Khanderi Island
Island fort off Mumbai coast with cannon batteries
Khanderi island off Maharashtra features a 17th‑century sea fort reachable by boat from Alibag; day‑trippers visit for fort ruins, coastal views, boat rides and diving around the rocky reefs.
Khanderi at a Glance#
Admission: Free (boat fare applies)
About Khanderi#
Khanderi is a small fortified island off the coast of Maharashtra, India, near Alibaug and opposite Mumbai across Mumbai Harbour. It is known for its 17th-century Maratha-era fortifications and a lighthouse.
The island’s fortifications were strengthened during the 17th century under the Maratha navy to guard coastal approaches and supply lines along the Konkan coast. Remains of walls, bastions and a small temple are visible on the island.
Historically the island was part of the maritime defence network built and used by Maratha naval commanders during the period of regional conflict with European and other powers. Later the site hosted navigational aids such as a lighthouse to support shipping.
Khanderi lies off the coastal town of Alibaug in the Arabian Sea, reached by short boat trips from Alibaug and nearby ports; the landscape is rocky and maritime with nearby islets and channels used for local navigation.
- Paired fort islands: The island forms a paired defensive group with the nearby Underi island and fort, together controlling approaches along the coastal channel off the Raigad/Alibaug coast.
How to Get to Khanderi#
Khanderi is reached by boat from Alibaug (roughly 8-12 km offshore depending on landing point) or from Revdanda. Boat operators in Alibaug and Mandwa run day trips; the crossing time is typically 30-60 minutes depending on sea conditions.
Tips for Visiting Khanderi#
- Take a boat from Alibaug or Revdanda and ask the captain to land on the lee side - some shorelines are rocky and slippery.
- Visit with a local guide if interested in fortifications and Maratha naval history - many of the fort's details are unlabelled.
- Combine with a visit to nearby Underi Fort to compare the two sea‑forts and their differing construction styles.
Best Time to Visit Khanderi#
Winter (November-February) is the safest and most comfortable season for visiting by boat.
Weather & Climate near Khanderi#
Tropical climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and warm winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2080 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 25° | 1 mm | clear | 55% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 20° - 29° | 24° | 1 mm | clear | 49% | 2.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Ideal | 23° - 30° | 27° | 1 mm | clear | 49% | 2.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 26° - 31° | 30° | 6 mm | clear | 56% | 2.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Ideal | 28° - 32° | 34° | 27 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 3.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Acceptable | 28° - 32° | 37° | 495 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| July | Acceptable | 27° - 30° | 35° | 686 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Good | 26° - 30° | 34° | 461 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Good | 26° - 30° | 33° | 295 mm | overcast | 89% | 2.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Very Good | 25° - 32° | 33° | 92 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.1 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 24° - 32° | 30° | 12 mm | clear | 70% | 1.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 3 mm | clear | 63% | 2.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 10.9h |