CASTELLA DE AGUADA (BANDRA FORT)
It is also known as Bandra Fort, located at lands end in Bandra, It was built by the Portuguese in 1640. It was built as a watchtower overlooking the Mahim Bay, Arabian Sea and South Island of Mahim. The strategic value of the fort was enhanced of after the Portuguese leaded the seven island of Bombay that lay to the immediate South of Bandra to the British. The name indicates its origin as a place where fresh water was available in the form of fountain (Aguada) for Portuguese ships crossing the coast. The fort lies over several levels from sea level at an altitude of 24 meters. The scene from the top of the fort the palms and the sea reminds you of Mumbai’s original landscape as it existed before Bandra developed and grew. From the fort there are fantastic views of the Arabian Sea and the Worli Sea link. This place is a must to visit in the rains as it looks much more beautiful. Also many Bollywood Flims have been shot here.
MOUNT MARY CHURCH
Mount Mary church is a Roman catholic church also known as the “Basillica of our Lady of the Mount. It is one of the most popular churches of Bombay and dates back to the year 1640 and it was rebuild again in 1761, Its present structure is nearly 100 years old. The statue of our Lady inside the church dates back to 16th century. As the church is so old it has a historical significance and is an example of India beautiful aqrchitectural style influenced by the British.The church is located on a peaceful Hillock in sunder ban Bandra, it is situated admist picture sque surroundings.
This church is famous for providing as view of the sunset over the Arabian sea.
This church is famous for providing as view of the sunset over the Arabian sea.
BANDSTAND PROMENADE
It is kilomerer long walk way along the sea. It starts after ST.Andrews Church and terminates at land end. It is a land mark of its own with a beautiful sea face a good place for walking and jogging. Famous for its street side snack stalls in the evening this place should not be missed in the mansoons. Visable along the promenade are expensive bunglows some of which belong to bollywood stars like Sharukh Khan, Salman Khan, Rekha and others. Towards the land end's side is an amphitheater which serves as a venue for festivals, concerts, dance and other performances. Bandstand got its name from the old glory days of bandstand culture when bands used to provide entertainment by playing outdoors. Recently Bollywood Walk of Fame added with the name and hand prints of bollywood actors.
RANWAR VILLAGE
Ranwar is one of the original 24 pakhadis that made up Bandra since 1700’s. It has managed to retain its village character even as present day development as harmed it in on all sides. Ranwar is listed heritage precinct that comes under the Bandra village precinct under the heritage regulations in Mumbai. The typical character of this village displays a strong Portuguese influence with architectural elements such as porches, tiled pitched roofs with red manglore tiles, wooden frame work panels etc. Ranwar was the settlement of Kunbi Paddy cultivators in 1733. You could get to Ranwar Village by using a narrow gully called Langrapa Lane that takes off to the south of hill road the Holy Family Hospitals.
BANDRA RECLAMATION
It is a very beautiful, neatly developed and well maintained place. Reclamation is a very special spot for hanging out, sightseeing with nice cool breeze and se face. It has beautiful plants and flowers around it have a lovely sunset point and a nice view of the worli sea link. Famous places near Bandra Reclamation are Taj Hotel, Lilavati Hospital. It is a very romantic place and a lovers point with less disturbances. Monsoon at Reclamation is to be seen and enjoyed with jumping water hitting the sea rocks at the shore jumping over you. Some areas of reclamation are also filled with graffiti work.
BANDRA - WORLI SEA LINK
It is officially called Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link, it is a cable-stayed bridge with pre stresses concrete steel viaducts on either side which links Bandra in the western suburbs and Worli in South Mumbai. One can drive down the bridge to enjoy the beautiful cool breeze and Sea view and the old Worli village. During the night the view of the Sea Link is very beautiful.
CARTER ROAD PROMENADE
It’s a kilometers long walk way along the sea less than a decade old , it has been open to public in January 2002. It is boarded by mangroves. It is simultaneously a proper hangout spot like bandstand promenade, a jogging track, a park and a lovers point. This promenade is managed by the Bandra West residents. Carter road attracts cafe crowds, as it has a culinary strip full of fashionable restaurants and cafe shops. Numerous Bollywood stars live in this area. It is situated near Pali Hill in Bandra West.
BANDRA FAIR
In the month of September the festival of the virgin mother culminates in a week long Bandra fair. Abuzz with a carnival like excitement, the Bandra fair has stalls selling wax idols, assortment of candles in various shapes and sizes to be offered, goan sweets, Indian sweets and various toy and other stalls. Every year on the Sunday following the 8th of September the feast of Mount Mary is held at the church. 8th September is the birthday of Mother Mary. The celebration of this feast lasts for a period of 7 days during this time thousands of devotees from all over visit the church. It is believed that when you pray with full devotion whatever favours ask will be granted. During the time of the fair the church is beautifully decorated.
STREET SIDE SHOPPING
Bandra also well known for street shopping, Linking Road a famous place in Bandra known for shopping. Linking Road is a fusion of modern and traditional and east meets west where the street stalls contrast with coloor. The street stalls here are grouped together according to the type of goods they sell, you will come across Indian traditional clothes, bags and belts, footwear and also some branded shops. You can bargain at these stalls. There are also food stalls along the street. Another place you can head for street shopping is Hill Road, similar like Linking Road. It also lots of big shops and restaurants.
