Ghodbunder Fort

Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra, India

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Ghodbunder Fort is located in Ghodbunder Village near Mira-Bhayandar, Maharashtra, on a hill south of the Ulhas River.

Built by the Portuguese around 1550 to protect their trade routes, it was later captured by the Marathas under Chimaji Appa in 1737. The fort played a significant role in regional conflicts, guarding the horse trading port it was named after ("ghode" means horses and "bunder" means port). The fort features Portuguese-era architecture, including arches, a church converted into a hotel, six horse stables, and watchtowers.

After the Marathas captured it, construction was reinforced with a watchtower. The British took control in 1818 and used it as a district headquarters. The fort is now under the Archaeological Survey of India, with renovation plans underway, and offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape including Ulhas creek. It remains an important historical site reflecting the layered colonial and regional history of Maharashtra.