Madh Fort
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Madh Fort

4.1
·2k reviews·Mumbai, India

A 1700s Portuguese watchtower offering stunning Arabian Sea views, popular for its historical charm and scenic approach.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning or Evening

Cooler temperatures & scenic views

CrowdLow
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Madh Fort

Madh Fort

Best Time

Morning or Evening

Cooler temperatures & scenic views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 1700s Portuguese watchtower offering stunning Arabian Sea views, popular for its historical charm and scenic approach.

4.1
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful views and historical charm, though direct fort entry is often restricted."

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TIP

Check Access Before You Go

Entry to Madh Fort is often restricted due to Air Force presence. Confirm local access status to avoid disappointment .

Pack Snacks & Water

No shops are available around the fort. Bring your own food and drinks for a comfortable visit .

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Madh Fort Exterior Views

Madh Fort Exterior Views

Outer perimeter

Admire the imposing 1700s Portuguese-era structure from the outside, offering a glimpse into its historical significance.

Arabian Sea Vistas

Arabian Sea Vistas

Shoreline near the fort

Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, with the sound of waves providing a serene backdrop.

Nearby Shiva Temple

Nearby Shiva Temple

Adjacent to the fort

A beautiful and peaceful Shiva temple offers a spiritual respite and a good spot for reflection.

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Planning Your Visit

Access & Current Status

Madh Fort's accessibility can be tricky. It's currently under Air Force control, meaning direct entry is often restricted. Visitors can usually view it from the outside or nearby temple areas. Check local information before you go to avoid disappointment.Reddit

Best Time & What to Bring

Visit during the cooler morning or evening hours to enjoy the scenic views of the Arabian Sea. Since there are no shops nearby, remember to carry your own food and water. The approach road is particularly beautiful during the monsoon season.Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning or Evening
Why
Cooler temperatures & scenic views
Crowd
Low
When
Monsoon Season
Why
Lush green approach road
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Any residents of Madh Island in this sub? How is life here different from the mainland suburbs?

Check Access Before You Go

Entry to Madh Fort is often restricted due to Air Force presence. Confirm local access status to avoid disappointment.Reddit

Pack Snacks & Water

No shops are available around the fort. Bring your own food and drinks for a comfortable visit.Reddit

Enjoy the Surroundings

Even if you can't enter, the sea views and nearby temple offer a pleasant experience.Reddit

Best for Photography

The fort's exterior and the sea views are popular for pre-wedding shoots and general photography.Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

Check Access Before You Go

Entry to Madh Fort is often restricted due to Air Force presence. Confirm local access status to avoid disappointment.Reddit

Pack Snacks & Water

No shops are available around the fort. Bring your own food and drinks for a comfortable visit.Reddit

Enjoy the Surroundings

Even if you can't enter, the sea views and nearby temple offer a pleasant experience.Reddit

Best for Photography

The fort's exterior and the sea views are popular for pre-wedding shoots and general photography.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the scenic beauty of Madh Fort and its Arabian Sea views, often finding it a peaceful escape. The historical significance and the picturesque approach road are also highlighted. However, the primary drawback is the frequent restriction on entering the fort itself due to its Air Force control, leading to disappointment for some.

"Very nice fort clean and reasonably maintained this fort has a very good history
Many people come here for pre wedding shoots because view from this fort is very good. Madh Fort 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. And finally British took control over it after Bombay was passed on to British.
Parking is available here near the fort
No information about the fort is displayed anywhere no guide was available too I had to take out all the information from Google
Best time to visit this fort is in the morning or in the evening and time taken to visit this fort
Is half an hour
View around this fort is very good and there are no shops around so you will have to carry food and water along and now the fort has been closed for people to visit from inside you will have to visit it from outside only"

ravi sharma

"Quite an effort to get there. I enjoyed driving thru novel areas of mumbai but the military won't let you near the fort. After being dropped off from the uber and having a walk around a fishing jetty, when I made my way around to go into the fort the gate guard said no. Never got closer than 500 metres to it, and werent allowed to take photos. Had to go back (2 klm walk) to the main military gate and ask them for permission. They were rude and just said no. It was nice driving thru another part of the city, but save your rupees and time, go somewhere else!"

dion

"Fort is not opened for visitors this is what local
Public informed us, you can see some part of it from the temple area which is near the sea. The fort looks too old, as its under Airforce now its not allowed to travel. But you have shore where you can sit and spend sometime with the sound of waves of the sea. Its sunny during afternoons. there is a Beautiful Shiva temple to visit and some rocky area good to take pictures. Its near from Aksa beach"

Vis_goodluck

What People Like

Beautiful sea views
Historical architecture
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Restricted entry
Lack of facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Madh Fort is located in Madh, Mumbai. You can reach it by bus, with routes like #271 and #269 serving the area.Reddit Taxis or ride-sharing services are also an option, though the approach road can be scenic and enjoyable.Reddit

