Vasai

Vasai is located about 50-km North of Bombay , on the Arabian Sea. The Portuguese formerly called it Bassein and then by the British, it also had various other names during the course of history. The town is historically important too. It was part of the territory of the Hindu Devgiri Yadavas until 1317; later it became a seaport for the Gujarat Muslim kings. In 1526, the Portuguese established a fort (now in ruins) and a trading station, and the town became known for its ship building industry. After frequent but unsuccessful attacks by the Mughals in the 17th century, it fell to the Marathas in 1739 and was later taken by the British. Vasai during the Portuguese period was known for the refinement and wealth and splendor of its buildings, palaces and for the beauty of its churches.

 History : In February 1739, Chimaji Appa attacked Bassein and after a desperate resistance on 16th May 1739 the Portuguese signed surrender. The Portuguese lost eight cities, four chief ports, twenty fortress, two fortified hills, the island of Salcete (Salsette) with the city and the fortress of Thana, the "Ilha das Vaccas", the island of Karanjà (Juem), and 340 villages. They left Bassein on 23rd May 1739. After 205 years of uninterrupted Portuguese rule, Bassein was progressively neglected, and the neighboring English Bombay assumed importance in trade and commerce. In 1801 in Poona (Pune), Jaswant Rao Holkar rose in rebellion with a huge army and defeated the combined armies of Daulat Rao Sindhia and Peshwa Baji Rao II and captured the city of Poona. Peshwa Baji Rao took refuge in Bassein. The defeated Baji Rao had no hesitation in accepting the Subsidiary Alliance with the British and signed the Treaty of Bassein with East India Company on December 31, 1802. In May 1803 Baji Rao II was restored as Peshwa under the protection of the British. The treaty of Bassein eventually led to expansion and influence of the East India Company over the Indian subcontinent.

Bassein Fort also known, as Vasai Fort is an important sea fort located in Bassein, present day Vasai, at about 55-km away from Mumbai. Built by Bahadur Shah, Sultan of Gujarat, it was initially one of a chain of forts intended to guard the coast against the Portuguese and the pirates

Sopara was an ancient port and an international trading center. The most likely route of ships coming to Sopara is from the North. It is believed that the water once extended all the way to Bhyander creek thus making the whole area extending from Arnala to Bhyander an island - referred to as Salsatte Island. In the time of the Buddha, Sopara, (Ancient Shurparaka), was an important port and a gateway settlement. Between Virar and Nala-Sopara, somewhere halfway between the two stations, there is a small hill to the east of the railway. On top of that hill was a stone built structure

Vajreshwari is a small village about 31-km from Vasai and 85-km from Mumbai City. Vajreshwari is named after the goddess Vajreshwari whose temple has historical importance. This temple looks like an ancient fort. The idol of the goddess is very impressive and is being worshipped for last few centuries. After the Victory of Vasai Fort, Chimaji Appa, the younger brother of Bajirao Peshwa built this Temple besides the Mandakini Mountain, which was formed as a result of a volcanic eruption. That is the reason why there are number of hot water streams near this place. In fact, some of the hot springs here are hottest in Asia.

The Chinchoti waterfalls located to the east of Vasai are a popular picnic spot for the young crowds from Mumbai City. In the center of the thick forest is this waterfall, which flows continuously from June to October. The waterfall is about 100ft. high and 20ft. broad. Tourists visit this place to enjoy the falls. This wonderful waterfall makes a great monsoon getaway. But on weekends it might seem as though the entire population of Mumbai is here.

About 5-km from Virar, there is a 400 years old ancient Parshwanath Temple. During "Kartik Poornima" every year, a very big festival is organized at this temple, which is visited by large number of devotees. Food and accommodation facilities are made available to those who visit this place. The saints in the assembly hall of the temple conduct a religious lecture.

A small green village at a distance of around 6-kms from Vasai is a pilgrim spot for Shurpara Nagar. There are "Samadhi" meditation spots of Parshuram and Shankaracharya - also the temples of "Suleshwar" and "Kartik Swami". A fair is organized every year at this place during "Kartik Ekadashi".

Jiwadani" means "Goddess of Life". The mountain on which the temple is situated is known as "Mount Jiwadani". It takes about half an hour from Virar and about 40 to 45 minutes to walk over the mountain to have "Darshan" of Goddess Jiwadani.

Air: The nearest airport is Mumbai (50-km). It has both national and international airports.

Rail: The nearest railway station is on Vasai road on the western railway. Only few trains pass through the station.

Road: Vasai being an important tourist place is well connected by road with all the places in Maharashtra. MTDC and Maharashtra State service ply buses from almost all the important places.