Kolaba Fort

Kolaba Fort is a 17th-century sea fort located approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometers off the coast of Alibag in the Arabian Sea. Built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj around 1680 and completed by Sambhaji Raje, it served as a chief naval station for the Maratha Empire and later as a base for Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre. The fort features 25-foot-high walls, freshwater wells, temples including Siddhivinayak Mandir, and historic cannons. It is an ASI-protected monument accessible by walking during low tide or by boat during high tide.

Visitors can explore a historic maritime fortress situated on a rocky island surrounded by the Arabian Sea. Access involves either a walk across the seabed during low tide or a boat ride during high tide. Inside, visitors can see ancient temples like Siddhivinayak Mandir, a freshwater well, bastions, and cannons with English inscriptions. The fort offers panoramic sea views and historical artifacts but has limited commercial facilities inside. Visitors should expect wet conditions during the seabed walk and must monitor tide timings carefully for safe return.

Construction began on March 19, 1680 under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and was completed in June 1681 by Sambhaji Raje after Shivaji's death. It served as a chief naval station for the Maratha Empire and became the center of attacks on British ships under commanders Darya Sarang and Mainak Bhandari. In 1713, control passed to Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre who used it as his main base until his death at the fort on July 4, 1729. Major fires in 1729 and 1787 damaged structures, and the British took over in 1842.

The fort houses the Siddhivinayak Temple built by Raghoji Angre in 1759, which remains actively worshipped by local fishermen. A Dargah of Haji Kamaluddin Shah also exists within the fort, reflecting syncretic cultural heritage. The site represents Maratha naval prowess and coastal defense strategy in Konkan history.