Accessibility can be challenging as the fort is under Air Force control and direct entry is often restricted. It's best to check the current status locally before planning your visit.Reddit

While buses are available, exploring the area by taxi or ride-sharing service offers more flexibility. The drive through the green areas, especially during monsoon, is a highlight.Reddit

Parking is generally available near the fort, making it convenient for those arriving by private vehicle.Reddit

Locals refer to the area simply as 'Madh,' and it's no longer considered an island in the traditional sense.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

As direct entry into the fort is often restricted, there are typically no tickets required for external viewing. However, it's advisable to confirm any entry fees or permissions if access is granted.Reddit

Since the fort is under Air Force jurisdiction, there are no fixed public opening hours. Access is often limited to viewing from the outside.Reddit

Unfortunately, Madh Fort is often closed to the public for internal visits as it is under the control of the Air Force. Visitors usually view it from the exterior.Reddit

Typically, there is no entry fee for viewing Madh Fort from the outside. If any specific access is granted, fees might apply, but this is uncommon.Reddit

Information about the fort's history is not readily displayed onsite. Visitors often rely on online resources like Google to gather details about its past.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, Madh Fort and its surroundings offer excellent photographic opportunities, especially for capturing the Arabian Sea views and the fort's exterior. It's a popular spot for pre-wedding shoots.Reddit

While general photography of the exterior and surrounding sea is usually permitted, specific restrictions might apply due to the Air Force presence. It's best to be mindful of any signage or guard instructions.Reddit

The shoreline offering views of the Arabian Sea and the rocky areas near the temple are great for pictures. The approach road itself is also very picturesque, especially during the monsoon.Reddit

Drone photography is generally not permitted in areas controlled by the military or Air Force. It's advisable to avoid using drones to prevent any issues.Reddit

Morning and evening hours offer softer light and pleasant temperatures, ideal for photography. The sunset views over the Arabian Sea can be particularly stunning.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

No, there are no shops or food vendors located directly around Madh Fort. Visitors are advised to carry their own food and water.Reddit

Yes, bringing your own food and water is highly recommended for a comfortable visit, as there are no dining facilities nearby.Reddit

You will need to travel back towards more populated areas of Mumbai to find restaurants and eateries after your visit to Madh Fort.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While direct access to Madh Fort might be limited, families can still enjoy the scenic beauty of the area. The open spaces near the shore provide room for children to play, and the sound of the waves can be captivating. The nearby Shiva temple offers a quiet moment for reflection. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, as there are no facilities for food and drinks.Reddit The drive through the green routes can also be an enjoyable part of the outing for kids.

📸 Photographers & Content Creators

Madh Fort and its surroundings are a dream for photographers. The dramatic views of the Arabian Sea, the historical fort exterior, and the rocky shorelines offer diverse backdrops. It's a popular location for pre-wedding shoots and capturing scenic beauty.Reddit The approach road, especially during the monsoon, provides a lush, green setting. Be mindful of any restrictions due to the Air Force presence and focus on capturing the external grandeur and the natural beauty of the coastline.

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Explorers

For those interested in history, Madh Fort offers a glimpse into Mumbai's colonial past. While internal exploration is often not possible, understanding its Portuguese and Maratha history adds depth to the visit.Reddit You can research its background beforehand to appreciate its significance. The surrounding area, including the nearby temple and the coastline, provides a sense of the historical strategic importance of this location.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History of Madh Fort

Madh Fort, originally known as Fort Versova, was constructed by the Portuguese in the 1700s. It served as a crucial watchtower overlooking the Arabian Sea. Its strategic location made it a point of contention during colonial rule. The Maratha Empire captured the fort from the Portuguese in February 1739, marking a significant shift in regional power. Later, the British gained control of the fort after Bombay was transferred to their dominion.

Despite its rich history, the fort is now under the jurisdiction of the Indian Air Force. This has led to restricted public access, with visitors often only able to view the structure from its perimeter. While historical information is not readily available on-site, its architecture and past significance are evident to those who can observe it.Reddit

Visiting Madh Fort: What to Expect

A visit to Madh Fort is often more about the experience of the surroundings than direct exploration of the fort itself. Due to its current status under the Air Force, direct entry into the fort is frequently prohibited. Visitors typically admire the historical structure from the outside, appreciating its imposing presence against the backdrop of the Arabian Sea.Reddit

The area around the fort offers beautiful sea views and is a popular spot for leisurely walks. Nearby, you can find a serene Shiva temple, adding a spiritual dimension to the visit. The approach road to Madh Fort is also noteworthy, becoming particularly lush and green during the monsoon season, making the journey itself a pleasant experience.Reddit Remember to carry your own food and water, as amenities are scarce in the immediate vicinity.

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