Standing tall in the middle of the Worli fishing village, the Worli Fort is a historic, yet overlooked tourist attraction in Mumbai. It was built on a hilltop by the British as a vantage point to keep an eye on the sea activities and a lookout for the enemy ships.
It has caught the attention of the people due to the construction of Bandra-Worli Sealink. Since then, the footfall of tourists has increased here. Generally, quite a few history buffs, students and foreigners find their way up here.
The fort is pretty sturdy and still looks glorious even after withstanding the adverse weather conditions and negligence by the government over the years. It was refurbished in 2007 and since then has been maintained by a few locals and the Bombay Municipal Corporation.
Although it is quite difficult to reach the fort due to Kolis, the fishing community residing around it, it is open for the public to visit and can be accessed by foot.
You can walk through the frenzy and narrow lanes and reach the fort by climbing up a few steps. The beautifully ornamented and arched gate welcomes you inside the fort. Inside, you can see a weird combination of a Hanuman temple, a well, a gym, and a lot of open space.
From here you can get drenched in the views of the amazing Mahim Bay and the Bandra-Worli Sealink and feel the cool sea-breeze touching your face. This defence structure is one of the few intact forts in Mumbai, that persists in all its glory and is worth a visit for its unimpaired architecture.
How To Reach
From Mumbai Airport?
The nearest local railway station to the airport is the Santacruz Railway station on the central line. You can board a local from here and get down at Dadar station or Elphinstone Road station.
From here you can hail an auto-rickshaw till Worli and then walk till the fort through the small bylanes to reach the fort. There is also the option to hail a cab and directly reach Worli.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit the Worli Fort is between the months of October and February when the weather conditions in the Mumbai city are pleasant. During these months, it is comparatively less humid, making your visit here hassle-free.
Moreover, there will be a clear sky for you to enjoy the Arabian Sea in all its glory, without any overcast in the sky. You can come to the fort early in the morning to witness a stunning sunrise.
Evening is also a great time to witness the different colourful hues on the horizon of the Arabian Sea.
Other Essential Information
Location: Worli village near Worli, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400030
Price: There is no entry fee to visit the Worli Fort.
Time: 5 am to 7 pm, Open on all days of the week
Tips for visiting Worli Fort:
There are a few things you should keep in mind before heading to the Worli Fort:
-For reaching the fort, you will have to go through the tiny bylanes and haphazard houses of the village, where the fishing community resides.
-The smell of fish will overpower as you reach here.
-You can bring a bottle of water and some snacks with you to sit and eat at the fort.
-Make sure to come back from the fort before it gets dark, as it will be difficult for you to navigate out of the tiny lanes.
-You can bring your camera to click the panoramic views of the bay, the sea link, and the Mumbai skyline.