The Panvel Bundar (port) lies at the mouth of the river Gadhi that originates in the Matheran Hills.The river empties into the Panvel creek before reaching the Arabian sea.The port of Panvel provided a waterway for goods and people to enter the inland, connecting to trade routes passing through the western ghats.It gained prominence during the Portuguese and Maratha rule as a trading port as well as a naval armoury. It continued to flourish during the British period and became a significant centre for the export of husked rice, salt and cart-wheels. Affluence brought by this flourishing trade to the port of Panvel made it a significant centre of urbanity. Unfortunately, the rise in surface transport reduced its relevance, and it went into disuse by the 1950s.Today, the site is occupied by a private marine academy.