Sindhudurg district, a part of the Konkan division is a district of Maharashtra state with its administrative headquarters located at Oras city. The district got its name from the fort of Sindhudurg and the name Sindhudurg fort means "fort in the sea" since it lies on a rocky island just off the coast of Malvan. The construction of this fort was started on 25th November, 1664 under the supervision of King Shivaji. The fort was completed in 3 years and as a result the enemies faced difficulties in entering through the Arabian sea. It is the only fort which has Shivaji's temple inside the fort and a palm imprint of the King Shivaji. The district has all total 37 forts, the highest number of forts in Maharashtra. The earlier Sindhudurg district is located on the western portion of the high plateau of 'Konkan' and at that time it was well known for its long coastline and safe harbors. Once this district was a significant part of the Ratnagiri district. But on 1st May, 1981, the expansion of administrative work loads and industrial and agricultural development compelled it to divide into two districts such as Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg. Finally, in the year 1989 Sindhudurg was emerged as a separate district in the map of Maharashtra state.

Mangesh Keshav Padgaonkar, an illustrious Marathi poet was born on 10th March, 1929 at Vengurla in the Sindhudurg district. He was honoured with many prestigious awards likewise Padma Bhushan in 2013, Maharashtra Bhushan in 2008, Sahitya Academy Award in 1980, etc.

Geographically, the district lies at 16°18'N latitude, 73°75'E longitude and 690 m altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 54.23% forest area of total geographical area. The district encompasses a geographical area of 5,207 sq km. and in terms of geographical area it occupies the ranks of 32nd in the state and 215th in India. It is bounded by Ratnagiri district on the North, Belgaum district, Karnataka and Goa on the South and Arabian Sea on the East. The climate of the district remains extremely hot during the summer. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 4608.0 mm in the year of 2024-2025.

Administration wise, the district is divided into 8 tehsils namely Dodamarg, Sawantwadi, Vengurla, Kudal, Malvan, Kankavli, Devgad and Vaibhavwadi. Moreover, it also comprises 8 towns and 740 villages. The administrative language in the district is Marathi.

According to 2011 census the district has a population of 8,49,651 out of which 4,17,332 are males and 4,32,319 are females. The district has a sex ratio of 1036 females for every 1000 males. Furthermore, the district has an estimated projected population of 10,36,141 comprising 5,09,703 males and 5,26,438 females for the year 2026. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), the district has an estimated sex ratio of 1,035 females and a child sex ratio of 827 females per 1,000 males. During the year 2001-2011 the population growth rate in the district was -2.21% including -0.13% were males and -4.13% were females. The population density in the district is 163 persons per sq. km. In the year 2023 the number of live births in the district was 6,612 out of which 3,422 were males and 3,190 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 7,267 out of which 3,824 were males and 3,443 were females. As per 2011 census the major religion in the district is Hindu with 91.85% of the total population. According to 2011 census the principal language in the district is Marathi with 91.22%.

Agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the district. Most of the lands in the district are use for agricultural purposes. More than half of its population are engaged in agriculture in order to earn their livelihood. The chief agricultural products in the district are rice, coconut, kokam, mango, cashew, etc. The irrigation facility of the district is also very well developed. The adoption of the new agricultural technologies amongst the farmers of the district helps to increase the production of various agricultural items. Every year a huge chunk of revenue comes from the agricultural products in the district helps in its economy to a great extent. In the year 2023-2024 the Gross Domestic Product in the district was Rs. 28,33,400 lakh at current price and Rs. 16,63,000 lakh at constant 2011-2012 prices. The Net Domestic Product in the district during the period 2023-2024 was Rs. 25,56,500 lakh at current price and Rs. 14,89,800 lakh at constant 2011-2012 prices. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, At Factor Cost in the district during the period 2023-2024 was Rs. 2,79,080 at current price and Rs. 1,62,631 at constant 2011-2012 prices.

The district is well-known as an abode of several reputed educational institutions. It provides a platform for higher education. As per 2011 census the literacy rate in the district is 85.56% including 91.58% are males and 79.81% are females. In addition, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the period July 2023-June 2024 estimated literacy rate in the district is 90.21% including 100.00% are males and 80.76% are females (Age 7 Years and Above).

Nath Bapu Pai, a veteran Indian politician and a member of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Lok Sabha from the Rajapur Lok Sabha Constituency of Maharashtra was born on 25th September, 1922 at Vengurla in the district. He was a prominent leader of Praja Socialist Party (political party).

The district has several centres of attraction which allures many travellers from different parts of the country as well as world. Sawantwadi Palace royal palace, located in the district was earlier situated on Narendra hill. The palace was constructed by Khemsawant III in the late 18th century (1755-1803) and Moti-Talao (Talao-lake) was built in front in the year 1874. Shri Dev Rameshwar Temple, located at the Rameshwar Wadi village in Devgad taluka of Sindhudurg district is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Shiva. It is a historically significant temple which was built in the 16th century. Every year a number of pilgrims from far off places come to this temple in order to offer their prayers. Some other notable places of interest in the district are Sindhudurg Fort, Kunkeshwar Temple, Aangnewadi Shree Bharadi Devi, Redi Ganapati, Vijaydurg Fort, Amboli Hill Station, Nagartas Waterfall, Amboli Waterfalls, Napne Waterfalls and many more.