Vasai

Vasai, situated about 48 km north of Mumbai across the Ulhas River, was the seat of the Northern Court, capital of the Portugese possessions extending from Chaul-Revdanda in south to Oman in the Persian Gulf. The structures inside the fort are now in ruins; however, those which have withstood ravages of time, stand testimony to its grandness.

Vasai was also called Bassein. Bassein is the English version of Portuguese Baçaim. Vasai rose into prominence when the ancient harbour of Sopara (now Nallasopara) became unfit for use. Vasai boomed as a trade centre for spices, grains, sugar and as a ship building centre.

Apart from the fort and other historic monuments, Vasai is also popular for beaches. Beaches like Arnala attract large crowds of picnickers. The temples of Vajreshwari and Tungareshwar are popular pilgrim centres associated with the avatars of Vishnu.

Portugese received Bombay, Mahim, Diu, Daman, Chaul and Vasai from Gujarat king Bahadur Shah as price of friendship to thwart an invasion by Mughal emperor Humayun.

Vasai was called “The Province of the North” and governed by an officer styled “The General of the North”.

Marathas laid siege to the fort for three years. When the Marathas brought down the fort walls on May 14, 1739, Portugese thought it wise to surrender. The Marathas lost about five thousand men while the Portuguese claimed their enemies’ losses amounted to twelve thousand.

Vasai was also the epicenter of Christian missionary activities. The Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier of Spain arrived twice in Vasai to train priests in evangelization. Vasai diocese has also contributed India’s first Catholic saint, St. Gonsalo Garcia.Though hotels and lodges are available in Vasai town, tourists prefer to stay in Mumbai and visit Vasai during the day. Vasai and surrounding areas have several resorts in case planning to stay in Vasai. Several beach destinations like Arnala have good places to stay. It is not far from Vasai and also allows you to head to the beach.

Restaurants and eateries abound in Vasai. You might get stalls selling vada-pav near the fort. Vasai town offers wide variety in terms of eating. Carry water while exploring the fort. Vasai is an all weather destination. However, summer months are best avoided. The fort undergoes a change during monsoon and is covered in greenery. However, travelling to Vasai could be a problem as rains lead to inundation. October to March is best time to visit.