Mumbai, the financial capital of India, is famous for its glitz and glamour. This city is the Mecca to all Bollywood movie fanatics but apart from its gleaming nightlife and hectic lifestyle, Mumbai is also the land of several ancient forts. If you are tired of spending your days in the jungle of concretes, Fort Bassein can be a great escape for you.
This is just a 55-km car drive from Mumbai to take you far from the chaos. If this sounds great, then go through following points to plan a trip there soon.
Fort Bassein History
Fort Bassein or Vasai Fort is a majestic remain that tells the tales of glorious past. The name “Bassein” came from the Vasa Konkani Northern Tribals. The fort was built by Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujrat which was later captured by Portuguese.
This majestic fort was built somewhere in the 14th Century which makes it a 600-year old structure to explore out. Portuguese mariners first attempt to capture this fort went into a vein but their second attempt brought them success. As per historical documents, the fort was also under the rule of Maratha King, Chimaji Appa for a while. After him, it came under the control of the British.
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Fort Bassein Architecture
The Fort Bassein was erected near the Vasai and Bhayander creeks which makes it a stunning spot to enjoy mesmerizing panoramic views of the surroundings. Although remnants of the fort don’t offer anything of its real beauty, the main layout can be guessed from the leftover arches and walls in the fort.
The main entrance of the fort opens to a courtyard from where you can climb ramparts to have a glimpse of ruined and old remains. There are three Portuguese chapels inside the fort which were built during the 17th Century. The Southernmost chapel features a fascinating barrel-vaulted ceiling. Many watchtowers are still standing tall inside the fort.
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Fort Bassein Timings
Fort Bassein remains open throughout the day so that tourists can come to this place any time of the day to behold this magnificent architectural giant with all its scenic beauty. Visiting hours of the fort are from 6.00 am to 6.00 pm on all days.
Fort Bassein Entry Fees
There is no entry fee to explore the ancient ruins of Fort Bassein or Vasai Fort. So, you don’t have to stand in queues in front of the ticket booking counters before entering this massive fort complex. You need 1 – 2 hours on an average to have a good look at the hidden treasures of this ancient structure.
How To Reach Fort Bassein
Fort Bassein is about 55 kilometres away from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. You can reach the fort either by local trains or by hiring a cab from Mumbai to Bassein. For road journey, you have to take the Western Express Highway and then NH48.
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Best Time To Visit Fort Bassein
There is nothing like the best time to visit this wondrous tourist destination from Mumbai. Any time is a good time to schedule a visit to Fort Bassein. But you can avoid the days when Mumbai rains dominate the region as heavy downpouring can create inconvenience for your journey.
If you are looking for pleasant weather to cherish the beauty of Fort Bassein, then winter months are best time to plan the trip. From October to March, the climate remains pleasant to explore anything in and around Mumbai.
Places To Eat Near Fort Bassein
Fort Bassein is one of the beautiful places near Mumbai that allows people to leave behind the hectic city life and to spend a great weekend escape without going very far from the city. As more and more tourists are visiting this place with every passing day, lots of hotels and restaurants have come up here.
Enjoying sumptuous platter after having a good time at this ancient fort will not be a problem. Some of the popular eateries that you can consider visiting during the trip are namely Farmhouse Sea N Sand, True Taste, Zaika Restaurant, Farmhouse Garden Family Restaurant & Bar and many more.
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Tourist Places Near Fort Bassein
Essel World
Essel World is the largest amusement park in the country located at Gorai near Fort Bassein. This park is expanded through an area of 64 acres which is laced a wide range of enthralling rides for every age group. Essel World is undeniably the most celebrated summer destination near Mumbai.
Global Vipassana Pagoda
Along NH48 and at a distance of 53 kilometres from Fort Bassein, stand another exotic architectural wonder, the Global Vipassana Pagoda. Sitting at the village of Gorai, this place is actually a Meditation Dome Hall with a capacity of accommodating 8,000 devotees at a time.
Inaugurated in 2009, this pagoda meditation centre features a remarkable architectural influence of Myanmar.
Suruchi Beach
When you are done with the Vasai Fort, it is best to head for the nearby Suruchi Beach which is just 3.5 kilometres away from the fort area. This is a great spot to plan a short but rewarding weekend trip far away from the crowd.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
If you travel another 39 km from Fort Bassein via NH48, you will reach the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. This is really a wonderful thing to have a flourishing national park within the territory of Mumbai. The park is well-known for its enriched wildlife including Leopards, Boars, Lions, Flying Fox and hundreds of avian species.
Kanheri Caves are additional treats to visitors of this park which allow people to explore two thousand years old natural caves.
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