Constructed by Shivaji in 1664 on a rocky island he personally selected, Sindhudurg Fort is an extraordinary feat of engineering. Over 4,000 mounds of iron were used for casting, and the foundation stones were set firmly in lead — all transported across choppy waters through a narrow channel past a rocky reef.
The fort's massive walls enclose temples to Maruti, Bhavani, Mahadeo, Jarimai, and Mahapurush, as well as the only shrine to Shivaji himself in the country. Ferries run from Malvan beach from around 8:00 to 17:00; the return fare is included in the ticket price.