Vasai is located about 50-km North of Mumbai. Vasai starts from river Ulhas on the South and ends with Vaitarna river in the North. On the Eastern side is Tungareshwar, Vajreshwari, the hilly tracks of Wada and Bhiwandi towns and on the West is the Arabian sea. Thus Vasai combines climates of mountain tracks, shore-land, humidity and heavy rains. Its average rainfall is 80 inches.
Vasai is small Goa near Mumbai. With Christian and Konkani settlements, and abundance in natural surrounding, the small town of Vasai has always attracted visitors form all over India. Its mystic history of being an important port of the Portuguese has given it a strong Portuguese colony impression. Despite being so near to Mumbai it always remained with the Portuguese, who ruled here for 200 years.
It was part of the territory of the Hindu Devagiri Yadavas until 1317A.D. and later it became a seaport for the Gujarat Muslim kings. By 1525 the Portuguese captured it 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.
While Vasai was being passed on to many rulers treaties were signed which became known as the treaties of Vasai. 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. After 205 years of uninterrupted Portuguese rule, Bassein was progressively neglected, and the neighboring English Bombay assumed importance in trade and commerce. The word Vasai has been derived from the Sanskrit root 'Vas' which means 'to dwell". This was the original name of this place, Vasai. The Portuguese formerly called it Bassein (Baçaim) and then by the British, it also had various other names during the course of history. Another thing that makes Vasai a place of special significance is its self-sufficiency. Food products like fresh green leafy vegetables, juicy fruits, fish, milk, etc. are available in abundance.
