Trek Date: Saturday, 11 January 2025 (Friday Night Departure)
Trek Fee: Rs. 2,000 /- (Inc. GST)
Khanderi (officially Kanhoji Angre island) is an island with a fort, located south of Mumbai, along the coast of Maharashtra. Khanderi is located 5 km off the coast of Maharashtra (off Thal, Kihim) and 20 km south of Mumbai. Khanderi, along with its sister fort Underi (Jaidurg) formed the major fortification along the Maharashtra coast, the former falling under Shivaji Maharaj’s control and the latter under his opponents, the Siddis. The island consists of two high hills, one facing north and the other facing south. Initially, the islands of Underi and Khanderi were uninhabited. It contained two wells to supply water to the forces within, and a temple of Sri Betal.
In 1679, Khanderi was occupied by the forces of Shivaji under the leadership of Maynak Bhandari, who oversaw the building of the fortifying walls. Subsequently, Khanderi fort was built during the reign of the Maratha Emperor Shivaji Maharaj in 1679. to keep a check on the Siddis at Murud-Janjira fort and was the site of many battles between Shivaji’s forces and the navy of Siddi. n 1998, Khanderi island was renamed Kanhoji Angre Island in honour of the Maratha Admiral Kanhoji Angre.
Overview
Trek Date: Sat., 11th January 2025 (Departure on Friday night by 11.30 PM)
Trek Fees: 2000 (Inc. of GST)
GAF NIsargnaad Membership Fees: 1800 (Inc. of GST)
Nisargnaad coastal is a new series of fort explorations in the Konkan region of Maharashtra.
*** Giripremi Adventure Foundation’s prime focus is on Safety First.
Trek Highlights
- Kanhoji Angre's Legacy: Khanderi Fort is inextricably linked to the legendary Maratha Admiral, Kanhoji Angre. He was appointed to command it in 1698 by the then-Maratha queen, Tarabai, making it one of his key bases.
- The Fort's Design: Khanderi's strategic location on an island, combined with its strong walls, cannons, and a natural harbor, made it a difficult target to conquer.
- Built by the Marathas: Khanderi Fort was constructed by the Marathas in 1679 on an older structure to counter the Siddis at Underi and to keep an eye on British ships approaching Mumbai.
- Religious Importance: The temples dedicated to Lord Vithal and Sri Betal within the fort are significant to the local community and attract devotees, especially during festivals.