Bandra Fort / Castella de Aguada, Mumbai (Timings, Entry Fee & History)

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Also known as Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort), Castella de Aguada was built by the Portuguese near Mahim Bay. The purpose was to watch over the Arabian Sea, fortify the area around and guard the sea route to Mumbai (called Bombay, during those times).

Later, when the British took over Bombay, they demolished parts of the fort. Today, Mumbai Bandra Fort is in ruins. But the fort has undergone renovations and repairs in the recent years.

However, more than the structure, it’s the Bandra Fort view, which attracts tourists and local people. It is a popular hangout spot for the youths and preferred by families and couples too, to spend their evening with a cool sea breeze. Bandra Fort offers a majestic view of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link too.

The place is also popular among fitness freaks. Many people come for their daily walk and routine exercise in the adjacent park.

Architecture of Bandra Fort

Surrounded by breezy palm groves, Bandra Fort is a watch place built in the European style. Although parts of the structure have been destroyed, conservation efforts have helped in maintaining the aesthetics of this place.

The fort is built with granite blocks and the main gateway has arched pillars. Inside the fort, you’ll find sections which served different purposes. And the walls have gaps to target and fire cannons and guns towards inbound enemies. However, today, one of its prominent attractions is the walkway to the Arabian Sea, and the seating area to enjoy the views.

The structure stands 24 m (79 ft) above the sea level to prevent flooding during the high tides in the sea.

History of Bandra Fort (Castella de Aguada)

Bandra Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1640 CE. They built it to watch over the Mahim Bay, Worli and other nearby areas of the Arabian Sea. Cannons and guns were placed to defend the Mumbai Harbour from invaders coming via the northern sea route.

But British rulers destroyed the fort later, in the early 18th century. They did so to prevent the growing Maratha empire from taking control of the fort and using it as a base to attack the city. Marathas captured the fort in 1739 CE though. And they held it until the First Anglo-Maratha War in 1774 CE, after which the British regained the possession.

Recently, in 2003, Bandra Bandstand Residents’ Trust started the conservation of the ruined Bandra Fort. They repaired it at places, and you see this serene tourist spot as it is today.

Image Gallery of Castella de Aguada / Bandra Fort Mumbai

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Things to do at Bandra Fort

1. Roaming within the ruins – History buffs can feel the adrenaline rushing while visiting this fort in Bandra. History is still alive in its walls and the rubble around. Walk around the dark chambers and the deserted complexes and check for yourself, the strength of Bandra Fort Mumbai.

2. Enjoying the distant views – Apart from its history, Bandra Fort is known for the magnificent views of the Arabian Sea. Families, friends and couples come here to witness the beautiful sea and the sunset. It is popular as a vantage point to view the sunset along the Arabian sea. It also offers an elegant display of the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. If you visit Bandra Fort at night, you can view that sea bridge sparkling with lights.

3. Getting into photo sessions – The calming views and the cool breeze attract many hobby photographers and professionals to pursue their passion. People come here to capture the setting sun, the splashing waves of the sea and the picturesque Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Bandra Fort pre-wedding photoshoots are popular too.

4. Working out in the park – Bandra Fort also has a park beside the building. Lined by palm groves and benches, it acts as a perfect place to relax and get over with a tiring day. Many health enthusiasts come here to meditate, workout and walk among the greenery and the sound of waves.

5. Checking out Bandra Fort Amphitheatre – If you are at Bandra Fort, don’t forget to pay a visit to the amphitheatre nearby. It hosts various concerts from time to time. And you might also witness Bandra Fort movie shooting. It has been a preferred location for many Hindi movie shoots.

Bandra Fort Mumbai Timings and Entry Fee

Bandra Fort ticket prices are Nil, and you can be there any time of the year. It is open from 10 AM until 8 PM. You already know what to do in Bandra Fort. So, make the best use of time and explore the fort, the park and the spectacular view of Bandra-Worli Sea Link it offers.

Best Time to visit Bandra Fort

The fort is accessible throughout the year, but it’s best to visit it during Winter. During Summer, high temperature and humidity make it difficult to roam around, while during the rainy season, intermittent torrential downpours can disrupt the fun.

Also, schedule your visit in the evening hours to get the views of the sunset and enjoy the coolness in the environment.

Time to explore Bandra Fort

It would take you around an hour to explore this fort near Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Stay longer if you want to check the place for some captivating photographs of the sunset, the bridge or the daily life of people in and out of the fort.

Interesting facts about Bandra Fort/Castella de Aguada

• Castella de Aguada translates to “Fort of the Waterpoint”. It was named so because of the freshwater spring in the complex.
• “Castelo de Aguada” was the actual name given to the fort, which corrupted to Castella de Aguada over time. “Castelo”, in Portuguese, means castle.
• The fort has been featured in many Hindi films including Buddha Mil Gaya, Dil Chahta Hai and Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na.

