Arnala Fort

Arnala Fort is a sea fort located on the Arnala Island, which is situated off the coast of Arnala, a small town in the Virar-West region of Palghar district in Maharashtra, India. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and was later captured by the Maratha Empire in the 18th century. The fort served as a strategic coastal defense point for the Portuguese and was used as a trading post for goods such as salt and spices. Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding sea and landscapes. Visitors can reach the fort via a short boat ride from the mainland or by walking on the causeway that connects the island to the mainland during low tide.

Getting There :  To reach Arnala Fort, you need to first get to the town of Arnala, which is situated in the Virar-West region of Palghar district in Maharashtra, India. Here are the different modes of transportation to reach Arnala Fort:

By road: Arnala is well connected by road with the nearby cities of Mumbai and Thane. You can take a bus or a taxi from Mumbai or Thane to Arnala. The distance from Mumbai to Arnala is around 69 km, and it takes about 2-3 hours to reach Arnala by road, depending on the traffic.

By train: The nearest railway station to Arnala is Virar railway station, which is well connected to Mumbai and other cities in Maharashtra. From Virar railway station, you can take a bus or a taxi to reach Arnala. The distance from Virar railway station to Arnala is around 17 km, and it takes about 30-40 minutes to reach Arnala by road.

By boat: Arnala Fort is located on the Arnala Island, which is situated off the coast of Arnala town. You can take a boat ride from the Arnala beach to reach the fort. The boat ride takes around 15-20 minutes and offers a scenic view of the surrounding sea and landscapes.

Once you reach Arnala, you can reach the fort by walking on the causeway that connects the island to the mainland during low tide, or by taking a boat ride to the fort from the Arnala beach.

Places to visit near Arnala fort : Arnala Fort is located in the Arnala Island, which is situated in the northern part of Mumbai, Maharashtra. Here are some places to visit near Arnala Fort:

1. Arnala Beach: The beach is situated close to Arnala Fort and is a popular spot among tourists. It offers a serene atmosphere and a great view of the Arabian Sea.
2. Vasai Fort: This is an old fort located in Vasai, which is just 12 km from Arnala Fort. The fort is a perfect place for history buffs as it is an epitome of Portuguese architecture.

   

   
   
3. Tungareshwar National Park: The park is located about 23 km from Arnala Fort and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
4. Kelwa Beach: This beach is situated about 19 km from Arnala Fort and is a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the sea.

   

   
   
5. Vajreshwari Hot Springs: These hot springs are located about 20 km from Arnala Fort and are believed to have therapeutic properties. The water in these springs is said to have healing properties and is rich in minerals.
6. Chinchoti Waterfall: This waterfall is located about 17 km from Arnala Fort and is a perfect place to spend a day amidst nature. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and offers a breathtaking view.

   

   
   
7. St. Francis Xavier's Church: This church is located in Vasai and is a perfect place for people interested in history and architecture. It is one of the oldest churches in India and is an epitome of Portuguese architecture.
8. Bassein Beach: This beach is located about 16 km from Arnala Fort and is a perfect place to unwind and relax. It is a popular spot among locals and tourists alike.