Hello Questers,

Following our delightful visit to Bhigwan alongside @SahilJadhav last week, the upcoming destination promises to be equally thrilling and beautiful. Renowned for its beaches - Fort, Murud-Janjira, a beachside town in Maharashtra.

Come along as we discuss the history of Murud-Janjira, its amazing sights, and its mouthwatering cuisine.

Murud Janjira: Where History and Waves Converge.

Murud Janjira is a popular tourist destination in Maharashtra, India, known for its historic Janjira Fort and beautiful beaches.

History of Murud Janjira

• Early History: The exact origins of the Janjira Fort are somewhat unclear, but it is believed to have been constructed around the late 15th century. The fort was built by a Berber or Habshi (Abyssinian) ruler, Malik Ambar, who was an influential figure in the Deccan region. 
• Geographical Significance: The location of the Janjira Fort is strategically important. It is situated on an island, which makes it highly defensible against attacks from both sea and land. The fort's design and construction made it a formidable maritime stronghold.
• Maratha Influence: In the mid-17th century, the Marathas, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, made several attempts to capture the Janjira Fort but were unsuccessful. The Siddis, who controlled the fort, had a strong navy and used the island's natural defenses to repel Maratha attacks.
• Siddi Rule: The Siddis were of African descent and were the dominant rulers of the fort for centuries. The Siddi dynasty was known for its naval power and piracy activities in the Arabian Sea.
• British Era: During the British colonial period, the Janjira Fort continued to remain under the control of the Siddis. 
• Present Day: Today, the Janjira Fort is a popular tourist attraction and a testament to its rich history. 

Modes to Reach Alibag:

• By Road: Murud is well-connected by road and can be reached from Mumbai and Pune. The distance from Mumbai is around 150 kilometers.
• By Train: The nearest railway station is Roha, and you can hire a cab or take a bus to reach Murud from there.
• By Ferry: There's also a ferry service from Mumbai to Alibag, and then by bus from Alibag to Murud.

Sightseeing Wonders:

• Janjira Fort: Visiting the historic Janjira Fort is a must. It's located on an island and can be reached by boat. The fort is known for its unique architecture and historical significance.
• Kasa Fort: This fort is located about 7 kilometers from Murud Janjira and is smaller than the Janjira Fort. However, it offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and the surrounding countryside.
• Garambhi Waterfall: This beautiful waterfall is located about 15 kilometers from Murud Janjira. It is a popular spot for swimming, picnicking, and trekking.
• Ahmedganj Palace: This palace was built in the 17th century by the Siddis. It is now a heritage hotel and is open to the public for tours.
• Murud Beach: Spend some time relaxing on the picturesque Murud Beach, which is known for its black sand and clear waters. You can also indulge in water sports and activities.
• Khokhri Tombs: Khokhri Tombs are three massive stone tombs of the early rulers of the erstwhile Janjira State in western India.

What to Eat:

Murud Janjira is known for its delicious seafood cuisine. Some of the must-try dishes include:

• Fish thali: This is a traditional Konkan thali that includes a variety of fish dishes, such as fried fish, curry fish, and fish pakoda. It is also served with rice, roti, and a variety of chutneys and pickles.
• Bombil fry: This is a popular dish made with Bombay duck fish, which is deep-fried and served with a spicy chutney.
• Prawns curry: This is a delicious and flavorful curry made with prawns, coconut milk, and spices.
• Crab masala: This is a spicy and flavorful crab dish that is made with coconut milk, tomatoes, and spices.
• Fish biryani: This is a delicious and fragrant biryani made with fish, rice, and spices.

Accommodation

There are a variety of accommodation options available in Murud Janjira, including hotels, resorts, and guesthouses.

Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking around the fort.
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Bring a camera to capture the stunning views of the fort and the surrounding area.

Take a look at the earlier threads in the Embarking on a Journey series that I and @SahilJadhav have shared.

1. Embarking on a Journey: iQOO Connect's New Thread Series

2. Embarking on a Journey: Next stop Alibag!

3. Embarking on a Journey Part 3: Explore with iQOO - Bhigwan, Maharashtra 

Prepare yourself for the upcoming thread on our next destination, Mahabaleshwar, which @SahilJadhav  will be sharing next Saturday. 

Feel free to share your experiences and feedback in the form of comments and feel free to follow us on the community @Andybitts & @SahilJadhav 

Happy Questing.!!

Aniket Patil

Community Moderator 

@Parakram Hazarika @iQOO Connect