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A grand new statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was unveiled at Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg district, Maharashtra, on May 11, 2025. This new statue is the tallest of Shivaji Maharaj in India and has replaced the earlier 35-foot statue that collapsed in August 2024. The statue is not only a tribute to the great warrior king but also a symbol of strength and pride for the people of Maharashtra.
Key features of the new statue
The newly built statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj stands 91 feet tall, including a 10-foot pedestal. It is made completely of bronze and has a strong stainless steel frame inside. This structure has been specially designed to face the heavy rains and strong storms that are common in the Konkan region. Shivaji Maharaj is shown holding a 29-foot-long sword in the statue, which makes it look even more powerful.
The design of this statue was checked and approved by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai. It was built by the State Public Works Department at a total cost of ₹31.75 crore. The statue was created by Ram Sutar, the same famous sculptor who made the Statue of Unity in Gujarat.
Background and importance
The earlier 35-foot statue of Shivaji Maharaj was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December 2023. Sadly, it fell due to strong winds just a few months later. Soon after, the government promised to build a stronger and taller statue at the same place.
The unveiling ceremony of the new statue was attended by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CM Eknath Shinde, and other important guests. During the event, Fadnavis said that this statue would inspire the next generation and also help to increase tourism in the area. A 10-year maintenance agreement has also been made with the builders to keep the statue safe for years to come.
This statue is now a proud reminder of Shivaji Maharaj's legacy and the brave history of Maharashtra.
How to reach Rajkot Fort in Sindhudurg
Rajkot Fort is located in Malvan, a coastal town in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. You can reach the fort in the following ways:
By Air:
The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport in Goa, around 130 km from Malvan. Taxis and buses are available from there. Kolhapur Airport is another option, around 90 km away.
By Train:
The closest railway station is Kankavli, about 40 km from the fort. It is connected to cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Kolhapur. From there, take a local bus or taxi to Malvan.
By Road:
You can drive to Malvan via National Highway 66.
Mumbai to Rajkot Fort: 530 km
Pune to Rajkot Fort: 387 km
Take a state bus to Malvan ST Stand, then a local bus to Wadacha Paar stop. From there, it's just a 10-minute walk to the fort.
Local transport:
Auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available in Malvan. You can also rent a bike to explore nearby places.
Top places to visit near Rajkot Fort
1. Sindhudurg Fort - A historic sea fort built by Shivaji Maharaj between 1664 and 1667, offering great views of the Arabian Sea.
2. Tarkarli Beach - Known for clear water and scuba diving. You can even see the seabed up to 15 feet deep.
3. Tsunami Island - A sandbar island famous for water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and banana boat rides.
4. Rock Garden - A peaceful garden by the sea, great for sunset views.
5. Devbagh Beach - A calm beach with water sports and houseboat stays, ideal for relaxation.
6. Amboli Waterfalls - Beautiful waterfalls in Amboli Ghat, surrounded by green nature, best seen during monsoon.
7. Sawantwadi Palace - A royal palace that shows the art and traditional Konkani architecture of the region.
8. Nivati Beach and Fort - A quiet beach with clean sand and a small fort offering lovely sea views.
This new statue and the beauty of Sindhudurg together make it a must-visit place for history lovers, tourists, and families.
