Due to the prolonged Portuguese rule in North Konkan, several small forts built by them can be seen along the Ulhas creek between Vasai and Kalyan. Most of these forts are now in ruins, with only a few remnants surviving. One such fort is the small but strategically located Vehele Fort (Vehele), near Dombivli, situated between the larger forts of Bhiwandi and Kalyan. Despite its small size, its location suggests that it once served as an important link in the defense system. The fort lies about 3 km from Mankoli Phata on the Thane–Nashik Highway. From there, one can take a private rickshaw to Wehele village or up to the cremation ground located outside the village. Locally, the fort is referred to as the Kafroba Temple, as a deity by that name has now been installed inside it. ... From the cremation ground, a dirt track passes through the mangroves towards the Ulhas creek. After walking about half a kilometre, to the left, amidst dense vegetation, the remains of Wehele Fort come into view. There was once a small port called Wehele Bandar near the fort, and even today a ferry service operates between Dombivli and Wehele. Portuguese watchtowers and outposts were typically uniform in design, and Wehele Fort is no exception. Measuring roughly 30 x 20 feet, this two-storey structure has lost its upper level entirely. The construction uses roughly cut stones bonded with mud mortar, while the interior walls are plastered with lime. Slots for wooden beams that once supported the upper floor are still visible. Currently, the surviving height of the structure is about 15 feet, though originally it must have stood 20–25 feet tall. Considering its size and location, it is evident that this structure primarily served as a watchtower to monitor the traffic along the creek and to protect vessels. The presence of the Kafroba shrine has, at the very least, helped preserve what remains of the structure from further neglect. Being extremely small, the fort takes no more than 10 minutes to explore. Standing here, one can see the wide Ulhas creek and, across it, the city of Dombivli. The Portuguese, being a seafaring power, built most of their forts along the coast to maintain direct maritime contact with Portugal. Such forts, watchtowers, and long-range cannons enabled them to dominate the sea routes of North Konkan. It is believed that the Portuguese built this fort in the 16th century, primarily for surveillance and defense of the maritime trade route. In 1739, during the Maratha conquest of Vasai, the fort came under Maratha control. While visitors may find little to see in terms of structures, those interested in the Portuguese maritime defense network and its geographical significance along the Ulhas creek should certainly visit this small yet historically important outpost.
© Suresh Nimbalkar