Most weekend plans in Mumbai begin at the Gateway of India and end somewhere on Marine Drive. I thought of something different. Mumbai is also known for its cluster of coastal forts built by both the Portuguese and the British to monitor the sea, many of which still exist. Some are near fishing villages that are older than the city. You may see a few being visited over just two days.
The forts may be easily overlooked. Some are in dilapidated condition, and you can reach a few by walking through village streets, which adds to the charm. These are residential areas with all their peculiarities.
Saturday morning at Worli Fort in Mumbai
I started early at Worli Fort, at the tip of the Worli peninsula. The British built it in 1675 as a watchtower over Mahim Bay, and it is small, with low stone walls and a view across the water. To reach it, you walk through Worli Koliwada, the old fishing village that surrounds it.
The village is lively with colourful houses and fishing boats by the beach. I took my camera down, and locals greeted me as I walked past. The fort opens at about 6 a.m., and the sea link looked magnificent in the morning light.
Saturday afternoon at Bandra Fort in Mumbai
By midday, I took a cab to Bandra Fort, also called Castella de Aguada. The Portuguese built it in 1640 near a freshwater spring, and it sits at Land’s End, looking out over the Arabian Sea and the Bandra-Worli Sea Link. Entry is free, and it is usually open from early morning until evening.
By afternoon, my legs were tired, though I felt better than I expected. I flew in the evening before on one of the business class flights from Delhi to Mumbai. Resting properly, thanks to the spacious seating, complimentary meals, and priority in-flight services, made Saturday’s long walks easy. Not every trip needs that, but a packed weekend does.
The fort itself is a short climb of worn steps. Locals sit on the rocks, and the sea breeze is strong. Stay until the late afternoon if you can. The light softens, and the sea link lights up.
Sunday morning at Madh village in Mumbai
I went to Madh Island in the north on Sunday. You can get there by taking a ferry from Versova Jetty, which saves time spent in traffic. I took a ferry for a few minutes and enjoyed the trip at the edge of the ship.
Madh village is a peaceful place. It has narrow streets and old houses. You can find Koli and East Indian communities living there. There are small chapels between tiny shops in the village. Everything seemed slow-paced, and I was told the directions to the fort by a local.
Madh Fort and the hill above Mumbai
Madh Fort is a Portuguese fort built in the 17th century. It served as a watchtower and as a prison. The fort is weather-worn, and parts of it are covered with vegetation, but the view of the ocean is stunning.
I spent an hour there without seeing more than three other visitors. It was easily the calmest place of the weekend. Carry water and wear comfortable shoes, since the paths are uneven.
Practical notes for Mumbai’s forts and villages
October to March is the most comfortable season. The forts are small, so you can visit two in the morning. Morning light is best, and most are free to enter. Many sit in residential areas, so dress modestly, keep noise low and ask before photographing people.
Auto rickshaws are not allowed south of Mahim, so use cabs or the local train for longer trips. Public transport works well for Madh, but allow extra time on weekends.
What Mumbai’s quieter edges showed me
I came back with a clearer picture of the city. So, finally, I got here being smarter and wiser. Mumbai is not just skyscrapers and traffic. It is larger and older than that. Two days will not cover everything, but they are enough to understand why these places matter.
