India Fort Aguada. Fort Aguada (Goa): photos and reviews. A short excursion into history
In the Indian tourist state of Goa you can find a large number of attractions. very interesting and intricate, throughout the territory there are a large number of historical sites that shed light on the past of the state. Goan forts are always of particular interest.
Aguada Fort
Fort Aguada is one of the most significant forts in Goa and perhaps the best preserved to this day. It was built in 1612 to protect the mouth of the Mandovi River from the Maratha people and the Dutch.
There were 79 cannons around the perimeter of the fort. The lower part of the fort was intended for defense coastline. The upper one was for servicing the fort; it housed a drinking water storage facility. In this regard, sailors often visited the fort to replenish water supplies, hence the name “Aguada”, translated as “Water”. The 4-storey lighthouse of the fort attracts the most attention; it is the oldest lighthouse of its type in Asia. Now it no longer works.
The main part of the fort, where the lighthouse is located, is open to all tourists. In 2013, a complete reconstruction of this place was carried out. In the southern part of the fort, adjacent to the sea, there is a working prison. And in the northern part, adjacent to Sinquerim beach, there are the fort’s fortifications and the fashionable hotel Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada 5*.
From the top platform of Fort Aguada there is a very picturesque view of the Mandovi River and.
Fort Aguada is located in North Goa on a cape south of Sinquerim. It can be reached by the main road from Candolim if you go to south direction. To get to the main structure, you should turn left at the intersection near the hill with the fort, and if you turn right, you can get to the coastal structures from Sinquerim.
Fort Reis Magos Fort
Fort Reis Magos is one of the oldest in Goa, about 50 years older than Aguada. According to various sources, it was founded in 1490 or 1551 by Adil Shah. Other sources say that the Portuguese, under the leadership of Alfonso de Albuquerque, destroyed the Muslim coastal outpost and built Fort Reis Magos to protect the territories in 1543.
In 1739, Reis Magos played a key role in containing the Marathas, who at that time captured the entire territory of the Bardez district, with the exception of the forts of Aguada and Reis Magos. On the territory of the fort there were 31 cannons, barracks, a prison, underground storage facilities, a well for extracting fresh water and a large number of secret passages.
Currently, the fort has been reconstructed and turned into a museum. Price entrance tickets is about 50 rupees. The territory of the museum complex is quite large. You can walk along the upper part of the fort, where the real cannons of those times stand.
Opens from above beautiful view to the Mandovi River and the city of Panaji.
At the bottom of the fort there was a prison; these premises are now open to the public. The rooms that used to be prison cells are filled with paintings illustrating Goa's past. In one of the rooms at the top of the fort there is also something like a gallery, which contains drawings and caricatures by Goan authors of the 20th century.
Fort Reis Magos is located just three kilometers from Fort Aguada, on the banks of the Mandovi River. To get to Reis Magosa from Candolim, you need to go towards the village of Nerul and turn right towards Coco Beach, then drive along the coastline all the way to the fort.
Chapora Fort
The fort was built on a high hill, in a place clearly visible in all directions, thanks to which it occupied an important strategic position and made it possible to observe the mouth of the Chapora River. Sometimes the fort is also called Shahpur. The fort itself was built over 500 years ago by Adil Shah Baijapur. In 1617 (and according to some sources in 1717) the fortress was captured by the Portuguese and reconstructed into a fort. The fort was captured by the Marathas several times before 1741. Chapora Fort was held by the Portuguese until 1890, when it was abandoned.
Currently, the fort is open to the public; reconstruction, unfortunately, has not been carried out. This fort is not as well preserved as other Goan forts. Today, only the defensive wall, entrances and monument remain. Nevertheless, the fort deserves attention, if only because it offers a simply stunning view of Vagator Beach, and on the other hand, of the Chapora River and the village of Morjim, located on the other side of this river.
Chapora Fort is located in North Goa near the village of the same name, at the confluence of the Chapora River. The village of Chapora is located just north of the large village of Vagator.
