Jaigad fort is a sea fort at the mouth of the Shastri river where it joins the Arabian Sea. It is also called Jaigad creek. The fort was built to protect this creek from enemies entering. Another fort called Vijaygad was built on the northern side of the creek to protect it. The fort is in ruins but the walls are still intact. It is a protected monument. The fort has Lord Ganesh and Hanuman temples inside its premises. There is a government guest house within the premises. There are 3 deep wells inside the fort used for drinking water during olden times. Two wells are about 70 feet deep and one is about 100 feet deep.The fort has a watch tower and a lighthouse. The fort is surrounded by a moat from outside on the northern and eastern sides.
Jaigad fort was first built by the Bijapur sultans in the 14th century. It was conquered by Kanhoji Angre, the commander-in-chief during Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's regime. The fort later fell into the hands of the British.
The fort is named after Jayba Mahar, a mason who sacrificed his life for this fort to keep bad omens away which were interfering with the fort's construction.
The fort presents a very beautiful view of the Arabian sea. Its a pleasure to visit this place during monsoon season with greenery all around you inside the fort.
Jaigad fort is about 20 km from Ganpatipule. The chief occupation of people staying in this region is fishing. The fort is accessible by road right till the entrance. There is a jetty with a ferry boat at Jaigad which can carry you along with your vehicle via Tavsal to Guhagar.
Click here to have a view of Shastri river from Jaigad fort.
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