Mumbai has an impressive count of forts. Historians, students, professionals and even families, all sorts of people are drawn towards these stone and gravel structures of the past that still manage to beat time and tide. One can touch, feel and experience the grandeur of these forts with a weekend sojourn. Incidentally almost every fort structure in Maharashtra, specifically in Mumbai are located on the shorelines of the Arabian Sea.
Although most of the forts today portray a scene of decay, they still have an appeal that draws people from all corners of the world. Below are some Historical forts in Mumbai that has survived the test of time.
The Bandra Fort
The Bandra Fort can be rightly called a Bollywood starlet. It has been framed as the shooting location for several Bollywood blockbusters like Rangeela, RHTDM, Wanted, etc. A beautiful view of the distant horizon, palm fringed coasts, tender breeze and much more adds to the tourist quotient of the Bandra fort. The place is best visited during monsoons when it is most picturesque for photo shoots. Attempts to restore the fort to its previous glory are underway with voluntary contributions from celebrities and social activists.
Worli Village Fort
Located in South Mumbai, roughly about half an hour via road from Dadar, the Worli Village Fort was built as a watchtower that will monitor incoming naval traffic from the sea. One theory suggests that the fort was built by Portuguese and later captured by the British while another theory claims the fort to have built entirely by the British. Currently, the fort is under the supervision of the ASI and is counted as one of the most prestigious Historical forts in Mumbai. The fort is open to public visit during daytimes. It is located in close proximity to the Jawaharlal Nehru Garden. The nearest railway station is Sion East.
Sewri Fort
Records state that the Sewri Fort was built by the British in the sixteenth as a picnic spot where they could enjoy a peaceful vacation during the monsoons making it a prominent Historical forts in Mumbai. However, within a decade of its completion, Aurangzeb conquered Maharashtra and claimed ownership of the fort and its surrounding territories. In 1700s the fort is said to have been converted into a jail. In 1970 the Mumbai Port Trust took over and started using it as a warehouse. With the collective efforts of historians and activists, the fort is now been recognized as a historical monument and is being restored as a place of public interest.
Vasai Fort
The history of the Vasai fort is mired in a series of conquests. It was originally built the Raja Shivaji and is another prominent Historical forts in Mumbai you must visit. Chimaji Appa took over the fort from Shivaji. In the 17th century it fell under Portuguese control and was used as a naval dock. The current plight of the fort is sorrowful, however its natural charm and historical enigma still draws visitors without fail. There are two temples in near vicinity; one dedicated to Lord Shiva and the other to worship Chimaji Appa.
These Historical forts in Mumbai have more stories and mysteries to tell than all the Bollywood movies put together. A visit to these forts will surely make one aware of the dominating stance that India had over its invaders.