Fort Tiracol (Tiracol / Tirakol / Terekol / Terekhol Fort)
The exact date of construction of Fort Tiracol is unknown. In 1764, Fort Tiracol was reconstructed by the Portuguese. Tiracol has always been small fort. During the time of the Portuguese, it housed the Church of St. Anthony.
Currently, the entire fort area has been converted into the exclusive Fort Tiracol Boutique Hotel. As a tourist attraction, Fort Tirakol is not of particular interest, but the hotel restaurant offers beautiful views of Kerim and the Terekol River.
Tirakol Fort is located at the northernmost point of the state of Goa. To get to the fort, you need to constantly go north, all the way to Kerim, and then cross the Tirakol (Terekol) river along big bridge or by ferry. After the crossing you should go left.
Fort Korjuem (Corjuem Fort)
Korjum Fort is located deep in North Goa. It was built by the Portuguese in 1705. Once upon a time, Ursula Lancastre from Portugal, known for posing as a man for a long time, served here as a soldier. She understood that, being a woman, it was almost impossible for her to build a career, much less achieve success in the military sphere. Her plan was a success, and, pretending to be a man, she managed to travel around the world. In Goa, her deception was revealed, and she ended up marrying a guard captain.
The territory of Fort Korjum is not very large; it has not been reconstructed. To get to the fort, for example, from Calangute, you need to go towards Mapusa, then to Aldona. After Aldona you need to drive over the bridge over the Mapsa River and turn left, soon you will see Fort Korjum on the left side. To get to the fort from South Goa, you need to go towards Panaji, over the bridge over the Mandovi River, then Porvorim and turn right towards Aldona, then the same path.
Alorna Fort
Another fort located in the mainland of Goa, deep in North Goa. Fort Alorna is located on the banks of the Chapora River, far from the sea.
It was built in the 17th century. The fort is relatively small in size; it had 4 cannons. In 1746, Fort Alorna was captured by the Marquis of Castello Novo, also known as the Marquis of Alorna. In 1781, the fort was conquered by Dom Frederico Guilherme de Souza and was used to defend against attacks by the Maratha people from the north.
Currently, the fort is in an abandoned state, but, nevertheless, it is quite well preserved. As a tourist attraction, Fort Alorna is not popular, there are no tourists here, the place is very quiet and peaceful. Fort Alorna offers a good view of the Chapora River basin.
You can get to the fort by driving through the town of Mapusa, then Bardez, Revora. You need to cross the Chapora River. It is very easy to get lost in these places, so be sure to study the map before your trip.
Fort Nanus (Nanuz / Nanus Fort)
Nanus Fort is also located in the mainland part of the state, it is the farthest fort from the sea among all the Goan forts. This is the reason why there are no tourists here at all. The territory of the fort is small; only small parts of the fort have survived to this day.
Nanus Fort is located in North Goa, in the Satari district. The road to the fort can be quite long if you come from tourist areas Goa, for example, from Calangute. The Satari taluka is located in a remote area, bordered to the north by the state of Maharashtra and to the east by the state of Karnataka. Fort Nanus is located near the town of Valpoi, largest city Sattari district.
Fort Cabo da Rama (Cabo De Rama Fort / Cape Rama Fort)
Cabo Da Rama is the largest Goan fort, covering an area of 179,600 square meters. The fort is located in South Goa.
Kaba De Rama Fort (also known as Cape Rama) was founded in 1679 by Shivaj Maharaj, the Maratha king. The fort was named in honor of Rama, one of the earthly incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu. The Indian epic Ramayana describes how Rama, along with his wife Sita, hid in these places. In 1763, the Kaba Da Rama fort was captured by the Portuguese and reconstructed. From 1932 to 1955, the fort's bastions served as a prison.
The fort is not very well preserved to this day. All that remains are the fortress walls and a platform on which several cannons from the Portuguese colonial times are installed. From this site there is an excellent view of sea coast. There is also a functioning Church of St. Anthony on the fort grounds.
You can reach the fort from the north of the state via the NH17 road. You should turn right near the village of Balli, where there is a sign for road to Fatorpa, or a little earlier, near the city of Cuncolim. From the more southern part of the state you need to go towards Agonda. The Cabo de Rama fort is located between the beaches of Cola and Canaguinim.
