The Lone Fort in Navi Mumbai: Belapur Fort/ Shehbaz Killa

Finally, after planning for months of visiting this place; in-spite of being the closest fort to my home; the visit materialized one rainy September weekend.

The major reason for wanting to go to this place was because it was built by the Siddi's, some distant relative. So I set out with my cousin on a drive to the fort.

Unexplored Murud: The Khokri Tombs

About 6 kms. from Murud-Janjira (and 1.5 kms. from Rajpuri) lies the Khokri (a.k.a Khokari) Tombs. They are just a km ahead from Rajpuri jetty where people board boats going to Janjira fort.

You will need to have your own vehicle to reach that place. Although you may get some local transport; you could struggle for the return journey since that place is secluded with no settlements nearby. Expect this to change after the construction of the Dighi-Agardanda port.

The tombs are of the earliest Siddis (probably the black African descendants). There are 3 major tombs  - One large and two smaller ones.

Unexplored Murud: The Nawab Siddi's Palace

On Friday I got an opportunity to explore the restricted palace from somewhat close distance thanks to the fact that the Nawab is some long-distance relative and Friday prayers are held in the Masjid inside.

I didn't explore the palace from inside and I think I made a big mistake of not seeking permission from the Nawab and losing this golden opportunity.

Anyways whatever I have explored is as follows:


The Masjid

The Masjid was earlier not used, but now the Nawab has opened it up for public. Many people come here for Friday prayers now.
There is one large tomb, next to the Masjid with some more graves behind. Probably this was the private graveyard of the Siddis.