Vasai Fort — Attraction in Vasai-Virar

The fort is a major tourist attraction in the region for its history. The ramparts overlook what is alternatively called the Vasai Creek and the Bhayandar Creek and are almost complete, though overgrown by vegetation. Several watch-towers still stand, with safe staircases leading up. The Portuguese buildings inside the fort are in ruins, although there are enough standing walls to give a good idea of the floor plans of these structures. Some have well-preserved. In particular, many of the arches have weathered the years remarkably well. They are usually decorated with carved stones, some weathered beyond recognition, others still displaying sharp chisel marks. Three chapels inside the fort are still recognisable. They have facades typical of 17th-century Portuguese churches. The southernmost of these has a well-preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling. Besides all the structures, tourists often also observe the nature that has taken over much of the fort. Butterflies, birds, plants and reptiles can all be observed. The fort is also a popular shooting location for Bollywood movies and songs. The Bollywood hit ″Kambakkht Ishq″ from Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya is one of the Bollywood songs. Movies such as Josh, starring Shah Rukh Khan, and Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega have a number of scenes from the fort. Other films shot here include Khamoshi and Ram Gopal Verma's Aag. The fort was also one of the shooting locations for the international hit song 'Hymn for the Weekend' by British band Coldplay. The fort showcased at the start and in between is the Bassein Fort. The video features Beyoncé and Indian actress Sonam Kapoor.The video has over 960 million views on YouTube as of July 2018, becoming the second most-viewed music video for Coldplay (after "Something Just like This"). The Archaeological Survey of India has started restoration work of the fort, although the quality of the work has been severely criticised by "conservation activists". Fort Bassein, also known as the Vasai Fort or Fort Baçaim, is a large fort in the town of Vasai in the Palghar district of Maharashtra state in the Konkan division in India. The name "Bassein" is the English version of the Portuguese "Baçaim", itself a version of an apparently native name that may have a connection to the Vasa Konkani tribals of the North Konkan region, extending from Mumbai into "South Gujarat". The Marathi name of the place is Vasai. The complete form of the Portuguese name is "Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaím" or the Fort of St. Sebastian of Vasai. The fort is a monument of national importance and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort and the town are accessible via the Vasai Road railway station which itself is in Navghar-Manikpur, a part of the city of Vasai-Virar, and lies to the immediate north of the city of Mumbai and Mira Road in Bhayandar. The Vasai Road railway station is on the Western Railway line (formerly the Mumbai, Baroda and Central India Railway) in the direction of the Virar railway station.

The Greek merchant Cosma Indicopleustes is known to have visited the areas around Bassein in the 6th century and the Chinese traveller Xuanzang later on June or July 640. According to historian José Gerson da Cunha, during this time, Bassein and its surrounding areas appeared to have been ruled by the Chalukya dynasty of Karnataka. Until the 11th century, several Arabian geographers had mentioned references to towns nearby Bassein, like Thana and Sopara, but no references had been made to Bassein. Bassein was later ruled by the Silhara dynasty of Konkan and eventually passed to the Seuna dynasty. It was head of district under the Seuna. Later being conquered by the Gujarat Sultanate,[5] a few years later Barbosa (1514) described it under the name Baxay as a town with a good seaport belonging to the...

Visited Vasai fort on 20 Jan 2019 as a part of Vasai fort and Underground tunnel exploration - Heritage walk organized by Team Aamchi Vasai. The session began with assembling at Chimaji Appa statue and proceeding to rregistration. Followed by a brief history about the fort. The history session was of utmost importance as the fort ruins speaks volumes of the then cultural mix - Mughal, Portuguese, Marathas. The core are of fort still has a good fortified wall, a well within the premises, remains if the houses/ bungalow of important persons, artillery storage room. The walls highlight the peculiar Portugal architectural style -. Stacking of irregular stones and lime. The delicate three stories structure is worth a visit. The core fort area houses Nageshwar temple and Vajreshwari temple.

The church/ chapel entrance has Olive motifs, pillars , overhead vault, baptism room and a delicate spiral staircase, which offers a spectacular view of the Bhyandar creek.

Lakshman buruj ( bastion) is of strategic importance as it offers a similar view and helps the keep an control on the sea trade. The sea facing gate / fortified walls are thin highlighting the naval prowess of the Portuguese. However, the land facing gates have 40 ft thick fortified walls.

The fort also has a tallest flag post in Palghar district.

The exploration of underground tunnel was icing on the cake! The tunnel is 553 feet long. One has to get down the tunnel using a ladder. The tunnel is a one way one person entry. No U turn. No stop in between. As the tunnel progresses, one is forced to bend/ go on all fours for traversing it. There are spaces for air ventilation still intact. During the exit one is forced to crawl out of the tunnel. The low height tunnel has moist sand making it a bit easy. Groups of 5 can enter the tunnel at once and walk slowly across. Time taken to cross the tunnel - 10/15 min. But it's an adventurous activity...

Vasai Fort is an extensive stronghold in Vasai town, otherwise called Bassein Fort. The name "Bassein" is the English rendition of the Portuguese "Bacaim”. The Vasai post is a landmark of national significance and is secured by the Archeological Survey of India. The stronghold and the town are open most effortlessly through the Vasai Road Railway Station; the fortification is regularly utilized for shooting Bollywood film scenes.

Once you reach Mumbai, remember to de tour a little if you want to get away from the hustle bustle of the city. Get to Vasai station and then go to Vasai Fort. Here you will find mainly four parts or more like ruins to move around and explore in Vasai. As soon as you get here, the first thing you will come across is the church and you can actually sight it from a distance. So it will not really be a problem locating it. On the way you will also come across trees which look like big banyan trees. Also, you will see a small ground on the left and come across a lot of young kids who keep playing here. Basically, you have to make a day out of the ruins you find, but remember lots of movies are shot here and you might just get lucky to spot the place used in your favorite movie! It is also known as Bassein Fort. Vasai Fort is one of the best weekend destinations from Mumbai and Pune and attracts travellers owing to its historicity and a certain enigma. Maharashtra Government has also put in a lot of efforts to preserve this historical site of India. This fort is also a witness to the victory of Marathas under the leadership of Chimajiappa, from 1737 to 1739, against the Portuguese. A true blend of nature and history, Vasai Fort will offer you a unique travel experience.

The very famous “Hymn for the Weekend” by Coldplay was shot here as were several Bollywood movies like Josh, Aag and...