Mormugao Fort
Another fort located in South Goa. A distinctive feature of the Mormugao Fort is that it was originally designed and built by the Portuguese, unlike most Goan forts, which were built on the foundations of already built Indian fortresses.
Construction work began in 1624. The Portuguese began to build a powerful fort on south coast Mormugao Bay in order to protect against possible attacks from opponents. From high rocky shore, chosen for the construction of the fort, the entire water area of the Arabian Sea was clearly visible in both directions. The Goan Viceroy Don Francisco da Gama personally laid the foundation stone of the fort.
Between 1640 and 1643, the fort was able to withstand a siege by the Dutch fleet. In 1683, Portuguese territories were attacked by Sambhaji's troops. The troops of the ruler of the Mughal Empire, Aurangzeb, saved the Portuguese from imminent defeat. After this, Viceroy Francisco de Tavora ordered the transfer of the capital of the Portuguese colony from Mormugao.
In 1685, under the leadership of the Jesuit priest Teotonio Rebelo, the modernization of the fort began. It is assumed that at that time the Mormugao Fort was one of the largest structures of its type in the Portuguese colony. The length of the fortress walls was 10 kilometers. In total, the fort had 24 tower bastions armed with 54 cast guns. On the territory of Fort Mormugao there was a church, 3 armory warehouses, a small workshop for the production of gunpowder, guard barracks, and 5 prison premises. There were also 5 sources of drinking water, one of which had medicinal properties, due to the content of sulfur compounds.
In 1703, Mormugao Fort officially became the residence of the Viceroys and Governors of Goa. Mormugao was the capital until 1759, after which the capital was moved to the city of Panaji.
Unfortunately, such a powerful structure in the old days has been poorly preserved to this day. Now you can see only some sections of the fortress wall, a small chapel and two sources of fresh water.
Fort Mormugao is located in the northwestern part of Cape Mormugao, near the largest Goan city, Vasco da Gama.
Forts in Goa are a must see in Goa, you don’t have to visit them all, but at least one or two is highly desirable! Beaches are beaches, shopping is shopping, and you have to see the ancient ruins, where strange white people in funny hats and with spears once ran. If only because there are too many attractions in Goa, and you can take amazing photographs in the forts! Maxim and I climbed almost everything Goa forts, below is information on how to get there, where they are, plus photos and reviews. Historical facts And I won’t bore you too much with the dates; if you’re really interested, you can find them on Google.
Fort Aguada in North Goa
If you are staying in Candolim or Calangute, the easiest way to get to Fort Aguada is nearby, on the cape. south of the beach Candolim and Sinquerim, at the mouth of the Mandovi River.
Driving along the main road from Candolim, you reach an intersection and turn right. Just a little bit - and Fort Aguada! You won't miss.
The views there are stunning, the fort itself is very large, consisting of several parts. Entrance is free, there are usually a lot of tourists, mostly Indian. There is also Senquerim Beach, where you can swim. But the waves on this beach are usually big.
View of Fort Aguada
And this is Fort Aguada inside
And I'm on the fort wall
Chapora Fort in North Goa
But it will be easier to get to Chapora for those staying in the Siolim area. If you live in Arambol or Anjun and have your own transport, the distance to Chapora is also ridiculous. Tourists are also taken there; there are Europeans, Russians, and Indians. Getting there on your own by bike is easy and quick.
The Chapora fort is almost completely destroyed, with only a few walls and fortifications remaining. But what is worth climbing this fort for is the stunning views of Morjim, and on the other side of Vagator and Chapora.
I strongly advise you to change into shoes suitable for hiking. The slope to Chapora is steep, it is slippery, the stones crumble, we saw several people who fell unsuccessfully.
Walls of Chapora Fort
And another wall
Beach view
Fort Tiracol
Tiracol is located on the northern border of the state of Goa. Next is the state of Maharashtra. If you go to Tirakol Fort, I advise you to combine the trip with exploring Redi Fort and famous beach Paradise.
