Located 47km south of Alleppey, the Krishnapuram Palace was built in the 18th century during the rule of Marthanda Varma, the King of Travancore, The double storied building was built using the traditional architectural styles of Kerala. The palace functions as a archaeological museum today and is known its “Gajendra Moksham” mural (meaning “Redemption of the elephant”, which is considered to be one of the largest mural paintings in Kerala.
The Province had constructed beautifully crafted and architecturally sturdy palaces for the Royal family. The Sawantwadi palace has withstood the swinging moods of natural wrath and stands tall amongst the beautiful surroundings.
Suvarnadurg fort situated in the middle of the sea is surrounded by water on all sides. The fort was conquered by Shivaji Maharaj in 1660 and used as a base for Maratha navy ship building facility. Kanhojee Angrey the chief of the Maratha Navy spent his childhood here and later became its governor. He set up a powerful fleet of warships to protect the western coast of Konkan region from the invasion of British, French, Portuguese and Dutch. The fort is a landmark in the Konkan area.
Suvarnadurg Fort, also known as Harnai Bunder, lies off the beautiful Harnai coast. It is a small sea port built by great emperor Shivaji to effectively counter the attacks by Sindhis. Of late the fort had been converted to a ship building port in Maharashtra.
Thebaw or Thibaw Point is the place where the lovely mansion, The Thebaw Palace is located. Built in the year 1910, the palace is famed as the exile shelter of the king and the queen of Burma (Myanmar).
Thibaw Point also is a thriving spot of picnickers, and it gives a panoramic view of the entire city. People gather here in large groups to see the stunning view of the sunset.
The Thibaw Point, nestled in the lap of majestic Arabian Sea, presents a picturesque view of a dense village. Situated at the hem of a hill, this point is a fast emerging tourist destination in Ratnagiri that offers delightful sceneries of a virgin land.
The 17th century Jaigad Fort, 35 km from Ganapatipule is located at the mouth of the Sangameshwar River. The fort gives great views of the sea.
The Jaigad Fort is a sea fort which is located at the tip of a peninsula in the district of Ratnagiri. The Fort is cuddled on a cliff which overlooks a bay. The bay is formed where the Shastri river enters the Arabian Sea. The Fort is 35 km from Ganapatipule.
The pool at Dajipur was named after Magraj. Magraj was the head of a Brahman family. He started to build the pool in the year 1515, but died before it was completed.
Magraj’s death devastated his first wife. She sacrificed herself at the cremation of her husband. The second wife took over the construction of the Magraj pool.
The architecture of the pool is beautiful. It has three empty tombs symbolizing the love of Magraj and his two wives. The pool is encircled with natural beauty and wildlife which includes the peacock.
On top of a detached hill and surrounded on nearly all sides by higher hills, is the Gowalkot Fort. This Fort is said to have, at different times, belonged to various kingdoms including the Habshi, Angre, and the Peshvas. At the top of the fort is a beautiful reservoir. Shivaji Maharaj is also believed to have used the Gowalkot Fort at various times.
While the Gowalkot Fort is in a relative state of disrepair, it offers a panoramic view of Chiplun, the Western Ghats, the valley, and the Vashisti River.
Located 24km from Bordi, Dahanu Fort was captured by the Marathas in 1739. Later under the Treaty of Bassein it was taken over by the British. This small fort is situated on the banks of the river and built of stone. The fort used to be a jail but now it is a tourist attraction.
Before Independence, the Dahanu Fort was in the hands of the British. After freedom, the fort was converted into a jail. It is one of the tourist attractions of Dahanu.
In January 1739, the fort of Dahanu was captured by the Marathas under the leadership of Chimaji Rao Appa. Around 1817 AD, the fort was taken over by the British through a ‘Treaty of Bassein’.
Ratangad Fort was captured by Maharaj Chhatrapati Shivaji. This fort was one of his favorite forts. He loved to spend most of his leisure time in the fort. The fort is set in the realms of the nature. The fort has grounds for trekkers. The view from the fort is beautiful and breathtaking.
There are two caves to be seen at the top of the Fort. These caves can be used for staying. One can go round the fort to look at the Kalsubai mountain range. The fort has a natural opening. A visitor can spend his time by sitting in the opening.
Panchakki otherwise known as the water mill was built during the early years of the 17th century. The mill used to grind grains for the pilgrims. It was so designed that it generated energy through water which was brought from a spring on a mountain.
These pipes are lined up at particular distances. To allow the water to flow through the pumps masonary pillars are erected. Water through the pipes flows with a force and it rises to a huge raised masonary pillar and from there it falls to make an attractive water fall.
