Gopalgad Fort

Gopalgad Fort, also known as Anjanvel Fort, is a historic coastal fort located in Anjanvel village, Ratnagiri district, Maharashtra. Built in the 16th century by Bijapur rulers and later strengthened by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660, it guarded the strategic Dabhol creek trade route on the Vashishti River. The seven-acre fort features stone walls, bastions, and panoramic sea views. It is currently a protected monument with ongoing acquisition proceedings due to past private ownership disputes.

Visitors can explore a ruined coastal fort spread over seven acres with standing stone walls approximately 20 feet high and eight feet thick. The site includes remnants of bastions, two entrance gates (east and west), guardrooms, three wells, a granary, and traces of a governor's palace. A mango orchard exists within the fort walls. The fort offers views of the Arabian Sea and the Dabhol creek entrance. Access involves a short trek or drive from Anjanvel village.

Built by Bijapur kings in the 16th century to control the Dabhol creek trade route. Captured by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 during his Dabhol campaign, who constructed a dockyard and renamed it Gopalgad. Held by Siddi Khairat Khan from 1699 for 46 years, who added the lower fortification (Padkot). Recaptured by Tulaji Angre in 1744, who added the upper fortification (Balekot). Passed to Peshwas in 1755 and to British forces in May 1818. Served as district headquarters under Maratha administration.

The fort represents Maratha naval and coastal defense strategy along the Konkan coast. It was a significant port during the Maratha regime and served as administrative headquarters. The site contains the ancient Uddalakeshwar temple and reflects layered architectural contributions from Bijapur, Maratha, Siddi, and British periods. Recent efforts focus on reclaiming the fort as public heritage after decades of private ownership dispute.