Gopalgad fort

The Gopalgad Fort and the Anjanvel Lighthouse are old coastal landmarks in Maharashtra that give you a taste of the area's rich maritime history and beautiful views. Anjanvel is a peaceful coastal town in Maharashtra. Its home to the historic Gopalgad Fort, a must-visit for history lovers and view seekers alike.

It is in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra and has beautiful views as well as a look into the area's history. Many people know that it is one of the most famous forts in the Konkan region and that it is one of the best places to visit near Ganpatipule.

Fort History

Siddisad, a sardar of the Bijapur kings, built Gopalgad Fort (also called Anjanvel Fort) in the 1600s. Shivaji Maharaj took over the fort in 1660 CE. A Siddi king named Khairatkhan took it over in 1699 CE. He was responsible for Murud Janjira. Then, Tulaji Angre took over this fort in 1744 CE, but the Peshwas regained control of it in 1755 CE.

During the time of the Peshwa, Anjanvel was a major place for weaving and making ships. The British gained control of the fort after the Maratha Empire ceased to exist in 1818 CE. They were responsible for it until 1947, when India gained its independence.

Panoramic Views from Lighthouse Panoramic Views

Today, the fort stands in a state of disrepair, with sections of its walls deteriorating. The fort's well is almost in the middle, surrounded by house ruins. In the fort, you can still see some cannonballs. Many Ganpatipule tour packages include this historic site for visitors interested in exploring ancient ruins and local history.

Private owners have planted mango trees in the fort and blocked the entrance because of this. Of course, people are free to visit the fort. There has been a protest against these plants for seven years by a group of hikers. Cars can drive all the way to the main door of the fort. On the walls of the fort, there are many places to look out over the creek and Dabhol port.

Views and Scenic Walks near Gopalgad Fort and Anjanvel Lighthouse

There is a lovely lighthouse about 2 km from Anjanvel Fort that you can visit. It's best to go there in the evening. The lighthouse was rebuilt during the 1960s. It now stands tall on a steep hill, overlooking the coastline below. One of the main attractions is the Anjanvel Lighthouse, and for a small fee, you can walk to the top. The view from the top of the lighthouse is beautiful, even though it's only 30 feet tall. Tolekeshwar Temple is the name of a small temple to Lord Shiva that is right next to the ship. It has a lovely view of the water.