Vasai Fort
It all started in 1533 AD when Malik Tughan, a commander under Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat built a fort-like structure in Vasai or Bassein. It was located 48 kilometers north of the present day Mumbai. The Vasai fort was constructed to train up the Sultan’s insignificant naval force. However, the commander’s wishes were short-lived because in the very next year, the Portuguese forcibly took over the structure from the feeble Sultan to build a strong and sturdy fort for themselves. And true to their words, a magnificent fort soon took shape on the sea shore, complete with bastions and other fortifications.
Vasai fort had luxurious living quarters for Portuguese aristocrats who preferred to stay inside the fort premises. It was also used for keeping food, massive water tanks for storing potable water and of course, an armory that contained various types of arms and ammunition. The fort was provided with two massive gates, one of which was the westward land-gate, the other leading to the sea. The area around the fort was turned into a naval base by the Portuguese. Ship-building activities ran in full steam. But the opulence and grace that adorned life within the fort and surrounding area soon heralded its destruction. In 1739 AD, Chimaji Appa, Peshwa Bajirao’s brother stormed the fort and captured it. Eventually, the British they took over the city and the fort.
The Vasai fort is a good weekend trip from Mumbai and the neighboring regions. It is an interesting visit. It is not that well maintained, but you can still see the remnants of a glorious past. Some people even say that the fort is haunted. So watch out.
How to reach: The best option would be to take the train from Mumbai. Get down at the Vasai railway station and take an auto rickshaw from there. There are buses too that start from Churchgate in Mumbai. You can drive to the fort as well.
You won’t find many good resort in Vasai. The best option is to choose basic local lodging options or visit this place from Mumbai, as it is quite close.
