About Madh Fort
Madh Fort, also popularly known as Versova Fort, is a picturesque seaside fortification situated at the southern tip of Madh Island in northern Mumbai. Standing guard over the calm waters where Marve Creek meets the Arabian Sea, this historic structure serves as a quiet reminder of Mumbai's colonial past and maritime strategy.
Surrounded by a sleepy fishing village and coconut groves, the fort offers dramatic panoramic views of the coast, especially during sunset. Due to its secluded location and rugged aesthetic, it has long been a favored backdrop for Indian television shows, music videos, and Bollywood film shoots.
Note for Visitors: The fort is currently under the jurisdiction and maintenance of the Indian Armed Forces (Indian Air Force/Navy). Consequently, public access inside the fort walls is restricted, and visitors usually require prior written permission to step inside. However, tourists frequently visit the surrounding beach and outer periphery to admire its impressive stone facade and scenic coastal environment.
History
The origin of Madh Fort dates back to the 17th century when it was constructed by the Portuguese Empire as a watchtower and strategic lookout post. Its vantage point allowed Portuguese guards to monitor enemy vessel movements along the Western coast of India and protect their possessions in Baçaim (Vasai) and Salsette Island.
In 1739, the fort fell into the hands of the Maratha Empire during a military campaign led by Chimaji Appa, the brother of Peshwa Baji Rao I, which successfully ousted the Portuguese from the northern Konkan region. The Marathas held the outpost until 1774, when the British East India Company took control of Salsette during the First Anglo-Maratha War.
Despite centuries of exposure to harsh saline sea breezes, the fort's external stone masonry remains remarkably intact, showcasing traditional colonial defensive architecture with high curtain walls and bastions designed for watchkeeping.