Tiracol is a restored fort, it is clean, well-groomed, painted, and there is even a hotel. The fort itself is small, you can walk around it in a few minutes. Entrance is free, there are security guards, in general, everything is civilized, which is even surprising for India.
Church in Fort Tiracol
The walls of Tiracol have been restored
This is me in the turret from where the fort soldiers were shooting back
Fort Cabo de Rama in South Goa
Fort Cabo de Rama made the strongest impression on us! If you consider all the forts in Goa, Cabo de Rama is the most exciting. An extraordinary place! It will be a long way to get to the fort from North Goa, although many people travel, especially if they have their own transport. Fort Cabo de Rama, huge and dilapidated. But there is still an atmosphere of antiquity, mystery and belligerence there.
I advise you to go to the Cabo de Rama fort as early as possible. It will take you three hours to walk around the entire territory. If you go at lunchtime, the heat on the mountain will be unbearable. But you definitely need to go around the entire fort and not limit yourself to a small piece designed specifically for tourists.
The supporting wall of the fort is long and long. We went through it all
To be honest, going around the entire Cabo de Rama fort is not easy!
Ancient fort cannon
Remains of some buildings
Sea view from the Cabo de Rama fort
Redi fort
The correct name for this fort is Yashwantgad. But it is better known as Redi Fort, named after the village located nearby. Redi Fort is not located in Goa, but in the neighboring state of Maharashtra, but I included it in this article. If you are holidaying in North Goa, it is worth getting to the fort. He is extraordinary! Huge, ruined, entwined with the roots of old trees, in vines and bushes, with caves and wells - the views are mesmerizing!
Redi Fort is located in the forest, so there is shade and you can explore the fort at any time, even in the heat.
If you drive a few more minutes, you will get there. There you can already relax and swim. I advise you to take food with you, something that does not spoil quickly - bananas, roti flatbreads. A trip to Ready Fort and Paradise Beach usually takes at least half a day, if not the whole day.
However, we didn’t take anything except water. But we didn’t go hungry – we had a bite to eat from a local cafe in the nearest village.
This is the only place to make movies!
Path through the dilapidated Redi fort
There are also well-preserved parts of the fort
Roots and branches tightly entangled the remains of the walls of the Redi fort
My Tomb Raider)
Lost among the exotic thickets and palm trees is the small and inconspicuous Aguada Beach of Goa. It is located between northern and South Goa. Right on the border. True, there is one peculiarity of this heavenly place - the beach is located near the fort mountain.
Fort Aguada itself gives an unforgettable feeling of antiquity and centuries-old grandeur. The stone walls of the old building go straight into the sea. The beach here is special: rocky and extremely beautiful. There is also a large lighthouse there. Visiting these places is absolutely free. Fort Aguada, the main attraction of this place, was built by the Portuguese for protection and defense against advancing enemies. Impregnable fortress Aguada in Goa still delights with its power and beauty.
The incredible sunset at Fort Aguada attracts the eye and encourages inward contemplation. The place itself is one of the few where you can walk inside and outside without any obstacles. Everything is open and accessible. There's a lot to see. But you should not go on a tour of Fort Aguada during the day, as it will be very hot. It is better to visit this place early in the morning or in the evening.
The most popular time to travel to Aguada Goa is from October to March. But you can come any time and still enjoy it unforgettable vacation. The water temperature in Aguada Goa ranges from 29 to 32 degrees.
From Dabolim airport to Aguada in Goa it is about 50 km. Therefore, taking a taxi will be the easiest way to get there. There are quite a lot of such cars there and it won’t be difficult to find a willing driver to take you to any place. The cost of a taxi will cost about 2000 rupees (2000 rubles). It is better to order a taxi before , this is a nearby beach.
But we saved and looked for cheaper ways. The cheapest way was the bus. But before you decide to take such a trip, you should be patient and have cool water. We had three transfers along the way. We decided to go by bus and, first of all, crossed the road from the airport. There we caught a bus to Vasco da Gama. Having arrived at the place, you must immediately look for transport to Panaji. And from there you can safely reach Aguada in Goa. Travel time will not be wasted. Many local people willingly communicate with visitors and ask about everything in the world. They are very friendly and open. Such interesting people. You can't get to the beach by train. The nearest station is located 20 km from Aguada.
