Bandra Fort, also known as Castella de Aguada, is a historical fort built by the Portuguese in Mumbai. It is located near Mahim Bay, in the upscale region of Bandra Reclamation. It is one of the most visited tourist spots in Mumbai, offering a scenic view of the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link.
In this article, we will explore the history, architecture, and attractions of Bandra Fort, and why you should consider it as your next destination.
History of Bandra Fort
Bandra Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1640 CE, to guard their settlement and defend the Mumbai Harbour from invaders. The name Castella de Aguada means “Fort of the Waterpoint”, as it was a source of fresh water for the ships that docked there. The fort was also known as Forte de Bandorá, meaning “Fort of Bandora”, which was the Portuguese name for Bandra.
The fort was partially destroyed by the British in the early 18th century, to prevent the Marathas from using it as a base to attack the city. The Marathas captured the fort in 1739 CE, until they lost it to the British in the First Anglo-Maratha War in 1774 CE. The fort was then neglected and fell into ruins over time.
The fort was renovated by the Bandra Bandstand Residents’ Trust in 2003, to conserve the ruins and maintain the aesthetics of the place. The fort is now a heritage site and a popular spot for photography and film shooting.
Architecture of Bandra Fort
Bandra Fort is a European style watch place with granite blocks and arched pillars. The fort has a main gateway that has a rock engraved in Portuguese, which reads “Santiago 1640”. The inside of the fort has sections for different purposes, such as storage, barracks, chapel, and watchtower. The fort also has gaps for cannons and guns that were used to fire at enemy ships.
The fort has a walkway to the Arabian Sea that offers a panoramic view of the sea and the bridge. The walkway is lined with palm trees and benches that create a tranquil atmosphere. The fort is 24 m (79 ft) above the sea level to prevent flooding during high tide.
Also check out: The Walk Takes To The Storied Past of Mumbai You Wouldn't Know
Things to do and see around Bandra Fort
There are many activities and attractions that tourists can enjoy around Bandra Fort. Here are some of them:
Take a stroll around the site: You can explore the ruins and the mini garden inside the fort, and admire its historical charm.
Do some exercise: You can jog, run, or hike around the area, and enjoy the fresh air and breeze.
Tour around celebrity houses: You can join a guided tour that shows you the homes of some Bollywood stars such as Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, who live near the fort.
Enjoy the view: You can admire the spectacular view of the sunset over the sea and the bridge from the walkway or the seating area. You can also take some amazing pictures or videos of the scenery.
Visit Mount Mary Church: You can visit this Roman Catholic basilica that is famous for its annual feast and fair. The church is located on a hill near the fort, and has a beautiful statue of Mother Mary.
View the Bandra-Worli Sea Link: You can view this cable-stayed bridge that connects Bandra and Worli across the sea. The bridge is an engineering marvel and a landmark of Mumbai.
You may also like to check out: Top 12 places and activities in Bandra
How to Reach Bandra Fort
there are several ways to reach Bandra Fort from Mumbai airport or railway station. Here are some of the options:
By train and bus:
You can take the train from Vile Parle station near the airport to Bandra station, and then take the line 1 bus from Telephone Exchange Bandra to Bandra Reclamation Bus Station. The fort is a short walk from there. This may take about an hour and cost around 20 rupees.
By bus:
You can take the bus from Domestic Airport Junction to Mahim Phatak, and then take the line 1 bus from Mahim Bus Station to Bandra Reclamation Bus Station. The fort is a short walk from there. This may take about an hour and 20 minutes and cost around 40 rupees.
By taxi:
You can take a taxi from the airport or the railway station to Bandra Fort directly. This may take about 10 minutes and cost around 200 rupees.
By town car:
You can take a town car from the airport or the railway station to Bandra Fort directly. This may take about 10 minutes and cost around 2000 rupees.
By foot:
You can walk from the airport or the railway station to Bandra Fort, but this may take a long time and be exhausting. It is about 7 km from the airport and 4.5 km from the railway station12.
Bandra Fort is open from 6:00 am to 6:30 pm every day, and there is no entry fee. It is a historical and scenic place that you can visit and enjoy
Best Time to Visit Bandra Fort
The best time to visit Bandra Fort is during winter, from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant and cool, and the sky is clear and blue. You can enjoy the scenic view of the sea and the bridge and explore the fort and its surroundings comfortably.
You can also witness the spectacular sunset over the horizon from the walkway or the seating area. Winter is also the peak season for tourism in Mumbai, so you can expect to see many other visitors and activities at Bandra Fort
Bandra Fort is a historical gem in the heart of Mumbai that offers a glimpse into its past and present. It is a place where you can learn more about its history, architecture, and significance. It is also a place where you can have fun and relax with its attractions and activities. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience in Mumbai, you should definitely visit Bandra Fort.
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