Vasai-Virar is a city in the North Konakn region of Maharashtra.
Understand
"Vasai" is apparently a native name that may have a connection to the Vasa Konkani tribals of the North Konkan region, extending from Mumbai into South Gujarat.
Get in
By train
The Western Line of the Mumbai Suburban Rail Network provides fast access to Vasai-Virar.
- Naigaon, 19.3513658°, 72.8463721°. Nearby spots: Vasai or Bassein Fort. 2020-02-24
Get around
See
Buildings
- Vasai Fort (Bassein Fort, Portuguese: Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim, Marathi: वसईचा किल्ला), Killa road area (Vasai Road Railway Station 5 km N.), 19.336111°, 72.819444°. Portuguese mariners exploring the north Konkan Coast discovered the Arab Sultanate of Khambat or Cambay, built or renovated or expanded the fort in the early 1400s and attacked it in a failed effort to seize it. The ramparts overlook what is alternatively called Vasai Creek and Bhayander Creek and are almost complete, though overgrown by vegetation. Several watchtowers still stand, with safe staircases leading up. The Portuguese buildings inside the fort are in ruins, although there are enough standing walls to give a good idea of the floor plans of these structures. Some have well-preserved façades. In particular, many of the arches have weathered the years remarkably well. They are usually decorated with carved stones, some weathered beyond recognition, others still displaying sharp chisel marks. Three chapels inside the fort are still recognisable. They have façades typical of 17th-century Portuguese churches. The southernmost of these has a well-preserved barrel-vaulted ceiling. The nature: It is a great place to observe butterflies, birds, plants and reptiles.
- Vasai is blessed with beautiful churches which could be easily compared to the churches found in Goa for its architecture. Some of the churches are over 500 years old.
- Hedavde Mahalaxmi Temple, Khanivade Retibandar, On Mumbai Ahmadabad Highway. Very powerful Hindu temple founded by great astrologer, Param Pujya Dadasaheb Hate of Vasai.
- Vejreshwari Temple, Police Colony, Vasai West, Vasai (next to Vasai Fort - 'Chimaji Appa' Bus Stop 100 m), 19.3300°, 72.8141°.
- Kelva Pankot Fort, 19.598875°, 72.72657°. Kelva Pankot Fort is an island fort located at the mouth of Danda Creek. The Portuguese built the boat-shaped fort to keep an eye on approaching ships. During low tide, it is passable on foot but during high tide, local country boats provide access to the fort. The fort has never more or less intact but overgrown with vegetation. It is better to visit the fort during low tide. 2021-06-24
Beach
- Vasai-Virar has a scenic coastline and is often compared to and referred to as Mini Goa due to its resemblance to the sun and sand capital of India. The list of popular beaches would be Suruchi Beach, Kalam Beach, Rangoan Beach, Bhuigaon Beach, Rajodi Beach, Arnala Beach etc. All the beaches are outlined with thick greenery and are a favourite picnic spot for all.
Do
Buy
Eat
Bananas are the most famous in Vasai-Virar, and would be worth trying a few. They are as cheap as 5 to 10 cents
Chicken Bujing, is one of the famous dishes of Vasai (fried poha, fried potatoes, chicken with lots of ingredients in it).
Wada pav of Tungareshwar is a local fast food shop.
Indyal, Teprat and Sarpatal.
Drink
Coconut water is known as one of the best drinks and is all good for health wise too. Vasai-Virar has been covered with lots of coconut trees around it same as in Kerala. There are many restaurants & bars in Vasai like Blu Spice, Mambos, V lounge, Celebrity, Status, and Farmhouse where you can spend a good evening with your friends and enjoy delicious food. There are a couple of restaurants which are sea facing like Sea & Sand, Kinara etc. which are famous for their lip-smacking seafood.
- Blu Spice, Shop No: 11, C-Wing, Jayraj Nagar CHS, 100 Feet Road, Off: Ambadi Road, Vasai (W) 401-202, +919022746567, bluspicevasai@gmail.com. 11:30 to 15:30 and 18.30 to 23:00. A multi-cuisine family restaurant serving Indian, Chinese & Conti Pastas & Salads. It also serves non-alcoholic beverages, mocktails & speciality coffees. ₹300 / pax approx
Sleep
- Hotel Rainbow, Lawrence Trade Centre, Near K.T. Vision Theatre, Vasai road (W), +91 2502335655. From ₹400/double