Aguada is the only beach in Goa where the sandy shore was filled local residents. It is artificially created for relaxation. There are hotels and bungalows along the picturesque coast. Finding where to stay in Aguada Goa is not difficult. You just have to walk along the beach and look best option for yourself. That's what we did. Found the most attractive paradise and stopped for the night. This place is called . Of course, the hotel is expensive and fabulous, but unlike the others, it is located in good location, from where you can see Fort Aguada and a beautiful sunset. The room cost from 3000 rupees (3000 rubles). Nestled in vegetation, shrouded in exotic fragrant flowers and incredible birds. Even monitor lizards walk around its surroundings. This hotel in Aguada Goa has a restaurant with live music and delicious seafood. The area is so calm that it seems like we are completely alone here. Peace within and around surrounded us all. In such hotels it is better to choose rooms with balconies.
For those who want to stay in less expensive place and at the same time enjoy a large tropical garden, then you should choose a bungalow. No one will remain indifferent, because nature itself contributes good location spirit.
You can consider a hotel, where a room costs from 1000 rupees per night. The place is good and beautiful.
Aguada Hotels, Goa
We ate at the hotel itself. Everything you needed was there and the prices were reasonable. Lots of seafood buffet, included breakfasts and romantic dinners. But you can also eat on the Aguada Goa beach itself. In the evenings, the owners of the bungalows place tables and chairs along the shore and serve beautiful dinners. There are always candles, decorated dishes and carved vegetables and fruits. And what fresh juices and smoothies there are, simply delicious. There are also simply benches with fruits, savory nuts and cool water. In hot weather, they sell coconut milk from freshly picked coconuts taken from a palm tree by the buyer. There are also shops in Aguada Goa. But mostly Indian sweets and spices are sold there. Every visitor will remain full and satisfied, because the place itself feeds with its beauty and uniqueness. I fell in love with a place in Aguada Goa called Tonis Beach Shek. The food there is delicious and the staff is friendly.
As elsewhere in India, in Aguada Goa, bargaining is honorable and prestigious. You just need to name your price. There are many shops around with national jewelry, souvenirs and clothing. There are many paraphernalia for yoga and fishing. On Aguada Beach Goa you can rent a boat and swim in clean waters Arabian Sea near the coast. The most interesting shopping can be considered souvenirs associated with the fort itself. But you shouldn’t expect any special uniqueness from the products. Almost everything is the same everywhere. If a tourist buys a beautiful sari and walks around Aguada Goa in it, the locals will look with delight and nod approvingly. They like it when visitors accept their way of life.
Of course, the most popular place in Aguada is the Aguada Goa Fort and lighthouse.
There is now a prison on the north side of Fort Aguada. This territory is busy keeping the worst prisoners within its walls. Don't worry about safety. There have been no escapes in Indian memory. The walls are so strong that they still hold up defenses inside and out. You can spend about three hours walking around the area. It is better to do this early in the morning or in the evening at sunset. During the day there are a lot of people and it is very hot. Also, some brave tourists try to climb onto the River Princess ship. But it is life-threatening. If you walk along the small beach of Aguada Goa, you can easily get to the neighboring one. . It is located three kilometers from Aguada.
When tourists rent a moped, a lot becomes available. Nearest and attractions can be visited every day. We used Ayurvedic services and massages on site, but there are also a lot of separate places. Any visitor will be able to use the services of professionals according to his taste and budget. Yoga and meditation practices on this beach are especially good. The place is calm and secluded, nature itself whispers about silence and harmony inside and around.
Another place worth visiting in Aguada Goa is Basilica of Jesus. This church was the first to be built in Goa and is a UNESCO heritage site. Beauty and spirituality enveloped the shrine. It is worth at least looking at this attraction, as well as indulging in prayers. Afterwards we went to church immaculate conception Virgin Mary. She also turned out to be very beautiful. Aguada beach itself offers various services: windsurfing, boating, fishing, diving and much more.
