Magical Bandstand: One Of Mumbai's Last Standing Forts

‘Bandstand chalein?’ You hear it on the day you land in the city, from your first (and all the following) roommates, from your neighborhood friends and college classmates, and from every young person who is looking to while away an evening. Explore Mumbai’s beautiful Bandra Fort and discover why everyone around you wants to go there.
Bandra Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century as Forte de Bandora or Castella de Aguada (Fort of the Waterpoint – because passing ships collected fresh water from a spring nearby). It was one of a chain of forts they built on the western coast. This particular fort was at a strategic point on the sea route towards Mumbai Harbor in the island city, a route which has since disappeared. It is now one of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and is officially recognized as one of its tourist spots (regardless enjoyed by visitors and locals alike).

The sea near the fort is egalitarian – it is experienced in equal intensity by everyone in its vicinity. The Bandstand Promenade is a kilometer-long walkway that ends at Bandra Land’s End, where Bandra Fort, as well as an amphitheater, a garden, and a park, all meet. These very different kinds of spaces have an intersection that is incredibly interesting and fluid, making it a vibrant public space that supports both organized cultural and community activities like concerts, art events and workshops, as well as unorganized recreation and loitering – something public spaces thrive on and categorically need.

The Bandra Bandstand Residents’ Trust (BBRT) was created with the movement ‘Save the Water Front’ and now takes responsibility for maintaining Bandstand Promenade as well as Land’s End. This includes general civic efforts like organizing events and functions, taking care of the garden, and managing the space so that it accommodates many uses, like cycling and sports. This trust is also currently one of the many voices in Mumbai resisting the infamous coastal road, a highway that is planned to be built from reclaimed land along the western coast, and part of the city’s freshly renewed war with the sea.

Bombay’s relationship with the sea has existed for as long as the land itself. Today, the ghost of the sea is under our feet in about 40 percent of the island city and 20 percent of the suburbs. Its echoes inland long after it disappears from sight. It is an inherent part of Bombay’s consciousness, of itself and the world, and it floods our mindspace in turn. Bandra Fort is one of the several unique manifestations of this exquisite, feverish, almost instinctive attraction that people feel towards the sea.

There’s something about this place that removes you from time entirely. A tropical scene, with the searing sun and palm trees and the salty smell and breeze, enough to make you forget you are still a part of a bustling metropolis.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.