With its extensive coastline, India is home to a number of ancient seaside forts that were formerly important military outposts and commercial hubs.
Constructed by the Maratha monarch Chhatrapati Shivaji to defend his realm from foreign incursions, Sindhudurg Fort is situated on an island off the coast of Malvan in Maharashtra.
The 48-acre fort is renowned for its tactical layout, which includes covert entrances and defensive walls.
One of India's most formidable marine forts, Janjira Fort was perched on an island close to the seaside town of Murud in Maharashtra.
Constructed by the Siddis, it eluded the Marathas and the British. The strong construction, 19 circular bastions, and underground escape tunnels of the fort are its most well-known features.
One of Kerala's biggest forts, Bekal Fort is perched on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea and is situated in the Kasargod district
Constructed in the 17th century by Keladi dynasty member Shivappa Nayaka, the fort provides stunning vistas of the surrounding shoreline and beach.
Originally constructed by the Portuguese in the sixteenth century to protect their country from assaults, Chapora Fort overlooks Vagator Beach.
Despite being mostly in ruins now, the fort is nonetheless a popular tourist destination because of its picturesque views of the surrounding area and the sea.
Surrounded by the Arabian Sea and constructed by the Portuguese in 1535, the Diu Fort is situated on India's western coast.
The fort is a huge building with a lighthouse, tunnels and multiple bastions. Being a key defensive position for the Portuguese, it continues to be one of Diu's top attractions.