Murud, famous due to its Janjira fort is usually called Murud Janjira. It is located on the Konkan coast of Maharashtra and is 165 km away from Mumbai by road. It was the fifteenth century capital of the Siddis who built the Janjira fort on the hillock facing the sea. The fort was so impregnable that no one could conquer it. All attempts by Shivaji to conquer the fort have failed. But now, although the fort has corroded, it is a nice place to view the sea below. Murud is a cosy village with wooden huts and beaches lined with casuarinas and palms.
Beaches with groves of casuarinas and palms at the foot of the hills.
Quiet and sleepy village feel with wooden huts.
Janjira fort
Murud lies on the coast and thus has a warm and humid climate. The temperature may rise up to 38oC during March. But it is pollution free and pleasant. The rainy season is from June to September and is the best time to visit. Winter months from November to February are also a good time to visit as the temperature is low at night. Don't forget to carry sun block, sunglasses and swimwear.
Only a few good hotels in Murud accept international credit cards. There are very few ATMs in the vicinity so it is best to carry cash to this place.
No permit is required to travel to Murud. Just a visa to India is all what is needed.
Murud is 165 kms from Mumbai by road, and the journey takes 5 hours. State Transport buses operate from Mumbai Central to Murud's Durbar Road. The best way to get here is by catamaran from Gateway of India (Mumbai) to Mandwa and then by bus to Murud.
Major Airports: Mumbai is the closest airport to Murud at 165 km. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai to the world. International flights operated by Air India connect Mumbai to major cities of the world. Jet airways offers services to London, Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, etc. All major international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Emirates Air, Cathay Pacific, etc fly to Mumbai.
The impregnable Janjira fort built by the Siddis. It is accessible by a boat. You can have a beautiful view of the sea from the fort which has now corroded.
Padmadurg fort built by Shivaji’s heir Sambhaji as an answer to Janjira fort
Ahmedjang Palace built by the Siddis is where the present Nawab Siddi Mehmood Khan stays.
Murud beach is at the foot of a hillock and is a pristine beach.
Nearby excursion from Murud include
Garambi falls located at 4 km from Murud is supposed to be the purest cascades in Maharashtra. The 100 feet high waterfall is a refreshing sight.
Alkapuri at a distance of 4 km from Murud is a picnic spot frequented for its lush green vegetation.
Nandgaon beach at 9 km from Murud is an isolated beach with palm groves behind.
Sea food is the local delicacy of Murud. Try delicious fish recipes at Patil Khanaval on the seafront in Murud. Batata vada of this place is also well known. Biryani at Hotel Paresh is worth a try. Sandpiper Resort serves good Konkani food. Besides, coconut water is available everywhere. One can take back Murud’s speciality, coconut chikki and barfi from Vijaylaxmi or Hanuman Hotel.
Where To Stay: Sandpiper Resort, Seashell Resort and Golden Swan Resort are the good resorts in Murud. Kamat’s Murud Beach Resort which overlooks the sea is also a great place to stay.
