Overview:
| Type: | Coastal Fort |
| Location: | Worli, Mumbai |
| District: | Mumbai |
Built by the British around 1675, 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.
The centuries-old fort is very rarely frequented by tourists owing to its inconvenient location, and has accordingly been mostly neglected by the government as well. Yet the fort – which still stands tall and majestic – and its surrounding neighborhood are gratifying sites to visit.
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.
The Tall structure stands amidst the blue Arabian Sea. The entire area is dusty and covered with sand. The place smells of fish. However, one must appreciate the great vision of the British Administrators who could realize the danger that one might face because of the geographical location of the place. If one sees the map of Mumbai then the dangers from that area, especially during those days becomes all the more apparent and clear.
History:
The Worli Fort is considered to have been built by the British around the 17th century as a lookout for enemy ships and pirates. Alternate accounts suggest that it was built by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Regardless, overlooking the Mahim Bay at a time when Mumbai was just a group of islands, the fort was of great strategic importance to the British Navy guarding the western coast of the country.
The fort has a built in well, a temple and plenty of space to soak in views of Mahim, Bandra. And the iconic Bandra-Worli Sea link outside the fort are platforms for cannons. This fort is among the three that overlook the Mahim Bay on Mumbai’s western coast, with Mahim Fort and Bandra Fort to its north. All three forts were adapted by the British to boost defense along the coast, even though only Worli Fort is considered to have been built by them.
In spite of being neglected for so many years, the Fort has not lost its old glory. The fact that the Fort was built with special care could be made out from the well-built structure of the Fort that has survived the vagaries of nature. The architecture of the Fort is revealed in the beautifully ornamented gate that leads to the entrance of the Fort.
Places to Visit on Fort:
Worli Fort is a small little fort on the worli sea face. It is a great spot to look out at the Bandra Worli Sea Link and Bandra West. Also the view from the top of the Fort is fantastic.
How to reach:
Form Mumbai: Bus or Train and other options are relevant public transportation alternatives that may be used to reach Worli Fort.
Related Video (Worli Fort ):
Best time to visit:
Best time to visit Worli Fort is between October to March.
