Information on Bandra Fort (Mumbai, Maharashtra) - History & Architecture

Bandra Fort is an awesome Sea Fort also known as the Castella de Aguada. This is a 374 year old great Portugal structure standing great on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Mahim Bay, Bandra Suburban along the sea fronts in the Mumbai, Maharashtra State of India. This fort is an architectural marvel, that has long period of history in colonial trade.

Bandra Fort Architecture

Bandra Fort is a European architectural marvel in the costal front of Bandra. This large fortification is build with granite blocks. It has got very good ramparts. It's built over a height of 79 feet above the sea level, such that the high tides of the Arabian Sea do not flood its inner parts and main walls. It has got a main gateway with arched pillars. Inside there are many complexes built here to serve various needs of that time. This fortress is surrounded with 7 canon pedestal strongly built along with its walls. It also had many gaps for artilleries, mainly meant for gun firing. A natural spring is found here, which was the main source of fresh water here. Another great significance of this fort is known for its pillared path way extending towards the sea. One never misses to walk on this bridge to get a great feel with the Arabian Sea. This fort has got a lovely sloping arena built with stone carved steps as seating area. The entire environment is full of sea rocks with beautiful palm groves and a small hillock makes it a very unique fort in Maharashtra.

Bandra Fort History

Bandra Fort is one of the major fortresses built by the Portuguese. Since the arrival of Vasco Da Gama in the Western cost lines of India in the 15th century. The Portugal's built many forts to safe guard their interest in spice trade. This fort is also one of the forts built as defensive fort and to keep an eye on the Arabian Sea along the Mahim Bay's located near the Bandra town. This fort was the official and residential complex in their colonial times. This place was captured by the Portuguese after a bully fight with Gujarat Sultanate the Qutb-ud-Din Bahadur Shah in the year 1543 AD. From 1739 AD to 1774 AD the Maratha's captured this fortress and the Bandra areas in to their reign. But it did face a great defeat in the 1st Anglo Maratha War with the British troops. The British occupied this for until the independence of India. These fort areas are the main backdrops to show Mumbai City in the Indian Cinemas. This fortress is a favorite location for the Bolly Wood big and small screen film and series makers for Media. This locations name also received from this fort as in Marathi Vandre means the Old Fort, later times it was pronounced as Bandra by the colonialist and followed the same name till now. This fort surroundings are the favorite time pass site for the Mumbaites. In the summer it is fully occupied by its local peoples to get few sea breezes here. This is a local picnic spot, a good place for jogging and walking area. This fort is now under the Archeological department of India and they have done many renovations here. They also built a amphitheatre with a very spacious arena with in the fortress area, which looks very different ambiance.

Bandra Fort Tourism Importance

Bandra Fort is a great place to be visited if one in Mumbai. This fort and its surroundings have a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and its suburban areas. This is a protected monument and a heritage site in the Maharashtra tourism list. Even after years, the Bandra Fort carries the same historical importance that it is visited by good number of tourists every day. The fort maintained by the Archaeological department of India has put all their efforts to protect this heritage structure and preserve the importance that is carried and portrays the same even today to the visitors. How the fort was manipulated by the rulers over the years can be seen. So while here, witness the glorious appeal of the Bandra Fort as well as enjoy glorious time around the fort's serenity.