One cannot leave
Murud without visiting the great Janjira
fort. A black mass of impregnable
rock, Janjira fort leaves one awestruck.
A stone carving at the main entrance
depicts six elephants trapped by a
single tiger-a symbol of the bravery
of the Sidis. Once the fort boasted
of five hundred canons, today only
a handful are left, still intact and
able to tell their story. Amongst
them are the three major cannons,
Kalal Bangdi, Landakasam and Bhavani,
the cherished weapons of the Sidis,
built from five metals.
This is where the weekender has his
tipsy moments in complete privacy
and where families find themselves
drawn closer together. Hawkers have
not yet destroyed its serenity, five
star hotels have not commercialized
it. Murud is untouched and unspoilt
as yet.
Unlike other beaches located on flat
land, in Murud the beach is found
at the foot of the hills. One stands
on a vast expanse of sand stretching
into miles, without seeing a soul.
There is a compelling force about
its bleakness, and a majesty about
the waters.
Around 8 km from Murud is a holy spot
named Nandgaon, is famous for its
Ganapati temple and the annual fair
held in honour of this elephant headed
god every February.
Alkapuri at a distance of 3-4 km from
Murud is a picnic spot favored for
its lush green vegetation. |