Belapur Fort, Navi Mumbai

About Belapur Fort

Belapur Fort is a 16th-century hill fort located in Belapur, Navi Mumbai. It occupies a prominent position on a hilltop near the mouth of Panvel Creek. The Siddis of Janjira built it around 1560-1570 for security and surveillance. The fort later passed under Portuguese, Maratha, and British rule, reflecting the changing regional power dynamics in Western India. Although its exact location has not been officially documented, the remaining turrets dominate the surrounding landscape. The fort's distinctive features include its thick basalt stone walls, bastions, and surviving watchtowers, reflecting military architectural influences specific to the local terrain and strategic maritime surveillance.

Architecture of Belapur Fort

The fort is built of nearby laterite stone and lime mortar, a technique suitable for the humid coastal climate. Its structure is built on a dense, craggy plan, adapting to the hilly terrain, rather than being strictly uniform. The structure features thick defensive walls, corner bastions, and high watchtowers to withstand artillery fire. The decoration is minimal, reflecting its military purpose rather than its ceremonial significance.

• Main fortified enclosure
• Corner bastions and defensive walls
• Central courtyard area
• Watch points and parapet walkways

Interesting facts about Belapur Fort

• Belapur Fort is built on a hill below the estuary land of Belapur.
• The fort was conquered thrice by the Dutch, the Marathas and the British East India Company.
• An underground tunnel is also present here, which many locals believe connects it to Gharpuri Island, the site of Elephanta Caves.
• Intricate carvings have been done on the walls of the fort which depict some meaningful messages.
• The fort comes under the jurisdiction of the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO).
• Many benches have been set up by the local people and there are also many play equipments for the children.

How to reach Belapur Fort