Have you ever wondered what it would be like to walk through the ruins of a fort that witnessed the rise and fall of empires? If yes, then you should definitely visit Vasai Fort, a historic and scenic destination near Mumbai. Vasai Fort, also known as Bassein Fort or Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim, is a sprawling complex of stone walls, bastions, churches, temples, and watchtowers that dates back to the 16th century.
It was once the headquarters of the Portuguese in the north Konkan region, and later the site of a fierce battle between the Marathas and the British. Today, it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, and a popular tourist attraction for history buffs, nature lovers, and filmmakers. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Vasai Fort, including how to reach it from Mumbai, what to see and do there, and what to know before visiting it.
How to Reach Vasai Fort from Mumbai
Vasai Fort is located in Vasai, a suburb of Mumbai that lies about 50 km north of the city center. You can reach Vasai by train, bus, car, or auto-rickshaw, depending on your preference and budget.
Train: The cheapest and fastest way to reach Vasai from Mumbai is by train. You can take a local train from any of the major stations in Mumbai, such as Churchgate, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri, or Borivali, and get down at Vasai Road station. The train journey takes about an hour and costs around Rs. 20-30 per person. From Vasai Road station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to Vasai Fort, which is about 10 km away.
Bus: Another option to reach Vasai from Mumbai is by bus. You can take a state transport bus or a private bus from any of the major bus terminals in Mumbai, such as Mumbai Central, Dadar, or Borivali, and get down at Vasai Bus Depot. The bus journey takes about two hours and costs around Rs. 100-150 per person. From Vasai Bus Depot, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to Vasai Fort, which is about 8 km away.
Car: If you have your own car or want to hire a cab, you can drive to Vasai from Mumbai via the Western Express Highway or the NH 8. The car journey takes about an hour and a half and costs around Rs. 500-1000 for fuel or cab fare. You can park your car at the entrance of Vasai Fort or at a nearby parking lot.
Auto-rickshaw: If you want to save time and money, you can also take an auto-rickshaw directly from Mumbai to Vasai Fort. However, this option is not recommended for long distances or during peak hours, as it can be uncomfortable and unsafe. The auto-rickshaw journey takes about two hours and costs around Rs. 400-500 per vehicle.
To locate Vasai Fort from Vasai railway station or bus depot, you can follow the signboards or ask the locals for directions. You can also use Google Maps or other navigation apps to find your way. The entrance of Vasai Fort is marked by a large archway with a plaque that reads “Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim”. Here is a map of Vasai Fort’s location for your reference.
What to See and Do at Vasai Fort
Vasai Fort is a huge complex that covers an area of about 110 acres. It has several attractions and features that showcase its history, architecture, and beauty. Here are some of the things you can see and do at Vasai Fort:
Explore the fort’s walls and bastions: The fort’s walls are made of black basalt stone and are about 10 meters high and 5 meters thick. They have several bastions or towers that were used for defense and surveillance. Some of the bastions are named after saints or Portuguese nobles, such as São Sebastião (St. Sebastian), São Pedro (St. Peter), São Paulo (St. Paul), etc. You can walk along the walls and bastions and enjoy the views of the surrounding landscape.
Visit the fort’s churches
The fort has several churches that were built by the Portuguese during their rule. Some of the churches are still intact and have beautiful paintings, sculptures, altars, and tombs inside them. Some of the churches are in ruins and have only their facades or walls remaining. Some of the churches you can visit are:
1. St. Joseph’s Church: This is the largest and most well-preserved church in the fort. It has a Gothic style of architecture and a spacious interior. It was built in 1572 and dedicated to St. Joseph, the patron saint of Vasai.
2. Our Lady of Grace Church: This is a small and elegant church that has a Baroque style of architecture and a dome-shaped roof. It was built in 1596 and dedicated to Our Lady of Grace, the patroness of Vasai.
3. Holy Name of Jesus Church: This is a ruined church that has only its facade and a bell tower remaining. It has a Renaissance style of architecture and a triangular pediment. It was built in 1597 and dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus, the name given to Jesus at his circumcision.
