A TRIP TO HAUNTED VASAI FORT A.K.A THE BASSEIN FORTRESS

Photo Travelogue :


I was excited for this one. I know, I always say 'I'm excited for this one' for all my trips and explorations, but, I really am/was. I've been planning it for quite a long time. I was not excited just for the visit as such; but, I was excited and looking so forward to exploring the haunted stories myself - oh, there are plenty of those! This fort has been covered by many paranormal shows and they showed quite a bit of evidences, so, I had to see and experience it for myself. The distance, however, was the main issue and how to get there - but, after quite a bit of research I figured it out. Some bus travel, train travel, auto travel would finally get me there. There was no direct connectivity, so, I'd have to change the travel modes at intervals to reach there. And I had to start early. I'm still quite scared to do night explorations - not because of ghosts, but, because of other dangers ~ both from humans and wildlife. And since, I like exploring alone, it had to be throughout the day - whatever I could and return by evening. If a place indeed was haunted, it'd give proof during day time too. And finally the D-day arrived.

I did the expected train, bus and auto travel ( took nearly 2+ hours ) and finally stood at the entrance of the fortress. I was tempted to run as I saw my bus leave, leaving a trail of dust behind it, but I calmed myself - you have to do it, ND! I told myself, 'comon, don't be coward you have explored so many haunted locations in the past, this is nothing'. The self pep-talk helped and I started my explorations. By the way the Bus no. 112 drops you at the Fort from Vasai Railway Station (W) and entry to the fort is free. This fort is spread across quite a big area and has 7 distinct spots, along with another one in the opposite side of the main approaching road where Peshwa Baji Rao's brother Chimaji Appa's statue is located, as he had defeated the Portugese who controlled the fort in its hay days. The fort is simply - seeing is believing! Best thing was since it was a weekday, and considering the fort's distance ( its in a remote area near the sea ) there were hardly any visitors ( just a couple or so ) and I got the whole fort to myself to explore. I couldn't be more happier. Here's my trip in details, enjoy ;-)


walking from the bus stop towards the famous vasai fort...it is surrounded by jungles...


fort wall ruins covered with overgrowth...nature reclaims everything...


and, therein it lies...there are 7 different remnants of the huge fort scattered all over 100+ acres...


these remnants are - the main fort, the citadel, the townhall ( in the main area surrounding the ASI office ), churches ( st. gonsalo garcia, fransiscan convent of st. anthony and its graveyard ( further away towards west ) and st. joseph church remains and mandvi gate towards east...there's also a huge complex in the opposide side of the killa or fort road...


entrance to the citadel...






there are couple of wells inside and lots of palm trees...also, whole fort has two walls running parallel - it keeps the fort much cooler than the surroundings as the outer stone wall reflects off the heat...its a unique architectural feat of those times when there was no air-conditioning...the whole fort is currently in ruins with overgrowth everywhere...but was amazing! I loved it!


I followed a small trail covered with thick foliage on both sides ...


I reached this church ruins which has a watch tower with narrow flight of steps...
this place is supposedly one of the most haunted spots...looks spooky too :o


the insides...walking into spooky past...


I spent quite some time trying to feel up the place...was someone watching my every move? hmmm ...


there are two hanuman temples - both in west end and east end of the complex - to ward off spirits?


mandvi darwaza with the baobab trees...


hello... vasai fort...


the place is filled with all kinds of palm trees...


town hall ruins...


another trail...one of many...

I spent lot of my time in different sections of the fort. Though the air was much cooler in the fort than outside it was mainly because of the double walled structure of the place. I was completely alone and didn't feel scared at all. I was on a look out for snakes though. It was broad daylight, perhaps, thats why maybe nothing happened. But I'm sure it'd be another story after dark. The place does look spooky mainly because its in ruins. It has had bloody history as well because of many battles fought, but, no ghosts came near me. Will I go to this fort again? Yes...because, for some reasons I feel there's more to it. The ghosts were shy this time perhaps, so, I'll try to go another time - to see if they remember me ;-) Spook lovers will love this place. If you're in the area do visit it - its quie an experience just for its history if nothing else, and the vibes it gives.

Ghost or not, I did have a scary incident, when I was returning from the Mandvi gate back to the Citadel. Its quite a shaded trail with tall trees on both sides with the sun barely penetrating. When I reached mid-point near the church ruins, I saw a woman dressed in marathi style saree approaching. We were just about to cross paths when she started saying something angrily at me. I didn't understand the language. But it seemed as if she'd pounce upon me any moment. She looked really angry. I don't know what her issue was, or, if she had any mental problem. I tried not to look directly at her and quickly walked past. She kept saying something behind my back too, flinging her arms wildly in the air. So yeah...that was the most scary part in my whole trip. Was she a ghost? Hmmm...or an angry local?






Fort Vasai is a ruined fort of the town of Vasai, Konkan Division, Maharashtra, India. The structure was formally christened as the Fort of St Sebastian in the Indo-Portuguese era. The fort is a monument of national importance and is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. Many movie scenes as well as the Bollywood songs "Kambakkht Ishq" from Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and "Poster Lagwa Do" from Luka Chuppi were shot at Vasai Fort. ( wiki ). Linking to Skywatch & MyWorldThruMyCameraLens
Address : Killa Rd, Police Colony, Naigaon West, Naigaon, Vasai-Virar, Maharashtra 401201
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