The nightlife in Aguada is unlike other beaches in North Goa. There is a special atmosphere, live music and parties dedicated to special dates. Everything has its own meaning and fulfillment. The place is amazing.
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The impregnable Aguada fortress, which appeared on the map of Goa back in the times of the Portuguese, is perhaps the most “historical” landmark of the state. Situated on the edge of Candolim Beach, the fort is considered one of the best preserved fortified structures in Goa. It is probably for these vaunted fortification qualities that part of Aguada is still used as a prison. (They say that a considerable number of foreign tourists, serving time for something that is not customary to use, distribute, and even - mind us! - to pronounce in vain).
The 17th century fort was built of red stone on the very shore of the sea, at the entrance to the Mondovi River delta. Moreover, the fortress had two important functions at once - the protection of the city of Old Goa, the capital of the Portuguese colony, and as a storage facility for fresh water. Today, part of Fort Aguada can be safely visited from 10 am to 6 pm (although if you offer the guards 30-50 INR, they can be allowed in after hours). The main attraction is the old lighthouse from 1612, which, alas, is no longer operational.
Prices on the page are as of November 2019.
Near the fort, on Sinquerim beach, one of the most luxurious hotels in Goa - Taj Fort Aguada Goa - is located at ease.
Situated on the edge of Candolim Beach, the fort is considered one of the best preserved fortifications in Goa.
Address: Fort Aguada Rd, Candolim, Goa. How to get there: there is only one road to the fort, starting in Candolim - this is, in fact, the main street of the village. Drive all the way, don't miss the fort. If you turn right at the crossroads near Aguada itself, you will get to the coastal structures from the beach, and if you turn left, you will come to the main building of the fortress.
The Indian Fort Aguada in Goa is the largest fort that has survived to this day. It was built to protect the mouth of the navigable Mandovi River from enemy ships. Occupies a vast area on the cape, south of Candolim Beach.
Built in 1612
year, it is a monument of Portuguese military construction and a legacy of Goan history. The fort consisted, according to the plan, of two parts: the upper - fortress, lower – coastal part. They were connected to each other by overground and underground passages. The fortress itself has a square shape with deep ditches dug near the bastions. The fortress's embrasures provided a wide angle of fire.
There is a fortress on the territory 1864 was built four-story lighthouse. It is considered one of the oldest in Asia. Used until 1976. Then a modern lighthouse was built near the fortress, which still operates today. By visiting this place, tourists will be able to visually inspect both the old and new lighthouses.
Peculiarity Fort Aguada also in the fact that under it there is a huge water tank. Its capacity is approximately 10 million liters and it is filled from natural sources. Here passing ships could replenish their supplies drinking water. Literally translated from Portuguese “aguada” means “water”.
In the coastal part of the fort there is a prison, which is the only functioning prison state of Goa. It can only be viewed from the outside. It is clearly visible from the water or from the fortress.
In the vicinity of the fort there is large number peacocks But when they see a person, they most often run away. Therefore, tourists should keep their cameras at the ready if they do not want to miss a great shot. The fortress itself offers a magnificent view. The area around is covered with dense vegetation. Nearby is helipad, built in the 80s. It is known for periodically hosting large parties.
Fort opened from 10-00 to 18-00. To get to the lighthouse and fortress, you need to take a taxi or rent a motorcycle. This place is reached by a road called Fort Aguada Road and also the main street of Candolim. Tourists can easily view part of the fort from the Sinquerime beach, which can be reached on foot.
Accommodation possible in hotel rooms of any category or rented houses. And even for particularly picky tourists, in the territory adjacent to the fort, on a hillside surrounded by tropical forest, there is the famous fashionable hotel Fort Aguada Beach Resort.
Nearest food stations located on the beaches of Sinquerim and Candolim. Cafes and restaurants will offer an excellent menu with dishes of Indian, European and many other cuisines. Some cafes are equipped with showers for the convenience of tourists.