Places to visit near Bandra Fort in Mumbai

1. Bandra Bandstand – Also known as Bandstand Promenade, Bandra Bandstand is a one-kilometre long sea-facing pavement near the fort. The place has a park where people come to jog or meet with friends. It is also a place for entertainment as musicians and many street artists perform in the area. The promenade has many food stalls where youngsters come to enjoy snacks in the evening. You will also find many reputed food joints.

2. Mount Mary Church – Officially known as Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount, Mount Mary Church is a Roman Catholic church, a few steps away from Bandstand Promenade. It is dedicated to Virgin Mother Mary and built in an impressive Gothic-style overlooking the Arabian Sea. The peaceful environment of the church attracts many people to spend time here. Also, Mount Mary Church hosts a week-long celebration and feast – Bandra Fair, every year in September.

3. Juhu Beach – Juhu Beach is the most popular beach in Mumbai, and locals visit the beach to relax and enjoy the local snacks and street food. Apart from the charming crowd and variety of food stalls, Juhu Beach is known for celebrity meetups too. Juhu Beach is among the choicest locations for movie shoots. Many actors and sportspersons too live in this area. It is about 8 km away from Bandra Fort.

4. ISKCON Temple – ISKCON is an international organisation dedicated to spreading Vedic teachings. And this Hindu temple, only a few hundred meters away from Juhu Beach, is one of its branches. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. People come here to take blessings of the presiding deity Radha Rasabihari and other gods and goddesses like Sita, Rama, Laxman and Hanuman. The complex has an auditorium, a library and a restaurant, and various spiritual programs are organised here.

5. Bandra-Worli Sea Link – Bandra-Worli Sea Link is a bridge built on the Arabian Sea to connect Bandra and Worli suburbs of Mumbai. It is over 5 km long and is an architectural marvel. At night, this cable-stayed bridge gleams with twinkling lights and you can capture candid pictures from Bandra Fort and many other areas. But while you’re in Mumbai, don’t miss driving on the bridge, over the majestic waves of the sea. The Bandra side entry point is about 3 km away from the fort.

6. Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir – Siddhivinayak Temple is a renowned Hindu temple near the Bandra-Worli bridge. It is a magnificent six-storey temple with a golden dome at its top. The temple is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and there also is a small Hanuman temple in the complex. Shree Siddhivinayak Mandir is about 9 km away from Bandra Fort and it is visited by many political leaders, actors, sportspersons and other celebrities.

7. Haji Ali Dargah – Haji Ali Dargah, 12 km away from the fort, is a religious landmark and a popular Islamic pilgrimage spot. It is a mosque and the tomb of a saint named Haji Ali Shah Bukhari. And tourists and pilgrims come from all over the world to take his blessings. It is built on a raised platform within the Arabian Sea and is connected to the mainland by a short walkway.

8. Dhobi Ghat – Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat in Mumbai is the world's largest open-air laundry and it is 12 km away from Bandra Fort. It holds the world record for “most people hand-washing clothes at a single location”. Hundreds of washermen and women work their shifts through the day to get dirty clothes back to their fresh, crisp and spotless state. And much of the job is taken care of by hands.

How to Reach Bandra Fort?

Castella de Aguada, or Bandra Fort, is near the city centre of Mumbai and other prominent tourist destinations. Therefore, you can reach the fort easily by a taxi, a bus or a train. Bandra West is the nearest station and Bandra to fort distance is only 2 km.

Also, cabs are available to take you to Bandra Fort from all places in the city. You can hire a cab from top car rental companies in Mumbai to get around the city quite easily in comfort. And here are the different ways to reach Mumbai –

By Road – Many public and private buses run between the nearby towns and Mumbai. Whether you’re in Pune (150 km) or Nashik (170 km), or a distant city like Ahmedabad (520 km), you’ll get a bus to reach Mumbai. Most buses stop at Mumbai Central Bus Depot, which is about 15 km away from the fort. You can also drive your car or hire a cab for a thrilling road trip to Mumbai.

By Rail – Mumbai enjoys strong railway connectivity nationwide. Regular express trains connect it to the metropolitan cities and other towns of India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (19 km) and Mumbai Central (15 km), are the two railway stations where most trains stop. Some long-distance trains stop at Bandra station too, which is closer to the fort compared to the other two railway stations.

By Air – Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport connects Mumbai to different parts of the world and it is about 10 km away from Bandra Fort. You will get flights from the US, Dubai, Singapore and many other popular destinations. Flights from many Indian towns arrive at the airport too.

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Location Map for Castella de Aguada / Bandra Fort Mumbai