Mazagon Fort

Mazagon Fort was a British fortification situated on Bhandarwada Hill in Mumbai, strategically positioned to overlook the eastern harbor and maritime activities. The location was later transformed into a public garden that serves residents as a recreational space today.

The fortification was built in 1680 during British expansion efforts but had a brief existence. It was destroyed in 1690 by a military commander, marking the end of the original structure.

The site was renamed Joseph Baptista Gardens in honor of a freedom fighter who played a role in India's independence struggle. The green space today reflects this connection to the nation's modern history.

The site is easily accessible from Dockyard Road railway station and offers a quiet place to walk within the city. Visitors should note that it functions as a public park and is best visited during daylight hours.

After the original fortification was destroyed, the hill was later converted into a water reservoir system in the 1800s to supply the city. This practical transformation shows how the location retained strategic importance even as its purpose fundamentally changed.