Forts- Local Mumbai Site Seeing

Near sea shore of Bandra, An ancient fort, Castella de Aguada (Portuguese: Fort of the Waterpoint), is located. It is also known as the Bandra Fort, cause of its location in bandra. To reach there you can also hire a car in Mumbai. Castella has a unique history as most of the places like forts have.  "Castella" is actually a misspelling for the Portuguese word "Castelo" which also means a castle. Properly, it is supposed to be called Castelo da Aguada.  Even though it looks like, its Portuguese builders actually used to call it, Forte de Bandorá (or Bandra Fort). Bandra fort was built by the Portuguese in 1640, to mainly over look activities in the sea as well as mahim bay and southern island of mahim. The value of bandra fort increased when the Portuguese, handed it over to the Britishin 1661. The meaning of the name of the fort translates to a place where fresh water is available in the form of fountain. The fort is located on few levels around  24 meters above the sea level giving it a wide wonderful view of the entire place.

Many bollywood movies are shot here on regular basis. It is easy to reach the fort, mainly from bandra station and then by auto rickshaw, or cabs or busses, or private cars. It is not at a walking distance from the station, as it is far end of west in bandra. The Portuguese Built several forts on western Indian coastline after defeating bahadur Shah Of Gujarat in the year 1534. Their main aim was to build a strong base in this area.  Bandra fort was one of the best location for them to keep an eye on mahim bay, Arabian sea, islands of worli, south end of town of mahim to south west of the city all from one spot.  The first had another important function of guarding the sea route which leads into Mumbai harbor.  

In the year, 2003, a large conservation program was held by residents of bandra band stand in orer to save the fort as it was collapsing from one end. The activity was supported by Then MP shabana azmi by providing some part of the funds allocated to her. The 5 star hotel built nearby Taj Land's End hotel has taken the responsibility of maintenance of the fort, as they have inherited it from the previous owners. The fort is originally owed by The archeological survey of India which also includes, preserving the rock formations around the fort, building pathways towards the fort, and also creating an amphitheatre for people to conduct various activities there.