Mirjan Fort in Kumta, Gokarna - Popularly known as "Queen of Pepper"

Located on the banks of river Aghanashini, Mirjan Fort is located in Kumta, some 20 km down South of Gokarna. It is built with red laterite stones which are abundant in this region. Spread across 10 acres, the history of the fort remains scattered. Common belief of the locals is that this fort was built between 1562 - 1606 by Queen ‘Chenna Byradevi’. She was the ruler of this region, popularly known "Queen of Pepper", because of the fact that she had trade relations of pepper varieties with Dutch, Portuguese and British. A different version narrates that the fort was built by Nawayath Sultanates in early 1200 A.D. The fort is also believed to be a site for many past battles in the 16th and 17th Century.

Though the fort is deserted and vanished, one can still witness wells, flag-pole, watch tower, remains of an assembly hall, rooms and idols of gods etc. Though there were 4 entrances, only one is accessible now. Wells and interlinking passages for the water storage system are still the source of water inside the castle. The archaeological excavations conducted here in the year 2001 unearthed several laterite structures of the medieval period, gold coins attributed to Portuguese Viceroys, Chinese porcelain, and Islamic inscriptions. Indian flag is hoisted on the fort every Independence day. The fort is a testimony of time and the views around it are simply overwhelming.