Belapur Fort, Navi Mumbai Overview

Belapur Fort is a sight that you can find in the Belapur Township of Navi Mumbai. It was constructed in the 16th century by the Siddhis of Janjira. Later the fort has been passed to the Portuguese as well as the British who were present in the area. The fort had great significance in the past after being inactive for a long time. It has now gone into ruins. But tourists can visit this site to see the spectacular architecture that predates hundreds of years. The surrounding areas are pretty and peaceful as you get to be amongst a lot of greenery.

Timings and Entry fee for Visiting the Belapur Fort

The fort remains open from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM daily. It provides enough time that you can spend to explore the whole fort. But do not attempt to visit this place at night at it remains abandoned and can prove dangerous. Currently, there is no entry fee for visiting the Fort.

History of the Belapur Fort

The Belapur Fort was constructed around 1560 to 1580 by the Siddis to have strategic control over the place after they took it from the Portuguese. The fort was built on a hilltop that is near Panvel Creek’s mouth. After that, the fort was captured by the Portuguese in 1682. The fact that you should know is that Belapur was then known as Shabaz.

Then the fort was captured by the Marathas under the guidance of Chimaji Appa. As he vowed to offer beli leaves to the God after recapturing the fort, it was renamed as the Belapur Fort. After this, the British East India Company under Charles Gray took over the fort in 1817, and they even vandalised the fort.

The fort used to station four companies of 180 men and 14 guns weighing in the range of 2 to 5 Kgs when it was active. But right now it is under dilapidated conditions and plants are seen protruding from the walls. Currently, it falls under the supervision of City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO), and they have said that they will try their best to restore the fort. Even the locals of Belapur are working hard to take care of their beloved fort.

Things to do at the Belapur Fort

Tourists can definitely explore the whole of Belapur fort. They can do this on their own. But they should definitely stay away from the debris or any place that doesn’t look tourist friendly. Along with that they can sit and enjoy the serene environment that they get to enjoy in the Belapur Fort and also in the place surrounding it.

Places to visit near the Belapur Fort

If you happen to visit the Belapur Fort, then you can also visit nearby places. Belapur is an important part of Navi Mumbai, and you have got the options to visit places like the Parsik Hill, Nerul Balaji Temple, Nerul Lake. One can also visit the Belapur Mango Garden, which looks very beautiful, especially during the summers.

How To Reach Belapur Fort

There are several different ways through which you can reach the Belapur Fort. If you are in the Navi Mumbai area, then take a bus, auto or even your private car to Belapur Township. One can also travel by train and reach the Belapur station to get easy access to the fort. The fort is well connected to the surrounding area. So, one can easily reach the fort by car or a bus. They can even take an Uber to the fort if they find it convenient.

Belapur is a lovely place and if you happen to be in Navi Mumbai, do not miss out on it. The area is a serene and peaceful world away from the usual hustle bustle of the rest of the city.