Maharashtra might be proud of the several forts that dot the state -- a historical feat worth every Mumbaikar’s pride. Yet innumerable forts such as these, built by different rulers of the state, lie in ruin.

“Within a radius of 50 km there are more than 75 forts around Mumbai that are just lying in neglect. Many of them belong to the Portuguese and some to other Indian dynasties that ruled Maharashtra,” says 49-year-old Ashutosh Bijoor, an IT professional and a passionate cyclist. Bijoor is one of the several cycling-enthusiasts in the city who regularly goes on trails to different forts around the city.