Castella de Aguada/Bandra Fort

Bandra Fort, also known as Castella de Aguada, is a historic fort built by the Portuguese in 1640 as a watchtower to oversee Mahim Bay, the Arabian Sea, and the southern island of Mahim. Its name means "Fort of the Waterpoint," referencing a natural freshwater spring within the fort that supplied water to Portuguese ships.

The fort's strategic position helped the Portuguese guard the northern sea route into Mumbai Harbor. It was armed with seven cannons and smaller guns for defense. After the Portuguese decline, the Marathas captured the fort in 1739, maintaining it as part of their coastal defenses until the British took control in 1774 during the First Anglo-Maratha War. The British partially demolished the fort in the 18th century as a precaution to prevent its use against them. 

Over time, it fell into ruins but was restored beginning in 2003 through local conservation efforts. Today, Bandra Fort is a popular tourist spot, known for its scenic views of the Arabian Sea, nearby landmarks like the Worli Sea Link, and its blend of historical and architectural significance. It is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India and features gardens and an amphitheater in its vicinity, serving as a serene heritage site in Mumbai's urban landscape.