Arnala Island fort : It is a small Island sea fort near Virar railwaty station. From Virar, one can visit the nearby hill - Jivdani - with a temple on top (3 km). From Virar, travel to Arnala by bus (9 km) and then take a ferry to the fort. A small fishing village nestles among its intact walls. There are two watchtowers which are worth a visit.
The watchtowers are standing far from the fort near the beach and has an entry. One has to crawl to enter the tower. A walk along the beach at Arnala island is a nice experience. There are two temples and a Dargah in the island. The fort is hidden and has three entrances. The entrance has a tiger and an elephant on it's walls. The way to the fort is through a domed gateway. It has wells, good fort walls and a Ketralite Swami lives inside the fort !.
Swami Paramnand Yogesh from Kasarkod, Kerala speaks English and Marathi fluently. If you want any help, call the Swami in his mobile : 9822 775209 or on 0250 - 6803609. So don't feel lonely when you are at Arnala.
Rs 8 for launch (fibre boat fitted with engine) 1600 h to 2000 h in the evening (return fare). There are morning launch services to the fort. Night stay in the island is not permitted by the locals. Plenty of fresh water is available on the island. Inquire in advance about the ferry timings, which are not regular, specially when the sea is rough. One has to board the launch by walking around waste deep water in the sea. And the waves make the boat to move violently.
The sea at Arnala is very differrent (rough and deep) from that of Alibag. At Arnala, the fish is dried by hanging it on wooden poles. It is a small fishing harbour and the fish market is a good place to see the vareity of fishes. The Arnala - Vasai area houses has one household item in common - the swing made of wood.