Explore the fort’s temples
The fort also has several temples that were built by the Marathas after they captured the fort from the Portuguese. Some of the temples are still active and have idols, shrines, and rituals inside them. Some of the temples are abandoned and have only their walls or pillars remaining. Some of the temples you can visit are:
1. Hanuman Temple: This is a small and simple temple that has an idol of Hanuman, the monkey god, inside it. It is located near the entrance of the fort and is frequented by devotees and visitors.
2. Rameshwar Temple: This is a large and ornate temple that has a shivalinga, a symbol of Shiva, the destroyer god, inside it. It is located near the center of the fort and is surrounded by a pond and a garden.
3. Ambika Temple: This is a ruined temple that has only its pillars and arches remaining. It was dedicated to Ambika, a form of Durga, the goddess of power.
Discover the fort’s tunnels and cannons
The fort has several tunnels and cannons that were used for military purposes by the Portuguese, the Marathas, and the British. Some of the tunnels are accessible and lead to different parts of the fort or outside it. Some of the tunnels are closed or collapsed and can only be seen from outside. Some of the cannons are mounted on the walls or bastions and point towards the sea or the land. Some of the cannons are lying on the ground or buried under debris.
Enjoy the fort’s views and atmosphere
The fort offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, the Vasai Creek, and the greenery around it. You can watch the sunrise or sunset from the fort’s walls or bastions, or take photos of the scenic landscape. You can also enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the fort, away from the noise and pollution of Mumbai. You can relax, meditate, or picnic at the fort’s lawns or gardens.
What to Know Before Visiting Vasai Fort
Before you plan your trip to Vasai Fort, here are some practical information and advice that will help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience:
The best time and season to visit Vasai Fort is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and there are fewer crowds and events. You can also visit Vasai Fort during monsoon (June to September), when the fort looks lush and green, but be prepared for heavy rains and slippery roads. Avoid visiting Vasai Fort during summer (April to May), when the weather is hot and humid, and there are more crowds and events.
The opening hours of Vasai Fort are from 9 am to 6 pm every day, except on national holidays. The entry fee of Vasai Fort is Rs. 5 per person for Indians and Rs. 100 per person for foreigners. There are no discounts or exemptions for children, students, senior citizens, or differently abled persons.
The facilities and amenities at Vasai Fort are limited and basic. There is no parking lot inside the fort, but you can park your car at a nearby parking lot for Rs. 10-20 per hour. There are no toilets or drinking water facilities inside the fort, but you can find them outside the fort at some shops or restaurants. There are a few food stalls and restaurants near the fort that sell snacks, drinks, and meals, but they may not be hygienic or tasty. There are no souvenir shops or guides inside the fort, but you can find some outside the fort that sell handicrafts, books, or maps, or offer tours or stories, but they may charge high prices or give inaccurate information.
The rules and regulations to follow at Vasai Fort are to respect the heritage and environment of the fort, and to avoid any damage or disturbance to it. You should not climb on the walls or bastions, scribble on the stones or paintings, litter or spit inside the fort, or make loud noises or play music. You should also dress modestly and appropriately, as the fort is a religious and cultural site. You can take photos or videos inside the fort, but you may need permission from the authorities if you want to use them for commercial purposes.
The safety and security measures to take at Vasai Fort are to be careful and cautious while exploring the fort, as it may have some hidden dangers or hazards. You should not enter any tunnel or chamber that is closed or dark, as it may have snakes, bats, or insects inside it. You should not touch any cannon or metal object, as it may be rusty or sharp. You should also beware of monkeys, dogs, or cows that may roam around the fort, as they may be aggressive or infected. You should also keep your valuables and belongings with you at all times, as there may be thieves or pickpockets around the fort.
Conclusion
Vasai Fort is a historic and scenic destination near Mumbai that offers a glimpse into the past and present of Vasai. It is a place where you can learn about the history and culture of Vasai, admire the architecture and beauty of Vasai Fort, and enjoy the views and atmosphere of Vasai. It is a place that will make you feel nostalgic and adventurous at the same time. If you are looking for a unique and memorable experience near Mumbai, you should definitely visit Vasai Fort with your friends or family.
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