Shiv Fort — Attraction in Mumbai

The naturally ruined -- and the other ruined

In an otherwise hubbub-filled Sion lies a rare secluded spot ss. this fort and its premises ( "complex" ) -- rare, not because of the very character of the former, but because of the verdure & calm it offers.

Sion Fort, circa half a mile from Sion railway station, feels like a distinct place to be because of its tranquility -- the same serenity which has enticed the indecorous to grasp the aura with both hands. Both hands, either way -- and a different aura! More on that ahead.

The solitary notice board at the premises doesn't have the timings mentioned; a quick chat with the nearby panwala tells one that the complex is open from the wee hours till 1 pm and then from 3 pm to 7.30 pm. That there is no entry fee could help one make hunches about the experience to come; that the fort management office itself -- a few meters from the entrance, at a different gate -- doesn't know about the timings is stunning.

Ascend the 30-odd steps from the entrance, and there are two ways; the one to the left, which splits ahead, and goes towards the fort. The other way to the right, too, doubles a little ahead -- one takes one to a children-less children's play area, and the other ends out of nowhere. In the centre, is a garden which was closed despite the board stating that the timings are from 4 pm to 6.30 pm. And near it are a couple of small lawns; walking barefoot on one of those felt amazing under the drizzle in the amiable weather. There is also an unnecessary weightless, plastic mini-gym; ideally, ones are not seen in such complexes.

This fort is more about its type of visitors and its premises than the very itself. One feature ( or perhaps, two ) one would observe throughout the trails is the presence of desecraters -- couples relishing in the premises, tongue-in-tongue and groups of smokers trying to shape the smoke by their chops. The lack of monitoring makes their incongruous businesses run in full swing; in the entire stretch, I found not a single guard supervising the areas. The disregard shown by the people entrusted to maintain the spirit of the complex also deserves fair blame.

And now, for the actual fort. Imagine a four-bedroom gaff -- incomplete and left unattended for years -- where some upper portions of the wall have fallen, and algae and fungus have taken over some of the side parts. Not to forget, the wild grass, and the blemishes -- which have engulfed the walls. There are some windows but no engravings. And yes, the couples have made their presence known by penning their names and those love emblems on the wall. How would it be a true love without accreditation in public places?! I could smell urine as well; given no monitoring, the uncivilized might not have felt like holding on. And that's the fort for you! The views at the top are of the city, where skyscrapers are emerging every day and at the cost to the nature. There is not a single information board at the top; there is just one at the base which doesn't seem to be very informative.

This, unfortunately, owing to the above, is not a place suitable for families, unless you don't mind dealing with embarrassment; certainly, if you come with your offsprings, you ideally won't be able to overlook the above activities given their frequency. Even assuming that the anti-social activities ( supra ) are to be made allowances for, there is nothing as such in the very fort which would be of an interest; however, the premises and greenery does feel fresh to walk on. In a city where the tree cover is diminishing every day, these premises, atleast to an extent, does feel like a luxury, given that the complex is girded by the trees. The complex is surprisingly clean, but there are no dustbins anywhere.

The trail to the fort is a cinch -- not more than a hundred steps in total. All the stairs, including at the top, lack any handrails. There are no public toilets or drinking water facilities in the entire complex. In the absence of monsoon, evenings would be the best...

Sion Fort Is Surrounded by lush green lawns, Sion Fort is located on a hilltop which serves as a podium to it. It serves as a serene attraction in the middle of the city hustle. The fort is a picturesque architectural stone structure with square windows which presumably had cannons in the earlier times. There is a stairway which leads you to the original structure. Significance of Sion Fort Sion Fort has a watchtower in the foreground. The fort is made secure with guards stationed at nook and crannies to protect the fort and avoid overcrowding. The change in its outlook is quite evident, but it still holds its old charm. At the base of the hill is the Mumbai Circle office of the Archaeological Survey of India, and a garden – Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Udyan. Sion Fort was constructed by the Governor of Bombay, General Gerald Aungier in the interest of offering a passage from Bombay to the neighbouring island of Salsette. It held prime importance to the British as Salsette was in the fist of the Marathas. Currently, the gap between Salsette and the fort has been taken up by commercial Eastern Express Highway. The Archeological Society of India maintains this piece of heritage. The Fort has disintegrated and does not stand in its original beauty and structure. It is quite evident when you contrast it with a picture captured by James Wales in 1791-92 to its current outlook Attractions At Sion Fort The fort requires some excavation as it is no fun from just taking a view from the outside. Head inside the fort by taking the stairway. Head up and view the clock tower first. Then traverse through the areas, looking out of the vast bricked windows. You can also see the sole Canon which was possibly used to keep any trespassers away during the times of the British. The structure above is plaintive with just doors leading you from one room to another. Clocktower Views Then head to the verandah and take the city view from the top of the fort. It is a pretty picturesque view from up there. Through the clocktower, you can witness another bastion uphill with a tree located adjacent to it. It is another beautiful sight from the fort. You can while away your time, sitting on a bench in the lamp of nature and admiring the simple complexity of the scattered walls and ruins of the structure. The closest point to the fort is Rani Laxmibai Chowk / Sion is 592 meters away, 8 min walk. Followed by Central Labour Institute is 937 meters away, 13 min walk. By Train: To get to Sion Fort, take a train to Sion railway station and then walk up to the fort. The distance from Sion railway station is about 7 kilometres. By Bus: You can take a bus from different points of the city to get to the fort. The bus lines which stop near the fort are 180, 22 LTD, 305, 348 LTD, 351, 354. Taxi: You can take a cab from anywhere in the city to get to the fort directly. It is a convenient way, but it is time-consuming considering...

Sion Fort - A Historic Gem in the Heart of Mumbai

Located in the bustling city of Mumbai, Sion Fort stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural heritage of the region. During my recent visit to this historical gem, I was enchanted by its charm and captivated by the echoes of the past.

Sion Fort, also known as the Sion Bandra Link Fort, is a small but significant fortification constructed during the 17th century by the British East India Company. It served as a strategic outpost for trade and defense, overlooking the Arabian Sea and guarding the entrance to the Mumbai Harbour.

Despite its modest size, the fort exudes a sense of grandeur and history. Its imposing stone walls and bastions offer a glimpse into the military prowess and engineering expertise of that era. Walking through the fort's arched gateways and exploring its ramparts, I felt a connection to the past and marveled at the fort's strategic location.

The fort offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Mumbai skyline and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. It provides a serene escape from the urban chaos, offering a tranquil setting for contemplation and reflection.

While the fort may not boast elaborate decorations or intricate carvings like other historical sites, its simplicity is part of its allure. It serves as a reminder of Mumbai's rich history and the importance of preserving its cultural heritage.

Visiting Sion Fort is a delightful experience for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike. It may not be as well-known as other landmarks in Mumbai, but its historical significance and serene ambiance make it a hidden gem worth exploring. A visit to Sion Fort is like stepping back in time and discovering a slice of Mumbai's past, leaving you with a sense of awe and appreciation for the city's...