Shop until your heart’s content, browse superb art and watch cricket matches during a visit to Fort. Dine on authentic Indian and Iranian cuisine and delve into one of Mumbai’s most vibrant nightlife scenes. Fort was one of the original British settlements of Bombay. It takes its name from an 18th-century fortress built for the British East India Company.
Step off a train at the majestic Gothic-Victorian Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and be in the thick of the action. From here it’s a short walk to the remains of Fort George. Watch competitive and pick-up games of cricket at Oval Maidan recreational park. Nearby Rajabai Clock Tower was inspired by London’s Big Ben.
The tree-shaded lawns and pathways of Horniman Circle Gardens provide a welcome break from the city bustle. Framing the gardens is the Greek Revival-style Asiatic Society of Mumbai Town Hall. It houses an original Italian manuscript of Dante’s The Divine Comedy, among other rare treasures. Marvel at the ornate decor of St. Thomas Cathedral and the Flora Fountain.
Art enthusiasts flock to the hip Kala Ghoda area of Fort. Appreciate modern art at the Jehangir Art Gallery and National Gallery of Modern Art. Peruse antiquities from the Indian subcontinent, China, Japan and Europe at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum.
A sensory overload awaits at Crawford Market, where traders sell everything from fresh produce and spices, to cosmetics, jewelry and exotic birds. Shop for books, clothing, curios and footwear on Fashion Street. Purchase snacks and coconut water from the street’s roadside vendors.
During British rule, Parsi and Iranian migrants set up bakeries and cafés in the Bora Bazaar area. Several continue to thrive and serve up delicious baked treats, Parsi confectionary and traditional Persian fare. Return to Kala Ghoda at night and move between cocktail bars, gastropubs and live music venues.
Fort is easy to reach by taking a train to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Have fun navigating the chaotic streets on foot or travel around via low-cost auto rickshaws.
