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THE 11 MOST IMPORTANT FORTS IN MUMBAI YOU

MUST VISIT
s on February 14, 2018

The Sahyadris were once an important hill range for the Maratha Empire. The Marathas built plenty of
forts to protect their kingdom at many vantage points in this region. These forts speak volumes about
their architecture and military might.
However, today most of them lie in ruins. But, this does not stop Mumbaikars from going to see these
places that are a testament to the might of the Maratha Empire. If you are looking to explore some forts
that are not too far away from Mumbai, follow our guide to the best forts in Mumbai as well as the forts
around Mumbai.
List of Forts in Mumbai

1. Castella de Aguada (Bandra Fort)

Bandra Fort, Bandra
Located within city limits, in the suburb of Bandra lies Castella de Aguada, an old fort that now partially
lies in ruins. Also called the Bandra fort, it was built by the Portuguese in the year 1640 and served as
their watch tower for many years.
Today, the fort is frequented by locals who come here to relax and spend romantic moments with their
better halves. The fort offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the neighbouring Bandra-Worli
Sea Link. The fort is favourite shooting spot for Bollywood, there have been many films shot here.
am to 6.30 pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

2. Worli Fort
Worli Fort (source)
Built by the British, the Worli Fort is a lesser-known landmark in the city. There are small winding roads
that lead to the fort, located at the end of a fishing village, overlooking the Mahim Bay.
Inside the fort, there is a small well and a temple. On the borders of the fort are large cannons made
from rock that were once used as weapons to deter enemies entering the territory. Once you are done
touring the fort, head to the nearby Golfa Devi temple that is considered to be a popular religious site in
Worli.
Location: Worli Village.

Timing: 6 am to 7.30 pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

3. Sewri Fort

Sewri Fort
Built by the Portuguese in the 1600s, the Sewri Fort was later taken over by British forces and used as a
watchtower. The fort was strategically designed to withstand attack by enemies, hence inside you will
find that the inner entrances are deliberately placed perpendicular to the main entrance.
In the courtyard of the fort is a large tree that is an excellent spot to grab some shade from the sun. Go
here to gaze at the beautiful domed rooms and vaulted linear structures inside the fort. During the
month of February, one can spot pink flamingos from the fort.
Location: Sewri
Timing: 6 am to 7.30 pm
Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
4. Sion Fort

Sion Fort (source)
The Sion Fort in Mumbai is located close to the Sion railway station. At the base of the fort lies a garden
called the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Udyan. To get to the fort, one has to take the flight of stairs, it should
take you around 10 minutes to reach the top of the fort from the stairs.
Once you are there, you will find a couple of ruined rooms and an old canon. From one side of the fort,
you can see the vast open salt pans and on the other a few buildings and factories. One of the most
magnificent forts in Mumbai to visit.
Location: Sion.

Timing: 6 am to 7.30 pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

List of forts around Mumbai
5. Karnala Fort
Karnala Fort
The Karnala Fort was an important strategic point that overlooked the Bor Pass. The fort now lies in
ruins and all that can be seen today is a large pillar called the Pandu’s tower and a few stones with
inscriptions in Marathi and Persian. At the base of the fort is a temple that was built in honour of
Goddess Bhavani. After you have seen the fort, visit the Karnala Bird Sanctuary that is located close by.
Location: Karnala

Timing: 7 am to 5 pm

Entry Fee: There is no fee for the fort, but you have to pay Rs. 250 to visit the bird sanctuary.

Distance from Mumbai: 49 kilometres

6. Fort Bassein (Vasai Fort)
Fort Bassein
A little away from Mumbai in the Vasai city, the Fort Bassein was an important vantage point for the
Portuguese. The fort today lies in ruins but it still attracts visitors.
Although the fort is quite large, there are only a few things that are worth seeing inside the ruins of the
fort. Noteworthy sites here are citadels, lovely inscriptions on the wall, and the beautiful arch at the
entrance adorned vestiges. Located close to the fort is the Cathedral of St. Joseph. No list of forts around
Mumbai is complete without a mention of Vasai Fort.
Location: Vasai

Timing: 6 am to 7 pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee

Distance from Mumbai: 66 kilometres

7. Mahuli Fort
Mahuli Fort (source)
The Mahuli Fort is located at the highest point in the Thane district. Once under the care of Shahaji Raje,
the fort today lies in ruins. On the fort premises, there are many small caves and an open Shiva temple.
To get to the fort from Mumbai, drive down the Mumbai-Nashik highway and then take a detour
from Asangaon, drive for about five kilometres until you reach the Mahuli Village. From there, you need
to climb up a slope to get to the fort.
Timing: Open Daily

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Distance from Mumbai: 77 kilometres

8. Kolaba Fort

Kolaba Fort
Locals refer to this fort as the Alibag Fort. Situated a little away from Mumbai, the fort has often been a
stopover for people heading to the Alibag beach. The way to the fort is via the sea, you can either
choose to rent a horse carriage or choose to wade through waist-high water.
In the fort, you’ll find a few freshwater wells, some glorious ruins, and a few canon guys guns that lie
vacant. Near the walls of the fort, there is a small room that was once considered to be a spy room.
Timing: 8 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee: No entry fee

Distance from Mumbai: 95 kilometres

9. Rajmachi Fort

Rajmachi Fort
The Rajmachi Fort lies at an altitude of 3000 feet above sea level. On the massive fort premises, there
are two fortresses and a few temples. On the way to the fort, there are a few caves, water tanks, and
some small streams.
The trek to this fort is fairly simple; it is suited for both advance as well as amateur trekkers. It is best to
visit the fort via Lonavala as the walk to get to the fort is a flat 15 kilometres.
Location: Rajmachi

Timing: 9 am to 6 pm
Distance from Mumbai: 95 kilometres
10. Lohagad Fort
Lohagad Fort
Hailed as the iron fort because it withstood many calamities and wars, the Lohagad Fort was constructed
by Guru Gobind Singh in 1564. The fort has many entrances, some of the important ones are the
Ganesh, Hanuman, and Maha Dawajas.
From the peak of the fort, one can enjoy splendid views of the Karla and Pawna lakes. The highlight here
is the Vinchu Kata (Scorpion’s Tail) fortification that is located a little away from the main section of the
fort. To get to the fort, one has to walk up the steps.
Location: Lohagad.

Timing:  9 am to 6.30 pm

Entry Fee: No Entry Fee.

Distance from Mumbai: 99 kilometres

11. Murud-Janjira Fort
Murud-Janjira Fort
This Murud-Janjira Fort is situated on the island of Murud, on the way to Alibaug from Mumbai (by
road). It is one of the only forts in the region to be constructed in the centre of the sea. The only way to
get to the fort is to hire a boat from the dock nearby.
The catch here is that you only get about 40 minutes to explore the fort before you have to head back.
However, if you hire a private boat or a personal tour guide, you’re allowed to spend more time at the
fort. Inside the fort are beautiful carvings on the walls, docked cannons, and lovely citadels.
Location: Murud

Timing: 6 am to 6 pm

Entry Fee: Boat rides cost Rs. 20, guides cost Rs. 800 & private boats can be hired for Rs. 600.

Distance from Mumbai: 158 kilometres