The Gate Way to India, The Taj Hotel and Ferries. All Action for the day started here. We boarded the first ferry from at 6:15 am heading toward Mandwa.
My kind of Yatch
A merchand vessel
Enjoying breakfast Kanika, Shefali and Ramaah
Gagan thinking about his breakfast tiffin
The sun rises promising a fine day
The Sun, Bright and Shining
More Ships and Barges
Land Ahoy, The Captain of our ferry announces
Mandwa Jetty
That was our ferry
Way to go..
Yees T, Information Office
That's as far as it can go
9:20 am, Its Rush Hour
Optimum utilisation of Space in Yees T
Local transport
One more Bridge to cross
Summer time, but there is still some greenary around the river bed
One of the many lonely beachesh on the way to Murud
The breeze and Surf, althoug peak summer the cool sea breeze and soothing landscapes kept our spirits peak high
One of the may beautiful temples along the Alibaug - Murud route
Big Brother tree
The Journey continues
few picnickers enjoying the surf and the beach
Another lonely beach just a couple of KM from Kashid
Now we are just 8 km short of Murud Janjira
Finally at Murud, trying out Tonga (Local term for Horse Cart)
Kasa fort sited from Janjira
First siting of Murud Fort
Another view of Janjira Fort
Janjira fort as seen from the cost
Front View of Janjira Fort
Local Sail Boats
The Science behind building Sail Boats - This was the sail boat we travelled in.
Sails all tied up
Sails folded along the mast as passengers board the sail boat
Hosting the sail
Shefali, all ready to sail
Full trottle ahead (The art of using the tide, the wind and the muscle power)
One of the sail boars returning to Port from Janjira Fort
The sail is up
The mighty bastions of Janjira Fort
The walls of Janjira fort go right into the water, The invading find no place for landing and main gate for entry is also not visible to the approaching enemy
The enemy still cannot figure out the entrance to the fort
The mighty cannons of Janjira wait at the entrance of the fort to welcome the approaching enemy.
The main gate atlast
The Invasion
Battle Front
Even without the firing canons, hot oil and sharp arrows raining down from Janjira fort, people needed lot of help in landing at fort entrance. U can imagine what would have been the plight of to invading army
Gagan finds his footing to land at Janjira fort
The mighty Lion of Janjira had the courage to fight of six elephants
The mighty lions are also cunning
Ancients scriptures
Some more art work
What holds the mighty doors of Janjira?
A door in the door
The roof at Janjira Entrance
Royal Guards
One of our guides. Giving introduction pitch and explaining commercial terms
Darga at entrance of Janjira Fort
Few interesting chambers at Janjira Fort
The mighty Kalal Bangdi (Bangdi means Bangles in Hindi). It got its name due the brass bangles it once had on its rings. Kalal Bangdi is rated as number 3 cannon of Ancient India, in terms of range and power. The cannon is made of a metal allow that has gives it good cooling property. Even in scorching heat of summer the cannon feels less than warm.
Kalal Bangdi "The Canon", is currently placed in static position; earlier most canons of Janjir had wheels and could be moved around the fort
This piece of art is actually a canon at Janjira Fort (Gaumukh).
Another angle of the canon
Posing with the mighty canon
Another beautiful Structure at Janjira Fort
The Landing at Main Gate of Janjira Fort
Canons guarding from Bastions of Janjira Fort
The exploration continues
I have never seen so many canons in a single ancient fort in Maharashtra as many I saw in Janjira Fort
Somebody was in love with this canon
The Durbar of Janjira Fort
Steps leading to the highest watch tower of Janjira Fort; from here U can keep a watch of entire Janjira fort plus approaching enemy from all directions
More Ruins
I have never come across so many cannons in a single fort across the whole of Maharashtra
Kasa fort as seen from Janjira
Exploration continues
The legent says there was an under groud tunnel starting from this place in Janjira fort going right up the the land, around 60 feet below sea level. This tunnel got filledup due to erosion and was finally shut for public
Amunition store
Art work
Chor Darwaja (Alternate Escape route from Janjira Fort)
A Pond Heron feels sad looking at Plight of the Beautiful Janjira Fort
One of the two perenial ponds in Janjira Fort, U can see the ruins of Queens Palace along the pond
The 3 mighty canons of Janjira Fort
Guide explaining the days of Glory of Palace and also the newer generation of Siddi's family
Closer Look
The second pond of Janjira Fort; both these ponds put to-gather could sustain life in Janjira fort and helped them withstand enemy attachks for months
Mosque at Janjira Fort
Palace of Nawab
No Admission Sign clearly says Keep out.. Never mind we can always take a group picture
Art work at Siddi's Palace
Flag post of Janjira Palace
Siddi's Palace from Beach
Peace of art
Kasa Fort
Dug-Duggi
Time to hangup your feet
Chill-Madi
Ramaah
Its evening 6 pm, rush hour again at Ali Baug. Boarding bus to catch the ferry from Mandwa Port
On the way back home boarding 6:45 pm Ferry
Gagan enjoys a laugh
Until next adventure, take care. C U Soon. Keep posted at www.natureknights.com
