Vijaydurga takes its name from the imposing fort that dominates the coastline here. Originally known as Gheriya, the fort was renamed by Shivaji Maharaj, the great Maratha warrior king. The town was once a busy fishing port, thriving when the Mumbai-Goa ferry service still ran.
Today Vijaydurga is a sleepy place, and that's part of its charm. A pristine beach stretches below the Vijaydurga Fort walls, and an MTDC lodge right next to the fort makes a convenient base. The ancient Rameshwar Temple is just a couple of kilometres away.
The Waghotan Creek begins here and is one of the best spots along the Konkan coast for watching dolphins. This belt is also famous for its juicy Alphonso mangoes, exported across the world.