Murud

Murud: Quiet, and the Fort in the Sea

Murud is the furthest south we go, and the point of it is that very little happens there. It is a small coastal town about two hours below Alibaug, with a long beach, a working fishing harbour, and — the reason most people make the trip — Murud-Janjira, an island fortress sitting offshore that has never been taken in five hundred years of trying.

If Alibaug is the easy weekend and Kashid is the good beach, Murud is the one you choose when you want the coast without the crowd and are willing to drive for it.

Murud-Janjira Fort

The fort is genuinely extraordinary and worth planning the trip around. Built on a rock island in the Arabian Sea, it was the stronghold of the Siddis of Janjira and was never captured — not by the Marathas, not by the Portuguese, not by the British. The walls rise straight out of the water, and inside there are freshwater tanks that still hold water despite being surrounded by sea.

You reach it by sailboat from Rajapuri jetty, a short crossing that runs through the day in season. Boats do not operate in rough weather, so the monsoon is largely out. Our Murud-Janjira travel guide covers timings, ticketing and the crossing.

Getting to Murud

From Mumbai, the practical route is the ferry to Mandwa followed by around two and a half hours by road south through Alibaug, Revdanda, Korlai and Kashid. Driving the whole way takes five to six hours.

From Alibaug town it is roughly 55 kilometres, around two hours along a coastal road that is one of the better drives in Maharashtra.

Where to Stay

We do not currently host a property in Murud town itself. Most guests visiting Murud base themselves at Privy Stays Hillside Villa in Kashid, around 40 minutes north — a 4BHK with a large private pool and 360-degree hill views that makes a comfortable base for exploring this stretch of coast.

If you would rather be closer to the fort or need something specific, tell us through the contact page and we will advise honestly on what is available.

Things to Do

• Murud-Janjira Fort — the main event, by boat from Rajapuri
• Murud Beach — long, quiet and best in the early morning
• Kashid Beach — the region's best sand, 40 minutes north
• Ahmedganj Palace — the ruined Nawab's palace overlooking the town
• Datta Mandir — a hilltop temple with views along the coast
• Fishing harbour — worth an early morning visit when the boats come in
• Seafood — this is a fishing town, and the local restaurants reflect it

Our guide to Murud Beach covers the town in more detail.

When to Visit

November to February is the window. Dry, comfortable, and the sea calm enough for the fort boats to run reliably.

March to May is hot, and the fort crossing in the middle of the day is exposed. Go early.

June to September is difficult. Boats to Janjira stop in rough seas, and the main reason to visit becomes unavailable. The coast is beautiful and empty, but plan around the fort being closed.

Is Murud Worth the Drive?

Honestly, it depends on your trip. For a two-night weekend, the travel time is hard to justify — you will spend a disproportionate share of it in the car. For three nights or more, or if the fort is genuinely something you want to see, it is one of the more rewarding places on this coast precisely because so few people make the effort.

If you are unsure, Kashid gives you most of the quiet with an hour less driving, and Murud-Janjira remains a comfortable day trip from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Murud-Janjira Fort?

By sailboat from Rajapuri jetty, a few kilometres from Murud town. Boats run through the day in season and stop in rough weather.

Is the fort open during the monsoon?

The fort itself is, but the boats frequently are not. Between June and September, assume the crossing may not happen.

How far is Murud from Alibaug?

Around 55 kilometres, roughly two hours by road.

Is Murud Beach good for swimming?

It is long and quiet, but there are no lifeguards and currents vary. Kashid is the better swimming beach.

Can I visit Murud as a day trip?

From Kashid, comfortably. From Alibaug it is a long day — four hours of driving plus the fort. Better as an overnight.