed to survive strong coastal winds and storms. This statue shows Shivaji holding a 29-foot sword and stands as a symbol of pride and strength, making the site one of the best forts in Maharashtra.
Why Visit?
- Some of the stones used in the making of the Sindhudurg Fort were cut from Rajkot fort.
- This Fort was built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj between 1664 and 1667.
- The British wanted to build a shipyard in Rajkot which is why they asked the Chatrapati of Karveer for approval in 1766.
- According to references, a cannon and some remains were discovered at Rajkot in 1862.
