Vasai Fort/Bassein Fort is a ruined fort, located in the present-day Palghar district of the Konkan division, in Maharashtra.
But don’t let the term “ruined” fool you, because this fort is a treasure trove of historical significance that will leave you feeling like a true explorer!
The fort’s name “Bassein” is an anglicized version of the Portuguese Baçaim, which is itself a derivation of an apparently native name that may have a connection to the tribal Vasa-Konkani people. The fort was once known as the Fort of St. Sebastian during the Indo-Portuguese era and was the headquarter of the Portuguese in the north, next in importance to Goa.
It’s a bit of a trek to get there, about 45 km from Palghar City, but it’s well worth it! The fort is easily accessible via the Naigaon Railway Station, which is on the Western Railway line in the direction of the Virar railway station. Plus, the area is known for being a ship-building center for the Portuguese, so there’s plenty of nautical history to discover.
This fort is surrounded by sea on three sides and has a moat that was once filled by seawater. It’s 4.5 km long stone wall has 11 bastions, so make sure to bring your comfy shoes for climbing and exploring! There are two gates – the westward land-gate and a small citadel that’s well-equipped with water-tanks, storehouses, armory, and even fields for growing grains and vegetables!
But be warned, summer months (April and May) can be pretty brutal, so plan accordingly and bring plenty of food and water. Trust us, you won’t find any good stuff around the fort.
If you’re a history buff or just love to explore ancient ruins, Fort Bassein is a must-visit destination that you won’t regret! Just be sure to carry maps or Google Maps to explore the fort’s many winding pathways and hidden corners. So what are you waiting for? Let’s go discover Fort Bassein!
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