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Fort

Fort is the historic heart of Mumbai, named after the old Bombay Fort built by the British East India Company in the 17th century. Though the fort walls were demolished in the mid-1800s, the name stuck. In their place rose an extraordinary colonial quarter — wide boulevards, Gothic spires, domed courts, and neoclassical façades — that became the seat of administration, trade, and culture in Bombay.

In the 19th century, Fort thrived as the city’s administrative and financial hub, home to the Governor’s mansion, the High Court, and India’s earliest banks. It was also where public life blossomed, with libraries, gardens, colleges, and theatres springing up alongside offices and stock exchanges. Flora Fountain (1864) became its enduring landmark, the square where Bombay met to do business, protest, and celebrate.

Today, Fort is Mumbai’s architectural museum under the open sky. A walk through its lanes reveals Gothic Revival masterpieces, Parsi fire temples, neoclassical town halls, and bustling book stalls. It remains a commercial hub by day and a cultural showcase year-round, especially during the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

 

Why to go there:
  • Theme: Colonial Heritage • Architecture • Culture • Street Life
  • USP: Fort is Mumbai’s cultural and historic showcase — Gothic and Victorian landmarks, bustling book stalls, Irani cafés, and leafy boulevards packed into a walkable grid.

  1. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS / Prince of Wales Museum)
     Start at Mumbai’s premier museum, a stunning Indo-Saracenic building (1905) set amid leafy gardens. Inside are world-class collections of Indian and Asian art, sculpture, archaeology, and textiles. Allow 1–2 hours.

  2. Kala Ghoda Arts District (5 min walk)
     A cultural hub filled with art galleries, boutiques, cafés, and heritage buildings. Don’t miss Jehangir Art Gallery and the National Gallery of Modern Art. In February, the annual Kala Ghoda Arts Festival transforms the district with installations and performances.

  3. David Sassoon Library & Elphinstone College (3 min walk)
     Admire two elegant Gothic Revival landmarks along Rampart Row. The library, with its green verandah, has remained a beloved reading spot since 1870.

  4. Flora Fountain & Hutatma Chowk (5 min walk)
     The ornate fountain (1864) marks the symbolic heart of Fort. The surrounding square teems with commuters, book vendors, and office workers.

  5. St. Thomas Cathedral (5 min walk)
     Mumbai’s oldest Anglican church (1718), beautifully restored with soaring arches and marble memorials. A quiet retreat just steps from Flora Fountain.

  6. Horniman Circle Garden & Reserve Bank of India (7 min walk)
     A circular park ringed by stately colonial buildings, including the Reserve Bank of India headquarters. A leafy pause in the middle of the city.

  7. Asiatic Society Library (Town Hall) (2 min walk)
     Climb the iconic white steps of this neoclassical gem, built in 1833. The library holds rare manuscripts, maps, and one of India’s finest archives.

  8. Street Book Stalls on DN Road (3 min walk)
     Browse rows of second-hand booksellers lining the pavement — a paradise for students, collectors, and bargain hunters.

  9. Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST / CSMT) (10–12 min walk)
     End your walk at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 1887 railway station is a Victorian Gothic masterpiece blending turrets, domes, stained glass, and Indian motifs. Best viewed in the golden light of late afternoon.

  10. Where to Eat in Fort:

For Classic Meals & Snacks

  • Yazdani Bakery – Bun maska, brun bread, chai, khari biscuits.

  • Britannia & Co. – Iconic berry pulao, salli boti, caramel custard.

  • Jimmy Boy – Parsi thalis, lagan nu custard, homestyle Parsi dishes.

  • Universal Café – No-frills Bombay eatery, hearty curries, quick office lunches.

  • Café Military – Kheema pav, chicken cutlets, raspberry soda.

For Eating and Drinking

  • Samovar Café (NGMA) – Enjoy light eats (parathas, kebabs) paired with endless chai and the option of a chilled beer, in a relaxed, artsy atmosphere.

  • Universal Café (also works here) – Old-timers still come for food with a pint in hand — the vibe is as important as the menu.

  • Some Irani cafés double up as beer-serving joints, so you’ll find a mix of chai drinkers and beer mugs on the same table.

To help you experience the neighbourhood seamlessly, we’ve curated a must-do checklist presented through an interactive Google Map. Simply click the link to open it. The map legend features all key landmarks with brief descriptions, along with suggested walking and driving routes to make exploring the area effortless and enjoyable.

  • Served by CSMT (Central Line) and Churchgate (Western Line). Both are walking distance to Fort’s historic core.


  • Buy a Local Train Ticket

    • To CST/CSMT (Central Line or Harbour Line terminus inside Fort).

    • To Churchgate (Western Line terminus, 10 minutes from Fort).


  • Tip: Always buy a return ticket valid till midnight.

  • Board the Train

    • For CST/CSMT: Direct train via Harbour Line or Central Line frequency 5–15 minutes.

    • For Churchgate: Direct via Western Line; frequency every 3–5 minutes.

  • From CST/CSMT or Churchgate → Walking Distance

    • From CST: You’re already in Fort — Flora Fountain, St. Thomas Cathedral, and Horniman Circle are within a 5–10 min walk.

    • From Churchgate: Fort is a 10-15 min walking distance.

  • Arrive in Fort
     You’re in Mumbai’s colonial core — with museums, galleries, libraries, and heritage landmarks all within walking distance.