Vasai Fort (Bassein)वसई किल्ला
A vast Portuguese fortified city north of Mumbai, its cathedrals now roofless and overgrown.
See what is open on your dateOpen in Google MapsWherePalghar, Maharashtra
Thane-Palghar
Thane-Palghar
Best time to visit1 November to 15 May
Good seasonsMonsoon (June to September), Post-monsoon (October to November), Winter (December to February), Summer (March to May)
DifficultyEasy
Time needed3 hrs
Base and nearbyVasai Gaon, Vasai Road
EntryFree
About Vasai Fort (Bassein)
Vasai was the northern capital of Portuguese India, a walled city with cathedrals, a citadel and a governor’s residence, taken by the Marathas after a brutal 1739 siege. What survives is among the most atmospheric ruins in the state: roofless cathedral arches with trees growing straight through them, at the very edge of Mumbai.
What to see and do
- Roofless Portuguese cathedral arches
- Citadel and sea-facing bastions
- St Joseph’s and Nossa Senhora church ruins
- Reachable by Mumbai local train
- A long-standing film-shoot favourite
Opening status, best time and closures here are estimates from usual seasons and past patterns, not live information. Confirm with the local authority before you go. Terms of use
More places in Palghar
- Kelve, Shirgaon & Tarapur FortsPalghar, Maharashtra · Coastal DestinationsThree small coastal forts along the Palghar beaches, doable together in a morning.
- Tarapur FortPalghar, Maharashtra · FortsA Portuguese coastal fort stormed by Chimaji Appa on the road to Vasai.
- Shirgaon FortPalghar, Maharashtra · FortsA small square Portuguese fort a short walk up from Shirgaon beach.
- AsherigadPalghar, Maharashtra · FortsThe largest fort in Palghar district, wrapped in forest and almost forgotten.
- Dahanu & Bordi BeachPalghar, Maharashtra · BeachesMaharashtra’s northernmost beaches, backed by Dahanu’s chikoo orchards.
- GambhirgadPalghar, Maharashtra · FortsA remote fort in the Jawhar hills, deep in Warli country.
- KaldurgPalghar, Maharashtra · FortsA tiny, safe fort, the one to bring absolute beginners and children to.
- KamandurgPalghar, Maharashtra · FortsA forested fort behind Vasai, close to Mumbai, but it does not feel it.
All places in Palghar · All places in Maharashtra
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Jagah Pedia is a free travel guide by Santosh Pandey. Status, timings and closures are estimates from usual patterns, so confirm locally before you travel.