Explore Forts in Mumbai

Situated about 55 kilometres from Mumbai, Fort Bassein is a splendid example of robustness and architecture, being constructed in the early 1400s. Originally constructed by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, the fort has seen many masters. The name of the fort comes from the word “Bacaim” which is Portuguese. It has been ruled by the Portuguese, Marathas, and the British in old times. At present, the fort is under the protection and care of the Archaeological Survey of India, although not much effort has been made to conserve the heritage site. The fort is in ruins and you can see vegetation in some parts of the fort. Come here to marvel at the medieval architecture and vastness of the fort, and spend a morning going around the place, for there’s much to see on the inside of the fort. You can see marks by sharp chisels etc on the walls of the fort as well, indicating the times of attack in old times.Location: Killa Road, Police Colony, Vasai West, Vasai, MaharashtraBest Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: No entry feeTimings: 6AM-6PMDistance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 78.7 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Situated in Land’s End in Bandra, the Castella de Aguada is also called Bandra Fort and remains one of the most visited Mumbai tourist places. The original Portuguese word for castle is Castelo, although the builders of the place actually called it Forte de Bandora. The Portuguese built it in 1640 after they had settled in the area since 1534, to use the castle as a watchtower overlooking the Arabian Sea, Mahim Bay, and the island of Mahim. The name of the castle originates from a fresh water fountain that was close to the fort, thus the name “Aguada”. When the Portuguese had control over the fort, the fort was armed with as many as seven cannons and smaller defence equipment such as guns etc. The fort is strategically placed, and back in the days, it was sued to watch the northern sea route to the Mumbai Harbour. In the early eighteenth century, the British destroyed a large part of Castella de Aguada when Marathas had become a threat to the British in India.Location: Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Road, Mumbai, MaharashtraBest Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: No entry feeTimings: 10AM-8PM every day.Distance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 13.9 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Aksa beach is one of the cleanest beaches in Mumbai and is located on the outskirts of the Western quarter of Malad. This surreal stretch of sand is a tranquil escape from the bustling sounds of city life and is perfect for relaxing. The beach gives the view of vivid horizon merging and is one of the longest coastlines of the region. The geography of the beach is dotted with a number of hotels and villas where you can relax and enjoy the classic views. Apart from this, there are a number of places to visit in its vicinity like Marve beach, Kanheri caves, Mumba Devi temple, and several others that can be clubbed with this beach trip. Famed for its unblemished beauty this beach is frequented by locals and tourists alike. There are not many eateries at the beach but you can munch light snacks that are sold by the local vendors. The beach faces strong tides and currents so it is suggested not to go far away while swimming as that can be dangerous. The best about the beach is that it is untouched by urbanization and has kept its natural charm intact. Apart from this, it is an amazing place for capturing beautiful pictures as the frames it extends are just fantastic.Location: Aksa Village, Malad West, Mumbai 400061, IndiaTimings: The beach is open 24 hours for all. Though the best time to visit the beach is early in the morning at sunrise or in the evening at sunset.

Constructed in 1780, the temple of Babulnath in Mumbai is an example of great architecture. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The entire architecture of the temple gives you the impression of Mount Kailash because the interiors are carved in such a manner. Come here not just because you are religious and you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, but come here to see the splendid architecture of the temple and its interiors. The history of the temple dates back to the 12th century when Raja Bhimdev placed the Shivling and idols at the now temple of Babulnath. The idols were discovered in the 18th century. The Shivling was discovered about 300 years ago when Malabar Hill used to be a pasture. Upon the discovery of the Shivling, the temple was constructed in the same spot as it was found. The temple of Babulnath is situated at the very end of the Marine Drive, close to the Girgaon Chowpatty.For a pleasant and memorable experience, visit the babulnath temple early in the morning. You will have a beautiful view of the surroundings and you can enjoy the architecture while the weather is still cool.Location: 16, Babulnath Road, Charni Road, Malabar Hill, Near Chowpatty, Mumbai, MaharashtraBest Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: No entry feeTimings: 5AM-10PM every day.Distance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 3.4 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Also called the Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, the Bandra Worli Sea Link is a famous eight lane cable stayed bridge adorning the arc of Mumbai’s coastline. It is one of the first projects that is an achievement of the Maharashtra Government which initiated the West Island Freeway System.

Bandra is one of the most popular areas in Mumbai, famous for its lifestyle, fashion, Bollywood, shopping centres, restaurants, and entertainment centres, and of course, churches. The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is one of the most popular churches in Mumbai and therefore attracts flocks of tourists to its doors every year. The church is known for its architecture, and serene environment. Due to the festivities at the church, you can see tourists crowding the church in the month of September. The church overlooks the sea and is located on a hill, about 260 feet above the ground. The Sanctum Sanctorum in the church has seven steps, leading to a marble altar.The unique thing about the Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount is that it attracts people of many faiths, the majority of which are devout Catholics. Come here to spend a calm and quiet afternoon if you are visiting Mumbai.Location: Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra Best Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: No entry feeTimings: Sunday:10AM-7PM, Other days: 8AM-8.30PMDistance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 13.4 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Opened in 1871, this cafe is extremely popular among Indians and foreigners alike because of its chilled beer and choice of breakfasts of American, Parsi, and English spreads. This is one of the places to visit in Mumbai if you want to experience the metropolitan closely.The interior of cafe Mondegar is done in retro style and is largely famous for serving Iranian and American dishes. The inner walls of the cafe have been adorned by the art of famous cartoonist Mario Miranda, giving it the perfect interiors for a cafe so old. Cafe Mondegar also happens to be one of the very first restaurants in Mumbai to be the home to a jukebox. Cafe Mondegar is located in the Metro House in the Colaba Causeway, half a kilometre away from the gateway of India, and hardly 200 meters away from The Leopold Cafe. Come here for breakfast to have your fill from their detailed breakfast menu. You can also come here for Iranian dishes, something that the cafe was originally known for before it became a cafe.Location: 5A, Metro House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra Best Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: Not applicableTimings: 7AM-12AMDistance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 7.2 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central

Situated in Land’s End in Bandra, the Castella de Aguada is also called Bandra Fort and remains one of the most visited Mumbai tourist places. The original Portuguese word for castle is Castelo, although the builders of the place actually called it Forte de Bandora. The Portuguese built it in 1640 after they had settled in the area since 1534, to use the castle as a watchtower overlooking the Arabian Sea, Mahim Bay, and the island of Mahim. The name of the castle originates from a fresh water fountain that was close to the fort, thus the name “Aguada”. When the Portuguese had control over the fort, the fort was armed with as many as seven cannons and smaller defence equipment such as guns etc. The fort is strategically placed, and back in the days, it was sued to watch the northern sea route to the Mumbai Harbour. In the early eighteenth century, the British destroyed a large part of Castella de Aguada when Marathas had become a threat to the British in India.Location: Byramji Jeejeebhoy Road, Bandstand Road, Mumbai, MaharashtraBest Time to visit: Any time of the yearEntry fee: No entry feeTimings: 10AM-8PM every day.Distance from Mumbai Bus Stand: 13.9 km from MSRTC Mumbai Central