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From the Mughals to the Marathas, the British, and even the Portuguese reigned over it at different points in time, leaving behind a rich history.
Worli Fort was built by the British as a defence fort.
With rich natural beauty, cultural heritage, and diverse landscapes, Mumbai is a popular vacation spot for everyone to immerse themselves in. While the City Of Dreams is often associated with its bustling cityscape, nightlife, and iconic landmarks, the city also boasts a number of lesser-known forts. From the Mughals to the Marathas, the British, and even the Portuguese reigned over it at different points in time, leaving behind a rich history.
These historical sites, often overlooked by tourists, offer a glimpse into Mumbai’s past and provide opportunities for exploration and reflection. So, without much ado, let’s delve into some of these hidden gems:
Castella de Aguada
Also known as Bandra Fort, this ancient Portuguese fort is one of the most visited tourist places in Mumbai. Situated in Land’s End in Bandra, the fort lies several feet high from the average sea level at a height of 24 meters. Besides being a tourist spot in the region, the fort has been a famous shooting spot and has been featured in many Bollywood movies like Dil Chahta Hai and Buddha Mil Gaya.
Worli Fort
Standing tall in the middle of the Worli fishing village, the Worli Fort is a historic yet unexplored tourist attraction in Mumbai. It was built on a hilltop by the British as a defense fort to keep an eye on the enemy ships and pirates. Get drenched in the views of the amazing Mahim Bay and the Bandra-Worli Sealink with a cool sea breeze touching your face. In addition to that, the historical structure has a built-in well, a temple, and ample viewpoints overlooking the vast sea. This defense structure, visited by quite a few history buffs, students, and foreigners, is one of the few intact forts in Mumbai that is worth a visit for its unimpaired architecture.
Vasai Fort
Built by the Portuguese in 1536 and spread over 110 acres, the Bassein Fort, aka Vasai Fort, is located in the town of Vasai in the Palghar District of Maharashtra. It is a majestic fort and a protected monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. This fort overlooks the confluence of the River Ulhas in the background and is one of the top tourist destinations in the region showcasing the Indo-European defensive architecture. This giant fort boasts six churches, three convents, and one cathedral as well as numerous public and private buildings, including a town hall, hospital, college, factory, library, coin mint, and a buzzing marketplace. This fort was home to 2400 soldiers, 300 residents, nobles, and artisans, and it remained a commercial, political, and military base of the Portuguese for nearly 300 years.
Irmitri fort
Also known as the Dongri Fort, this was constructed during the Maratha rule in 1739. Located right by the sea, this place offers a 360-degree view of Vasai Fort to the North, Borivali National Park to the East, Essel World, and the Water Kingdom to the South. This fort is well-maintained by a church located nearby and the locals in Dongri.
Cross Island Fort
Colloquially known as Chinal Tekdi, this place is situated on the Mumbai Harbour in India. Sandwiched between Dockyard Road and Elephanta Island, Cross Island boasts an oil refinery, several large gas holders, and beautiful remains of a ruined fort. Located around 400 meters from Ferry Wharf, you can reach the Cross Island in a speedboat or ferry.
