Coldplay Song To SRK's ‘Josh', This ‘Goa-Like' Part Of Mumbai Region Is A Popular Shooting Spot
Vasai Fort was built by the Portuguese on the North West Coast of India during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Just a few kilometers from Mumbai lies a destination that has become a favourite among Bollywood and global artists. The Vasai Fort, often compared to Goa for its old Portuguese charm, is more than just a scenic backdrop.
From Coldplay's Hymn for the Weekend to Shah Rukh Khan's Josh, this centuries-old fort has been featured in many films and music videos. But apart from its screen presence, Vasai Fort has a rich past as there was a time when it was considered more important than Mumbai itself. We will also take a look at how you can reach the fort, if there is any entry fee and the best time to visit.
History
Vasai Fort, also known as Bassein Fort, was built by the Portuguese in in the North West Coast of India during the 16th and 17th centuries and became one of their most important strongholds on the west coast. The inner fort, called the Citadel of Saint or Bale Killa, was constructed in 1535 to guard the province. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea, Ulhas River and Vaitarna River, its location made it tough to breach.
In 1736, the fort was captured by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa, younger brother of the famous Maratha Empire builder Peshwa Baji Rao. What now stands as ruins once housed a town with churches, colleges, libraries, hospitalsand markets. There were even fields where crops were grown within the fort's boundary.
Centuries ago, when Mumbai was just a collection of seven islands, Vasai was already a thriving centre. Under Portuguese rule, it flourished with trade, culture and architecture. Its influence extended beyond India reaching as far as Pakistan, Oman and other parts of the Middle East.
This suburb in Maharashtra's Palghar district was once the regional headquarters of the Portuguese, second in importance only to Goa. With a 4.5-km-long wall, 11 bastions, water tanks and granaries, it was a fully functional city protected by natural and man-made defences.
Getting There, Best Time To Visit And Entry Info
How can you reach Vasai Fort?
By air: The nearest airport is Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai which is about a two-hour drive from the fort. It operates regular flights to and from major Indian cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Jaipur and Hyderabad.
By train: The cheapest and fastest way to reach Vasai from Mumbai is by local train. You can board a train from major stations like Churchgate, Dadar, Bandra, Andheri or Borivali and get down at Vasai Road station. The journey takes about an hour and costs just Rs 20–30 per person. From Vasai Road, the fort is around 10 km away and can be easily reached by auto-rickshaw or local bus.
By road: If you are travelling by road, you can either drive or take a bus to Vasai. Buses are available from major terminals like Mumbai Central, Dadar or Borivali and cost around Rs 100–150 and take roughly two hours. From the Vasai bus depot, the fort is about 8 km away and easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or local bus. If you are driving or booking a cab, the journey via Western Express Highway or NH 8 takes about 1.5 hours. You will find parking space near the fort.
Is there an entry fee?
No, entry to Vasai Fort is free.
When is the best time to visit?
The fort is open throughout the day generally from 4 AM to 11 PM. The ideal time to visit is between November and March when the weather is pleasant enough to explore the fort on foot.
The charm of Vasai Fort has drawn filmmakers and artists for decades. Shah Rukh Khan's Josh and Ram Gopal Verma's Aag were filmed here along with Love Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Khamoshi and more.
Internationally, it grabbed attention when British band Coldplay shot parts of Hymn for the Weekend here. The video, featuring Beyoncé and Sonam Kapoor, showED the fort's rustic beauty.
Popular Bollywood tracks like Kambakkht Ishq from Pyaar Tune Kya Kiya and Poster Lagwa Do from Luka Chuppi have also been filmed here.
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Delhi, India, India
First Published:
August 02, 2025, 08:30 IST
News viral Coldplay Song To SRK's 'Josh', This 'Goa-Like' Part Of Mumbai Region Is A Popular Shooting Spot
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