A history enthusiast will lead a trail to Khanderi Island Fort that covers cultural and architectural facets of a key naval site of the Maratha Empire
Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse
Many people, even today, believe that Khanderi Island Fort was mainly only a crucial point to guide ships to the shore as a military base of the Maratha Empire. But this is untrue. It was a full-fledged administrative site as well,” reveals Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre. The history enthusiast will lead an immersive, exploratory session at the Khanderi fort this weekend, organised by INTACH Greater Mumbai Chapter in collaboration with the Maritime Mumbai Museum Society (MMMS). The fort is located on an island in the Arabian Sea, towards the south of Mumbai.
A fort cannon. Pics courtesy/Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre; Ajay Mayekar
The fort holds immense cultural and historical significance, Sapre tells us. “In 2025, 12 Maratha forts were inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as the Maratha Military Landscapes,” he says. Khanderi is one of the 12, built in the 17th century. “It served as a stronghold of the Maratha Empire at Alibaug, and played a major role in keeping the British from penetrating the Konkan region,” Sapre informs us.
A participant examines a musical boulder at Khanderi fort
He will guide participants through the session, relaying snippets of history, from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s directions to build the fort, and the expansion of the Maratha navy, to the Kanhoji Angre Lighthouse which was established by the British in 1867. “This lighthouse guides ships safely into Mumbai Harbour,” he says.
A view of the interiors of the Vetal Dev Temple
Other highlights of the excursion are visits to the Vetal Dev Temple, learning about the bastions, and seeing a series of fascinating musical stones. “If you have a musical ear, you can even play tunes on those,” Sapre adds. Meanwhile, the Vetal Dev Temple, he explains, is of religious importance to members of the Koli community.
Participants during a previous visit organised by the MMMS. Pic courtesy/MMMS
The excursion will take place throughout the day, inclusive of meals and travel. Attendees will depart from Mumbai and reach Thal Jetty near Alibaug, from where they will move towards the fort in a boat; it is at an approximate distance of five kilometres from the shore. “It is a great opportunity for people to dive into regional history, especially with the Maratha forts now gaining global recognition through UNESCO World Heritage status. Earlier, the Khanderi fort was not open to the public either. Now, there is relatively greater awareness about these monuments, but more is definitely necessary,” Sapre signs off.
Yogiraj Kamalakar Sapre
How to get there
You can take a ferry from the Gateway of India to Mandwa. Drive to Thal Village (12 kms), and take a boat to Khanderi Fort
On January 11; 8 am to 6 pm
Departure point Gateway of India, Colaba.
Call 8087773299 (to register)
Entry Rs 1500 (INTACH and MMMS members); Rs 1700 (Non-members)
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