Mumbai is known as the city of islands but I would say that it is a place having all the blessings of nature. It has mountains, rivers, sea shore, islands, hills and forests too. Enriched with modern as well as historic monuments the city of Mumbai is definitely a place worth exploring. It has many centuries old forts to its credit. Though many of these historic monuments are now in ruins due to the humid weather, constant neglect and mushrooming of the illegal encroachments but still some of the forts are intact and worth paying the visit after all they are the symbol of our past glory and still a part of the city. Through this article I am taking you to explore Sewri fort and Sion Fort situated in Mumbai city. It is one of the finest places to see in Mumbai.Sewri Fort which is also known as Shivdee Fort was built by Portuguese in seventeenth century in the year 1608. Just like other forts built by Portuguese this fort also served as a watch tower to keep an eye on the enemies and pirates coming from the sea way. This more than four centuries old watch tower of Bombay harbor was acquired by British by defeating Portuguese later on. You can see here well intact pentagonal room, a domed corridor and many arched structures. Though this structure does not have any attractive designs as the purpose to build these sorts of forts was not to live in them but to use them just as a watch tower but still being a historic monument you can explore them. This structure has got a grade I Heritage structure label and thus all possible measures are being taken to preserve and conserve this historic fort in the city.The strategic location of the fort also gives you an opportunity to sight some magnificent birds like Pink Flamingoes who come to Mumbai along with the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and Mumbai city. To reach the fort Sewri you can take a train to Sewri which is located close to the fort. From the station take any local transport like taxi or auto rickshaw to reach the fort.Another fort is Sion Fort. As the name suggests it is located near Sion on a small hill. You might have seen it while traveling by a local train in this area. This fort was also built in late seventeenth century sometime between 1669 and 1677 on a small pointed hill. A British Governor of that time of Bombay named Gerard Aungier built this fort with the purpose to draw a boundary line between Parel Island which was under British rule and Salsette Island occupied by Portuguese rulers.The northeast boundary of British owned Island was clearly seen by this fort. In the past when both the foreign rulers were neck to neck the castle of Sion actually served as a guard to the city and restricted entry of Portuguese from Salsette Island to the city of Mumbai. It is really strange to know that whenever the doors of the castle which were actually the entrance to the city were opened or closed cannons were banged. A beautiful garden is being developed at the bottom of the hill which adds beauty to the place. From the fort on the hill top you can witness the excellent view of surroundings and several salt pans located at Thane creek. To reach this Fort the easiest way is to catch the train to Sion and then you can walk to the fort.Some other forts in Mumbai are Worli Fort, Mahim Fort, Mudh Fort, Bandra Fort, etc. Most of these forts were built centuries back and do not seem grand but still they are the part of our country’s history and thus worth exploring at least once.RUCHI MAHAJANзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн