Janjira Fort - from the ferry
View from the top of the fortDespite the grandeur of the fort, this trip left us somewhat disappointed for very many reasons. One, the company was pathetic. The entire place seemed to be teeming with youths who had no interest in the fort or its history but were there only to make a racket and shout some or the other slogans the entire time.
Two, the place where you get the ferry from, Dighi, is unbelievably filthy. Three, no one knows what time the ferry exactly leaves. We got several different versions from people. But the truth is that the ferry doesn't leave until it fills its quorum of 50 people. On the Sunday that we went, this happened at around 10 am. Consequently, spending an hour waiting for the ferry for the three reasons above was grueling.
Four, the guide was rather sad. Some tidbits of info he gave us seemed interesting and logical, but the other stuff was so dismal that even you and I could do a better job just by the strength of our GK! Reason five was that you have to compulsorily buy a return ticket for the ferry which allows you about 45 minutes to see the fort. You don't get to see even a corner of it in that time. Besides, after we got hurriedly back to the entrance, we were waiting to board the ferry for another 15 min, which we could've spent inside the fort. The fort has 22 Buruj or viewing points, some 120+ cannons, several ponds and wells that have fresh water right in the middle of the sea, a secret passage-way, hundreds of other places – how can anyone do justice to it in 45 minutes?
Reason number six – the fort is shockingly badly maintained. For once, the Archeological Survey of India seemed to have no control on the environs and the unclean surroundings presented a very sorry picture. The main water body on the fort was fully covered in green moss and had all sorts of waste dumped into it. The fort was privately owned by the Siddhis but has been taken over by the Central Government since 1972 (according to the guide). Yet, there was no entry ticket or an organized, formal system for guides like in the case of other forts in Maharashtra like Raigad and Pratapgad for instance.
In its hey days, Janjira must have been a majestic monument that stood tall against all its conquerors – to date it remains undefeated. Today, it is in shambles and its desperate calls for attention are going unheard!
Done my way and at my pace, this trip had the potential of being etched in my memory forever.
My verdict: No comments.
Two, the place where you get the ferry from, Dighi, is unbelievably filthy. Three, no one knows what time the ferry exactly leaves. We got several different versions from people. But the truth is that the ferry doesn't leave until it fills its quorum of 50 people. On the Sunday that we went, this happened at around 10 am. Consequently, spending an hour waiting for the ferry for the three reasons above was grueling.
Four, the guide was rather sad. Some tidbits of info he gave us seemed interesting and logical, but the other stuff was so dismal that even you and I could do a better job just by the strength of our GK! Reason five was that you have to compulsorily buy a return ticket for the ferry which allows you about 45 minutes to see the fort. You don't get to see even a corner of it in that time. Besides, after we got hurriedly back to the entrance, we were waiting to board the ferry for another 15 min, which we could've spent inside the fort. The fort has 22 Buruj or viewing points, some 120+ cannons, several ponds and wells that have fresh water right in the middle of the sea, a secret passage-way, hundreds of other places – how can anyone do justice to it in 45 minutes?
Reason number six – the fort is shockingly badly maintained. For once, the Archeological Survey of India seemed to have no control on the environs and the unclean surroundings presented a very sorry picture. The main water body on the fort was fully covered in green moss and had all sorts of waste dumped into it. The fort was privately owned by the Siddhis but has been taken over by the Central Government since 1972 (according to the guide). Yet, there was no entry ticket or an organized, formal system for guides like in the case of other forts in Maharashtra like Raigad and Pratapgad for instance.
In its hey days, Janjira must have been a majestic monument that stood tall against all its conquerors – to date it remains undefeated. Today, it is in shambles and its desperate calls for attention are going unheard!
Done my way and at my pace, this trip had the potential of being etched in my memory forever.
My verdict: No comments.
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