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)
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.
- Location: Bandra West
- Timing: 6 am to 6.30 pm
- Entry Fee: No Entry Fee
2. Worli Fort
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
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3. 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
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4. Sion Fort
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
1. 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
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2. Fort Bassein (Vasai Fort)
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
3. Mahuli Fort
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
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4. 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
5. 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
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6. 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
7. 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.
Whether you are looking to just got trekking or are looking to unearth the historical facts behind some of these forts in Mumbai, we’re sure you will have a good time visiting them. Stay in one of these hotels in Mumbai to add to the memorable experience during your trip here. Do you have anything to share about these forts? Do let us know in the comments.
