GHODBUNDER FORT

Gate and Watch Tower

So after one full month of frustration and exams, I'm here with a whole new blog with a location that hardly few people know about. Me and my friends came to know about this place through google. We were bored to go to usual places where most of the "cool" crowd hangs out, like

1) Marine lines, Mumbai

2) Bandra Reclamation

3) Gaimukh (More like cheap thrills of marine lines) 

4) Hiranandani (Any of it! Except the fact that we only visited Powai)

So this time , we came up with something new. We searched google and found out this, "Ghodbunder Fort".

West side of fort

Ghodbunder fort is located in Ghodbunder village, near Mira-Bhayandar express highway. It is approximately 23 km from Thane railway station.

It was built by Portuguese, which was later occupied by Maratha Empire and then it became the East India Company's district headquarters. The place is called Ghodbunder because Portuguese used to trade Horses(Ghode in Marathi), and hence this port(Bunder in Marathi) was called as Ghodbunder. 

Staircase to watch tower

Historic Significance : 

In 1530, the Portuguese came to Thane, and they began fortifying the hill area about 1550, but completion of the fort was done in 1730. The Portuguese named the fort as 'Cacabe de Tanna'. It was under portuguese rule until 1737. (Source : Wikipedia)

Fortress from watch tower

So, we decided to meet at 5 AM in the morning and the plan was to reach there as early as possible and see the sunrise as it has a good view from east side of the fort. We were 4 people, on 2 motorcycles. We started our ride at 5.30 AM and rushed as we were already late. The sunrise was scheduled at 6 AM according to Google. But thanks to the traffic which came after Gaimukh and made our journey delayed by almost half an hour. We were stuck up in a traffic which was almost 2 kilometers long! And all the heavy vehicles like trucks, containers, buses were dominating the road. So we basically had to slip through the left most side of the road which was hardly 1 meter broad. The condition of road is good, but at the side line, the road is pathetic. And we had to go by that pathetic road because of the heavy traffic! It was one hell of a ride. I got some scratches on my left foot. My hands were literally shaking while I was riding my bike and constantly changing gears. 

East view of Fort

After crossing the toll on NH48, the road is pretty empty, you just come across one express highway, and then you enter the Ghodbunder Village. Let me tell you, I was literally surprised when I saw that village. I never knew such village even existed before. It was a pleasant place to be at. No rush, silent hilly roads, row houses on both sides of the road, many trees. It was all good. 

The fort is really good. It's not in a condition to be called as a fort or fortress, because its just ruins of it that are remaining. Local residents have created a box cricket pitch right in front of the gate. The fortress is a good place to hangout with your friends. I repeat, friends, not loved ones. Because, it doesn't take much time to turn any good spot into a couple spot. Anyways! You can carry football, badminton and cricket equipment if you're interested in playing.  

If you check the wikipedia page of the "Ghodbunder Fort" you will come to know that there is a church built by british which is now used as a hotel; and also two engraved angels. I did not see anything like this, maybe i was not attentive or they are just destroyed. I'll surely look for those when I go for a visit again. 

You can see the Vasai creek, and Thane city from the east side of the fort, Vasai city is on the west side. We were there for more than an hour exploring the fort. The fort is green and since it is located in a countryside, it gives fresh air to breath. So, it's a must "once in a lifetime" visit.

While returning, the clouds were covering the sun, and the symptoms of rain were seen. We started the return journey. It is said that whenever you re-read an old book, you get to know something new from it. Some meaning that we did not understand before. Same thing is for travelling. I've traveled to Gaimukh for almost 3/4 times now, and at different times. Like early morning sunrise, sunset, even in the afternoon. And every time, there was something different. Different vibes at different times. 

So while returning, today since the weather was cloudy, everything was so much pleasant. The thing that pleased me more was the infinte birds chirping all around the overhead cable and seeking food for their children. Even rain was drizzling! I had a wish that at least once I have to sit back in the bike which someone else is riding for me, listening to my playlist on a pleasant day. That wish was completed today. This was the best morning I've had in months! On the way back home, we had a snack and then said goodbye to everyone. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT : 

To all the romeo-juliets, laila-majnus, heer-ranjhas out there, i know you love each other a lot, but this is not the way how you show love towards your partner. No tourist is interested in knowing how much do you love your partner or how affectionate you are. Places like these are not your private property. If you want to leave a mark at such places, plant a tree there or help to clean the place. Contribute for betterment, don't screw up.  

Nearest Railway station : Thane

Recommended season : Any. (Rain if you love greenery, but road conditions are worst)

Location : Ghodbunder Village, Mira Bhayandar Express highway.