Sion Fort

Tucked away in the bustling suburb of Sion, the Sion Fort is one of Mumbai’s most underrated heritage sites. This 17th-century hilltop fort offers a rare blend of colonial history, nature, and panoramic city views. While it may not be as popular as the Gateway of India or Marine Drive, the fort remains a hidden gem in Mumbai for those who love heritage walks, photography, or peaceful weekend escapes.

Timings

Sion Fort: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (All Days)

Entry Fee

Free Entry for all visitors

Time Required

30 minutes to 1 hour

History

The Sion Fort Mumbai was built by the British East India Company in the 17th century, around 1669 AD, under Governor Gerard Aungier. It was strategically constructed to mark the northern boundary of British Bombay, separating British-held Bombay Island from Portuguese-held Salsette Island.

Set on top of a small hillock, the fort served both as a watchtower and a defensive outpost. Today, while much of the original structure lies in ruins, its historic charm remains and it is one of the few remaining colonial forts in Mumbai.

Primary Attractions

Nature Trail & Hilltop Views

Once you climb the short trail leading to the fort, you're greeted with lush greenery and an elevated viewpoint overlooking Sion, Dharavi, and even glimpses of the Eastern Express Highway. A perfect morning trek or evening escape for locals.

Fort Ruins and Stone Walls

The old bastions, retaining walls, and flight of stairs still exist and give a glimpse into 17th-century British military architecture. Great spot for history lovers and architectural photographers.

Ideal for Photography & Reels

Whether you're into Instagrammable hidden places in Mumbai or short cinematic reels, the fort’s tree-covered paths and graffiti walls make it an interesting shoot location, especially during monsoons.

Sunrise and Sunset Views

The hilltop view makes it an excellent sunrise point, especially for early morning walkers or joggers. Sunsets here are calm and relatively crowd-free unlike Marine Drive.

The Sion Fort may be small in size, but it's rich in history and perfect for short heritage trips within the city. For students, trekkers, and locals looking to explore more than just malls and beaches, this fort makes for a refreshing change.

How to Reach

The fort is located right next to Sion Railway Station (Central Line), making it one of the most accessible historical places in Mumbai.

From Sion Station: Walk for 5–7 minutes east toward Gandhinagar Colony.

Nearest Railway Station: Sion (CR)

By Road: Easily reachable via Eastern Express Highway or via Kurla–Sion route.

Nearby Areas: Dharavi, Matunga, Kurla

Use Yatri – The Official Mumbai Local Train App to check real-time train schedules and navigate to Sion Station.