Arnala Fort is built on a small island of the port town of Arnala, located around 8 miles north of Vasai, Maharastra, India. Being an island fort, it is also called Jaldurg or Janjire-Arnala. The Portuguese, who owned this fort rebuilt and gave it the name Ilha das vacas.

The Arnala fort is on a small island. The island houses a village, fort and a private resort.
A mosque and a temple peacefully co-exists inside, without any qualms. The watch tower at the tip of the island, is a source of mysterious stories.

The fort was originally constructed in 1516 by a local chieftain of Gujarat, Sultan Mahmud Begda. In 1530s, the Portuguese, after establishing at Bassein (Vasai), conquered this fort, started reconstruction and named it as Ilhas das vocas. The Portuguese retained control of the fort for over 2 centuries.

In 1737, Chimaji Appa, brother of Baji Rao I, took control of Bassein fort in a battle, the Battle of Vasai. Soon after this, Shankarji Pant, Chimaji’s general persuaded him to take on Portuguese to get Arnala Fort. The first attack was routed by Portuguese’ naval force. Soon it was followed by a second assualt, which took Portuguese by surprise and they lost control of the fort. Marathas controlled the fort till 1817, when they were attacked by British and forced to surrender.

In a shocking incident during holi celebration, has claimed three lives when they were electrocuted in the district late night during the lighting up of fire for the Holi festival. All thee hailed from Virar area, and their identity yet to be ascertain by the police officials.

According to senior police officials, the electric poles were set up to support the fire at the ‘mandvi’ and live wires fell on the victims who were bend over on the poles, and gripped by electric shock straight away.

Senior officials of the police station have spotted the site and investigations are going on.

Media is reporting the news of death of a girl student at Arnala Beach. I am trying to get the full details of the news and will post on the website very soon.

I met with Mr. Pradeep Tendulkar who is associated with Arnala Beach Resort one of holiday resorts at the beach of Arnala.  You can read more about it on my Virar Live website.

Arnala beach is getting the momentum in count of visitors in recent months.
Arnala beach is famous for its fort and large sea sight, one of the problem at this beach is its garbage collection.
Beach is dirty in common but in recent time many local people have taken the responsibilty to clean and now efforts are visible.
Development at seach beach are also instrumental in getting this beach garbage free.

Arnala is one of the many quiet, green fishing villages around Mumbai.
What makes it special is the ‘Janjire Arnala’ or island fort, just 10 minutes away by motorboat.
Arnala is Nine kilometres from Mumbai’s Virar station.

This beach is home to many holiday resorts.

Welcome to www.arnala.com.