The short answer
Rajkot Fort and Shivaji Statue: what visitors should know first
Worth a short stop in the late afternoon if you cannot do the ferry. There is little left of the fort itself, but the statue and the coastal views are the draw. Check access and timings locally, as they have changed in recent years.
History and context
The story behind Rajkot Fort and Shivaji Statue
Rajkot Fort is described as built by Shivaji between 1664 and 1667, as part of the coastal defences around Malvan. A 1766 treaty between the British and the Karvirkar is said to have given the British permission for a warehouse here, though the details of what followed are unclear in the sources I could open.
A 35-foot Shivaji statue at the fort collapsed in 2024. The replacement, reported at 91 feet and bronze, was unveiled in May 2025.
Useful facts
Rajkot Fort and Shivaji Statue facts at a glance
- Location
- Rajkot hill, north-west of Malvan town
- Experience type
- Coastal hill and statue stop
- Known for
- Shivaji statue, surviving bastion, rocky shore
- Statue
- Reported 91 ft bronze, unveiled May 2025; earlier statue collapsed in 2024
- Time or schedule
- Reported daytime opening; confirm locally
Why it matters
Why Rajkot Fort and Shivaji Statue is worth your time
Rajkot Fort was built as part of Shivaji's defence of this coast between 1664 and 1667 and guarded the sea approach to Malvan alongside Sindhudurg, according to a travel listing. Only one bastion remains today, but its position on a headland, with sea on three sides, shows how it watched the shipping lanes.
Its better-known role now is as the site of the Shivaji statue. A 35-foot statue here collapsed in August 2024, which caused public anger, and a bronze replacement about 91 feet tall including its base, sculpted by Ram Sutar and built by the state Public Works Department, was unveiled by the Chief Minister in May 2025. It is now one of the more visible landmarks on the Malvan coast.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
The statue
The 91-foot bronze Shivaji statue is the main landmark and is visible from a distance.
- 02
The surviving bastion
One bastion and its flagpole show where the fort watched the sea.
- 03
The rocky shore
Waves break against the rocks below. Look, but keep your distance from the edge.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat Rajkot as a short coastal stop, not a full outing. Go by auto or car from town and aim for the late afternoon, when the light is softer and the sea breeze helps. Start at the statue, which stands on the fort hill and is large enough to see from some distance.
Walk the paths towards the single surviving bastion, where a flagpole historically warned boats away from the rocky shore, and look out to the water. Near the fort there is a small stretch of rocky shore with waves breaking, and temples to Ganesh and Mauni Maharaj are reported nearby. Keep away from the water's edge, because the sea is rough on these rocks.
Pair it with the Rock Garden and Chivla beach, which are on the same side of town, and finish with sunset and a thali in town.
Plan with confidence
Small decisions that make the visit easier.
- Check opening times and access locally before you go
- Go in the late afternoon to avoid midday heat
- Keep away from the rocky edge; the sea is rough
- Combine with the Rock Garden and Chivla beach
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Rajkot hill, north-west of Malvan town
- Time needed
- About 1 hour including travel
- Best time
- Late afternoon, November to February
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The approach is by road and the paths on the hill are short, though rocky in places. A bench or shaded seat is not guaranteed, so take water and avoid midday sun.
- Tickets and access
- One listing reports free entry and daytime opening, but this is not dated or sourced, so confirm locally. Access around the statue site has changed since the earlier statue collapsed.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near Rajkot Fort and Shivaji Statue
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
The approach is by road and the paths on the hill are short, though rocky in places. A bench or shaded seat is not guaranteed, so take water and avoid midday sun.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is there much left of Rajkot Fort?
No. Only one bastion survives, so the visit is mostly about the statue, the hill and the views.
What happened to the old Shivaji statue?
A 35-foot statue at the fort collapsed in August 2024, and a larger bronze statue was unveiled in May 2025.
Is Rajkot Fort free to enter?
One travel listing reports free entry and daytime opening, but it is undated. Confirm locally.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
