Basavaraj Durga Fort

Basavaraj Durga Fort is a historic island fortress located near Honnavar in the Uttara Kannada district of Karnataka. Constructed during the Vijayanagar rule in the late 16th century and later captured by Keladi ruler Shivappa Nayaka, who named it after Keladi prince Basavaraj, this fort stands on an island about 19 hectares in area and rises 45 to 50 meters above sea level.

The fort is built with massive laterite blocks forming strong fortifications and features the ruins of eight mounted guns. Access to the island is by boat from nearby villages or Honnavar town. The top of the island is a plateau covered in dry grass and sparse trees, with several freshwater wells indicating its strategic importance.

A Hindu temple built between the 16th and 17th centuries exists on the island, and local fishermen visit it annually during the Makarasankranti festival to offer prayers for protection at sea. Today, the fort is mostly in ruins with an empty interior but remains a captivating site for history enthusiasts and adventurers, presenting a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance in the Arabian Sea off the Karnataka coast.