Tarapur Fort

Tarapur Fort, located in Palghar district, Maharashtra, is a historic seaside fortress with origins dating back to around 1280 when it was first captured by the ruler Bhima of Mahikavati. The Portuguese took control of the fort in 1553, using it as an important trading outpost on the western coast of Maharashtra.

They built artillery fortifications, established a Dominican mission, and successfully defended it against attacks from Abyssinian forces and the Mughals. In 1739, the Marathas under Chimaji Appa captured the fort after a fierce battle involving mining the walls and scaling the ramparts. The Marathas then repaired the fort and held it until the British took over in 1803.

The fort historically included walls with bastions, a church, monastery, hospital, granaries, guard room, and several wells providing excellent water. The Peshwa granted custodianship of the fort to Vikaji Mehrji, whose descendants still hold it. Today, Tarapur Fort is accessible to the public and offers a blend of rich history and scenic coastal views, surrounded by gardens and close to local beaches like Chinchani. It remains a significant cultural and historical landmark reflecting the region's colonial and Maratha past.