Bandra Fort, also known as ‘Castella de Aguada’ (Portuguese for ‘Fort of the Waterpoint), is one of the most historic places in India and of course, Mumbai. The fort’s grandeur and its open sky and sea backdrop, make it a must-visit destination for history buffs, and nature lovers.
Surely, a visit to Bandra Fort is essential for anyone seeking to be captivated by history and architecture or in search of serenity in the city. It’s not only the monument that draws in tourists and locals but also the stunning views from here. So, here’s a brief sneak peek into the history of Bandra Fort and why it should be on your ‘places to see in Mumbai’ list!
A vibrant history at the fort awaits
Bandra Fort’s history can be traced back to the Portuguese, Maratha, and British eras. The Portuguese constructed Bandra Fort in 1640. During the colonial era, it served as a watchtower, overlooking Mahim Bay and defence post. It was built on a hilltop overlooking the Arabian Sea and offered spectacular views of the coastline. It was also used for maritime surveillance as a lookout post.
The Marathas took control of the fort in 1739 CE and held it until 1774 CE. However, during that time, the British demolished it to prevent the Maratha Empire from attacking the city. Later, in the 18th century, efforts were made to restore the fort to its original state. In 2003, the Bandra Bandstand Residents’ Trust spearheaded the fort’s preservation, transforming it into a tranquil and popular tourist destination.
Today, the fort serves as a reminder of Mumbai’s multifaceted history and resilience.
The architectural marvel
Bandra Fort, located on Bandra’s coastal front, is a stunning example of European architecture. This expansive fortification, built with sturdy granite blocks, boasts exceptional ramparts and stands tall at an elevation of 79 feet above sea level. Its main gateway has arched pillars, and the interior is made up of various complexes that served various purposes during its time. Seven solidly built cannon pedestals are strategically placed along the fortress’s walls. The fort also has artillery gaps, which were primarily used for gun firing. Within its grounds is a natural spring that served as the primary source of freshwater here.
The pillared pathway that stretches out towards the sea is the fort’s most notable feature. It is an absolute must for visitors to stroll along this bridge, which provides a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea. Furthermore, the fort has a lovely sloping arena with stone-carved steps and a seating area for relaxation. The surrounding area is adorned with sea rocks, captivating palm groves, and a small hillock, making it a truly unique fort in Maharashtra.
How to reach Bandra Fort?
If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to get to Bandra Fort, we have a roadmap for you! Bandra is one of the stations on the Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Railway Network. So you can head over to your nearest railway station and hitch a local train to Bandra.
After arriving at the station, you can hop in an autorickshaw and reach the fort within 25 minutes. Truly, one of the best things about the Bandra railway Station is the auto stand – you can always get a ride here!
Where- 2RR9+Q85, Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Road, Mumbai,
Opening hours- Everyday 6:00 am- 6:30 pm
Entry Fee- None
