SNEAKING TO MADH FORT AT MADH ISLAND

Photo Travelogue :
Read first part - Here



When something is forbiddden you get a bigger urge to seek it out. It has always been the case. Specially with me. If I know something is not allowed, I'll be like - damn, now I'll go and do exactly that. I may or may not succeed in it; but I'm happy that at least I gave it a try. And thats what happened with my recent visit to The Madh Fort also called Versova fort.

The pungent odor of dried fish hits your nostrils as soon as you land in Versova metro station. That was the annoying part of the trip. I take an auto to the versova jetty with the odor glued to my nose. Five minutes boat ride and I'm on the other side already. The auto charges 60 bucks to drop me to the fort. After getting out, I realise it'd be tough getting an auto back, as the place is quite far off and in a remote secluded corner of the island. There's a temple, so, if some odd devotee comes in an auto I might get lucky. I decided to stop worrying about my return journey and just get into business - of exploring the forbidden fort. Well...I could at least try. So, why the heck not. I spotted the fort right behind the temple premises and one can go near it via a small trail that runs by the cliff edge. The rocks made my head spin, so, although I was ready to do some hardcore trekking I abandoned the idea. If my neck broke in that place, there'd be no one to save me. So I simply walked the small path up and down...taking in both the views of the fort from outside as well as the sea. The Arabian sea will not disappoint. Its really breathtaking. And the breeze, constant. Just standing there and taking it all in was an experience!


the 'killeshwar mahadev' temple is quite a famous one dedicated to lord shiva...


the fort looms from behind the temple...


I go and stand right next to it...its huge and formidable...with shrubs and trees taking over...


the narrow trail on left, but beware, lots of warning signs...you might get shot too!


one look at the fort walls, one look at the sea; and repeat, in a loop...thats what I did...


one of the five bastions of the fort, two are prominent from where I stood; near, yet so far...I could touch it, yet not...


bombay skyline at a distance mesmerises...


so does the intimidating fort right behind me...


its impenetrable from where I stood...


there was one way through those rocky cliffs...I didn't want to break my neck :s


moi, trying out selfies...


the madh fort jutting out into the arabia sea, view from the jetty right next to the temple...

I discovered another route to the fort. For that one has to go back to the Killeshwar temple road entrance and go the other way from the fork ( right hand ) to reach the other side. Though, the fort entry is restricted, one can view it from outside - its a better view. The roads here are lined with tall trees and looks beautiful. The place is under strict Air Force control so there are 'no photography' signs stuck on the walls in the entire area. There are also watch towers so you are under constant surveillence. The fort is isolated, so the walk upto the fort can be quite a lonely one, except for some passing fishermen or koli folks. On the other side, there is a stairway that leads to the fort entrance which is locked. Inside the fort, one can see tall palm trees. There are couple of bastions, courtyard, water tank, chambers, rooms and doorways along with a secret exit and several cut out window-type openings for air-flow as well as portholes to keep a watch outside the Arabian sea. It was primarily a watch tower in its hay days. Although the outer walls are still intact, the insides of the forts are mostly crumbling, broken and in ramparts. The Indian Airforce had recently urged the BMC to restore the fort and put up a 80ft tricolour flag, however, the BMC has put condition that it should be opened for public only then it'll comply. Lets see what happens.


fort view from outside and above ( archive image )




Although, I didn't go inside the fort itself, my journey around it was nonetheless quite an interesting one; and quite adventurous too. I loved the overall experience. Its really intriguing to learn how in past the world functioned. I might come back if and when it opens for public.


Madh Fort Madh Fort is a small fort in northern Mumbai, India situated at Madh Island. It was built by the Portuguese in Portuguese occupied India. They lost it during the war against Maratha empire when the Maratha Empire captured it in February 1739. It offers a strategic view of the coastline and guards the Marve Creek. Secluded 1700s watchtower known for its appearance in prominent Bollywood films & TV shows( wiki ).
Address : Near Kileshwar Mahadev Mandir, Kileshwar Road, Madh, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400061
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