Kolaba Fort: History And Significance of The Mediaeval Sea Fort of India

The Kolaba Fort is an architectural marvel of mediaeval India that sits proudly at the banks of Kolaba Beach. A naval base for the Maratha army, now a trading port, it was the brainchild of the most revered and honourable, Shivaji Maharaj. An engineering wonder of the time, its fort walls stand 25 ft high, which was primarily used to protect the Indian ruler’s regions from British attacks via the sea.

This article walks you through its rich history, features, facts and more. 

History of Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba Fort functioned as a shelter and a bastion for armies of Shivaji Maharaj for hundreds of years. Later, it was used by the Portuguese and East India Company. Shivaji Maharaj’s Army captured this Fort in the 17th century. It is said that Kolaba Kila was Shivaji Maharaj’s last construction before he passed away.

After the untimely demise of Shivaji Maharaj on April 3, 1680, the authority of this Alibag Fort was given to Darya Sagar and Manik Bhandari. Both were the two heads of Shivaji Maharaj’s army until Kanhoji Angre took the Maratha naval command from 1713 to 1729. However, during this time, British ships were raided and destroyed. This was done to get back the possession of all the looted items from the Britishers. Here are some Shivaji Maharaj Qila images for you.

The battle in 1721 was one of the most notable battles fought in the Fort. The British and Portuguese armies together conspired to attack this naval base. However, they were unsuccessful. The Kolaba Kila had one house garden, multiple stables, treasuries, and other buildings that were wasted during this war.

Architectural Design Of The Kolaba Fort Alibaug

Kolaba Fort is an architectural masterpiece located in the Arabian Sea. It has two entrances. One entrance is open into the sea while the other is on the shores of Alibaug. The Fort walls are 25 ft. tall. Another interesting feature of this Alibag Fort is that it has many freshwater wells that supply freshwater, irrespective of the fact that the Fort is built in the middle of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, there are numerous temples inside the premises of Alibaug Qila which are dedicated to Hindu Gods. Local people still offer prayers and celebrate festivals there.

What’s Inside Kolaba Fort in Alibaug?

You can enjoy the following things inside the Kolaba Fort in Alibaug, Raigad.

• There are freshwater wells inside this Alibag Fort.
• There are inscriptions on the English cannons inside the Fort that state, ‘Dowson Hardy Field, Low Moor Ironworks, Yorkshire, England.’
• Visitors can enjoy some breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea.
• The architectural excellence and engineering of that time can be seen upon the small hill of the Alibag Fort.
• There are carvings on the Fort walls in the shape of peacocks, elephants, tigers, and several other motifs.
• There are also numerous traces of battles that include cannon impressions dating back centuries and other beautiful artefacts.
• Along with freshwater wells, the Siddhivinayak temple, Padmavati, and Mahishasur temple are attractive tourist points. The Dargah of Haji Kamaluddin Shah is also a famous point for tourists and pilgrims.

Here are some images inside Kolaba Fort.

Facts About Kolaba Fort Alibaug (Kolaba Qila)

• Kolaba Fort is 300 years old and was used as a naval base during the rule of the greatest Maratha warrior, Shivaji Maharaj.
• The average height of this Alibag Fort is around 25 ft.
• It has two entrances: one is towards the Arabian Sea, and the other is towards Alibaug.
• You can even visit Alibag Fort during monsoons by crossing the waist-high water during low tides.
• The Portuguese and British forces joined hands to bring down this naval base in 1729 and burnt down many structures in the Fort.

Timings And Entry Fees For Kolaba Fort

The Kolaba Fort in Alibaug remains open from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The entry fee for Kolaba Fort is 5 INR.

Ways To Reach Kolaba Fort in Alibaug

You can easily reach Alibaug Qila or Kolaba Fort by sea from Mumbai. There is a total 35 km distance between Mumbai and Kolaba Fort in Alibaug, Maharashtra. You can also board speed boats or ferries from the Gateway of India. By ferry, it will take you only 45 minutes. Also, the ferry service is available from sunrise to sunset.

You can also take daily state transport buses to go to Alibaug from Mumbai, Pune, Kolhapur, and Nashik, or you can also go to the nearest railway station around 30 km away. The Alibaug Qila is about 1-2 km from the coast of Alibaug. You can follow this Alibag Fort map to reach by road, but it will take more time.

Best Times To Visit Kolaba Fort

The ideal Kolaba Fort timings to visit is between November and July, as the weather is delightful during these months. However, the monsoon season is not a good time as there is a lot of rainfall. Persistent high tides also make the route dangerous.

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FAQ’s on Tourism of Kolaba Fort