# Gowalkot

- **Country:** India
- **Coordinates:** 17.546528, 73.487806

Gowalkot, also known as Govalkot Fort, is a historic sea fort situated on the southern bank of the Vashishti River in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, India. Located approximately ten kilometers from Chiplun, the structure stands about 45 meters high and is strategically guarded by the river on three sides and a trench on the fourth. Originally constructed from stone, the fort covers an area of roughly two acres. While its exact founding date is debated, it is famously associated with Siddi Habshi of Janjira, who built the current iteration in 1690. The site holds deep historical roots involving local landownership by the Chougle family, whose lineage traces back to a Hindu king who converted to Islam, reflecting the region's complex cultural fabric.

The fort possesses significant military history tied to the Maratha Empire. In 1660, the legendary ruler Shivaji Maharaj captured the stronghold and renamed it Govindgad, though it was later lost to the Siddis under his successor, Sambhaji Maharaj. Historically, the installation was heavily armed with approximately twenty-two cannons. In a notable preservation effort in May 2017, archaeologists relocated ten British-made cannons, some measuring up to 7.5 feet in length, from the port area back to the fort for restoration. These artifacts are believed to have been utilized by the Maratha army during their naval campaigns.

Today, Gowalkot exists primarily as ruins under the ownership of the Government of India, yet it remains open to the public. The interior contains trees, dwellings, and a dry well approximately 22 feet deep, while a temple dedicated to Goddess Karanjeshwari sits at the foothills. Despite its dilapidated condition, the site offers visitors stunning views of the flowing Vashishti River and the surrounding undulating valley. Reaching the top of the small hill within the fort takes about an hour, allowing tourists to explore the remnants of this once-strategic military installation and appreciate its scenic natural setting.

![Photo of Gowalkot](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e2/Gowalkot_estuary%2C_Ratnagiri.jpg)

**Source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gowalkot (Wikipedia, CC BY-SA)