Belapur Fort
Range
Nil
Altitude
N/A
Difficulty
Easy
Explore Offline
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About Belapur Fort
Belapur Fort: Historic ruins at the confluence of Panvel & Thane creeks. Built by the Portuguese after capturing Saashti Island (following the victory of Vasai) to control creek trade & protect against the Marathas. Local inhabitants were mainly Kolis. Today, this historic testimony is sadly in ruins, threatened by rapid urbanization and neglect.
Best time to visit
All year round / Check local forecast
History & Significance
Fort Highlights: 75m citadel, 5 strong bastions, 20 canons. Key Events: * Maratha Rule: Narayan Joshi seized the fort (Mar. 31 - Apr. 22, 1737). * Post-Panipat: Manaji Angre captured Sadashivbhau here. * British Captures: * Col. Kay captured it (Nov. 23, 1778), returned 1779 (Vadgoan Treaty). * Capt. Campbell recaptured it (Apr. 12, 1780), returned 1782 (treaty). * Final Rule: Capt. Charles Gray won the fort for the East India Company (June 23, 1817).
Places to See
Belapur Fort: Few Remains, Rich History Reclamation work means little of Belapur Fort remains, but key spots endure! * **Bastion:** Found behind the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation garden. Use the spiral stairways inside to reach it\! * **Citadel:** The fort wall is gone, but some citadel remains are visible. * **Minaret & Temple:** Look for a two-storied minaret and the Goddess Govardhani Mata temple (now surrounded by buildings). * **Water Features:** See two square-shaped wells near retibunder and a lake built during the Portuguese era.
Journey & Transport
How to Reach
Regular buses run from Dombivli, Kalyan, Thane, and Mumbai to Belapur. Alight at the Belapur fort bus stop. From there, access the bastion near the garden. A paved road leads up a small hill to the south, where staircases take you to the citadel. This same road also reaches Retibunder.
Facilities
- StayNot Available
- FoodBYOF
- WaterNot Available