Bandra Fort

As one goes south along Bandra Bandstand Promenade, at the very southern tip, there stands an old fort.

The fort overlooks Mahim Bay and was built as a watchtower by the Portuguese in 1640. The fort is called Castella de Aguada, which is a corruption of Castelo da Aguada (which means “Fort of the Waterpoint” in Portuguese). According to sources, the builders called it Forte de Bandora. Today, it is popularly known as Bandra Fort.

The name Aguada suggests the presence of a natural source of water in the form of a fountain or a spring within the fort premises. During the Portuguese era, the fort was guarded by seven cannons and other smaller guns and was used for surveillance of the sea. Later, sometime during the 18th century, the British demolished the fort as a precautionary measure, in order to avoid the possibility of the fort being captured and used against them.

In recent years, the ruins of the fort saw repairs and renovations. It is an extremely popular hangout spot for people of all ages. Particularly during sunset, there are large crowds that gather. Several movies and songs have been shot here as well. The fort offers stunning views of the Bandra Worli Sea Link.

Currently, visitors can see a few doors, archways, passages, and steps which must have formed a part of the fort. There are a few old inscriptions on some spots on the walls.

People come here to enjoy history, the sunset, and the sea. It is a heritage spot worth exploring for history enthusiasts as well as a spot to relax with family and friends.