Sion Fort

• Location - Sion (in Mumbai), Maharashtra , India

• Map Location (Click here)

• Timeline - 17th Century CE

• Builders - The British Empire

Difficulty Level - Moderate : Need to climb a few steps - 5 to 7 mins climb

The Sion Fort was built by the British to keep watch on the Portuguese across the Sion creek (now reclaimed) and to protect the Bombay harbour from any sea-based attack.

The 7 islands (Colaba, Old Woman’s island, Bombay, Mazagon, Worli, Parel & Mahim) were under the control of the Portuguese up to 17th century. In 1661, the Portuguese handed over these 7 islands as part of a dowry to the British.

The Portuguese retained the Salsette Island (means 66 villages in Marathi) which currently comprises of Bandra, upto Borivali/Dahisar and Thane. The Salsette Island was situated to the north of Mahim & Sion creeks.

Still apprehensive of the Portuguese , the British built a Fort on top of a small hill overlooking the Sion Creek. The fort, currently, is in partial ruins and some attempt has been made to protect it and maintain it by ASI.

The remains of the multi-storied Sion fort

View from top of the fort, which was earlier creek and sea

• Parking - Available

• Toilets - Available

• Visited - October 2025

© 2025 Samuel Premkumar