Forts are portals to another time and place. They exist to remind us that great principles were upheld through great wars. And that a good defense can prove as important as pressing the attack. Mumbai has seen its fair share of militant moments throughout history. Visitors who come here searching for places to visit near Mumbai are often provided forts and similar attractions to check out.
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Below are a handful of outstanding forts in Mumbai that are absolutely worth visiting. They hold significant historical and cultural value for India.
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- Bandra Fort
Certainly, one of the most offbeat places in Mumbai, this age-old Portuguese fort stands in the Land’s End region of Mumbai. The fort is also called ‘Castella de Aguada’, and enjoys an altitude of 24m above sea level. The fort is no stranger to Bollywood movies, owing to its magnificent setting that takes one back to the glory days. It is seen in a more romantic light now, though J. Panoramic views of the wide-open seas can be enjoyed from atop the fort. A park tailored to the needs of fitness enthusiasts is also present, calling up symbols of strength and fortitude. If you’re seeking a relaxing spot for some calm meditation, the Bandra Fort has that in abundance.
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- Bombay Castle
Aka Bombay Castle Fort, it enjoys status as Mumbai’s oldest defensive structure. Its outstanding architecture and historical importance have been points of pride for Indians, especially Mumbaikers. British design went into its original making. The fort has a strong Portuguese influence that can be seen in the ‘Manor House’, which was built by a Portuguese nobleman named Garcia de Orta. Mumbai’s first governor Gerald Aungier called this fort home. To date, Bombay Castle is a symbol of renaissance (rebirth) and transformation.
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- Sewri Fort
Tracing its roots back to the 1600s, this Portuguese fort contains plenty of historical value. It was taken over by the British who used it as a strategic watchtower. The way the inner entrances stand placed perpendicular to the main entry show an eye for defense, and repelling invaders. February draws flocks of pink flamingos here. Currently owned by Maharashtra’s Department of Archaeology and Museums you will find several heritage-value spots to explore inside Sewri Fort. Restoration work has been done over the years to maintain the integrity of this unique tourist attraction. The fort overlooks Mumbai Harbour, granting visitors some scenic views.
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- Worli Fort
Its inconvenient location is precisely what does this fort credit. The Brits built it in the 17th century to keep a lookout for enemy ships and pirates. Then again, there’s an alternate historical account that says the fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century. It affords you amazing views of Mumbai’s Mahim Bay. Outside the fort stretches the Bandra-Worli Sea link that once held cannons ready to fire. The bustling Worli Fishing Village is a stone’s throw away from here, and is home to some of Mumbai’s oldest fishing communities.
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- Mahuli Fort in Mumbai
An intimidating hill-fort located in Thane, Mahuli stands 2700 feet above ground level, granting unobstructed views of the surrounding area. An amalgamation of 2-3 hills, this fort is in ruins and no longer in use. But it makes for an excellent trip down history-lane. Water tanks and cisterns can still be seen up here. A collection of caves spreads to the left of the hill-fort. A small Shiva temple stands proud atop the fort proper. Mahuli Fort has long been a protected monument. Even the surrounding forests have become sanctuaries.
A visit to Mumbai’s forts is a visit to the past itself. There is so much to soak up at these powerful historical testaments to India’s history. The forts detailed above are by no means the only ones that Mumbai calls its own.
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