Goa forts. Fort Aguada (Goa): photos and reviews A short excursion into history

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. It occupies a vast territory on a 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. Between themselves, they were connected by overground and underground passages. The fortress itself has a square shape with deep moats dug at the bastions. The embrasures of the fortress gave a wide angle of fire.

On the territory of the fortress 1864 was built four-storey lighthouse. It is considered one of the oldest in Asia. Used until 1976. Then, not far from the fortress, a modern lighthouse was built, which still works today. By visiting this place, tourists will be able to visually inspect both the old and the new lighthouses.

Peculiarity Fort Aguada also in the fact that under it there is a huge water tank. Its capacity is approximately equal to 10 million liters, and it is filled from natural sources. Here, passing ships could replenish their supplies with drinking water. Literally from the Portuguese "aguada" is translated as "water".

In the coastal part of the fort there is a prison, which is the only operating prison state of Goa. You can only view it from the outside. It is clearly visible from the water or from the fortress.

In the vicinity of the fort, a large number of peacocks. But at the sight of a person, they most often run away. Therefore, tourists should keep their cameras ready if they do not want to miss a great shot. There is a magnificent view from the fortress itself. The area around is covered with dense vegetation. Nearby is a helipad built in the 80s. It is known for hosting large parties from time to time.

Fort opened from 10:00 to 18:00. To get to the lighthouse and the fortress, you need to take a taxi or rent a motorcycle. A road called Fort Aguada Road leads to this place and concurrently the main street Candolim. Tourists can easily see part of the fort from the side of the Sinquerime beach, you can walk here.

Accommodation possible in hotel rooms of any category or rented houses. And even for especially fastidious tourists, on the territory adjacent to the fort, on a hillside surrounded by tropical forest, there is the famous fashionable hotel Fort Aguada Beach Resort.

Immediate food outlets located on the beaches of Sinquerim and Candolim. Cafes, 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.

In the Indian tourist state of Goa, you can find a large number of attractions. very interesting and confusing, throughout the territory there are a large number of historical objects 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 important 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 Marathas and the Dutch.

There were 79 cannons along the perimeter of the fort. The lower part of the fort was intended for defense coastline. The upper one was for maintenance of the fort, it contained a storage of drinking water. 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. oldest lighthouse of this type in Asia. Now it is no longer active.

The main part of the fort, on which 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 functioning prison. And in the northern part, adjacent to the Sinquerim beach, there are the fortifications of the fort and the luxurious Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada 5 * hotel.

From the upper platform of Fort Aguada, a very picturesque view of the Mandovi and River opens.

Fort Aguada is located in North Goa on a cape south of Sinquerim. It can be reached via main road from Candolim if driving south. To get to the main structure, you should turn left at the crossroads 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 most ancient in Goa, it is 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 erected the Reis Magos fort in 1543 to protect the territories.

In 1739, Reis Magos played a key role in holding back 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 guns, barracks, a prison, underground storages, a well for extracting fresh water and a large number of secret passages.

Currently, the fort has been reconstructed and turned into a museum. The cost of 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.

From the top there is a beautiful view of the Mandovi River and the city of Panaji.

In the lower part of the fort there was a prison, these premises are now open to the public. In the rooms that used to be prison cells, paintings illustrating the past of the state of Goa are hung. In one of the rooms in the upper part of the fort there is also something like a gallery, which contains drawings and caricatures of 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 Magos from Candolim, you need to go towards the village of Nerul and turn right to Coco Beach, then drive along the coastline up to the fort.

Chapora Fort

The fort was built on a high hill, in a well-visible place in all directions, thanks to which it occupied the most important strategic position, made it possible to observe the mouth of the Chapora River. Sometimes the fort is also called Shahpur. The fortress 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. Several times until 1741, the fort was captured by the Marathas. Fort Chapora was held by the Portuguese until 1890, when it was abandoned.

Currently, the fort is open to the public; unfortunately, it has not been reconstructed. This fort is not as well preserved as other Goan forts. Today, only the defensive wall, the entrances and the monument remain. Nevertheless, the fort deserves attention, if only because it offers a simply stunning view of the Vagator beach, and on the other hand, 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 in. The village of Chapora is located just north of the large village of Vagator.

Fort Tirakol (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 a small fort. During the time of the Portuguese, it housed the church of St. Anthony.

At the moment, the entire territory of the fort has been turned into an exclusive Fort Tiracol Boutique hotel. As a tourist attraction, Fort Tirakol is not of particular interest, but the hotel restaurant offers a beautiful view of Kerim and the Terekol River.

Fort Tiracol is located in the northern point state of Goa. To get to the fort, you need to constantly drive north, all the way to Kerim, and then cross the Tirakol (Terekol) river along big bridge or by ferry. After crossing, turn left.

Corjuem Fort

Korjum Fort is located deep in North Goa. It was built by the Portuguese in 1705. Ursula Lancastre from Portugal once served as a soldier here, known for posing as a man for a long time. She understood that, as a woman, it was almost impossible for her to build a career, much less succeed in the military sphere. Her plan succeeded, and, pretending to be a man, she managed to travel around the world. In Goa, her deceit was revealed, as a result, she married the captain of the guard.

The territory of the Korjum fort 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 Korjum Fort on the left side. To get to the fort from South Goa, you need to go towards Panaji (Panaji), across the bridge over the Mandovi River, then Porvorim (Porvorim) and turn right towards Aldona, then the same path.

Alorna Fort

Another fort located in the mainland of Goa, deep into North Goa. Alorna Fort 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 was equipped with 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 Frederico Guilherme de Souza (Dom Frederico Guilherme de Souza) and used to defend against the attacks of the Maratha people from the north.

Currently, the fort is in an abandoned state, but, nevertheless, it is quite well preserved. As an attraction, Fort Alorna is not popular, there are no tourists here, the place is very quiet and peaceful. Alorna Fort offers a good view of the Chapora River basin.

You can get to the fort by passing through the city of Mapusa, then Bardez, Rivora. It is necessary 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)

Fort Nanus is also located in the mainland of the state, it is the farthest from the sea fort of all Goan forts. This is due to the fact that 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.

Fort Nanus is located in North Goa, in the district of Satari. The road to the fort can be quite long if you drive from tourist areas Goa, for example, from Calangute. Taluka Satari is located in the distance, in the north this district borders with the state of Maharashtra, and in the east with the state of Karnataka. Fort Nanus is located near the city of Valpoi, largest city district of Sattari.

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 name of the fort was 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 fort of Caba da Rama was captured by the Portuguese and reconstructed. From 1932 to 1955, the bastions of the fort served as a prison.

The fort is not very well preserved to this day. Only the fortress walls and a platform on which several cannons from the time of the Portuguese colony were installed remained. From this site you have an excellent view of the sea coast. On the territory of the fort there is also a functioning church of St. Anthony.

You can get to the fort from the north of the state along the NH17 road. You should turn right in the area of the village of Balli (Balli), where the signpost road to Fatorpa, or a little earlier, in the area of the city of Cuncolim. From the more southern part of the state, you need to go towards Agonda. Fort Cabo de Rama is located between the beaches of Cola and Canaguinim.

Fort Mormugao (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 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 the high rocky shore chosen for the construction of the fort, the entire water area of the Arabian Sea was perfectly visible in both directions. Goan Viceroy Don Francisco da Gama personally laid the foundation stone for the fort.

Between 1640 and 1643, the fort was able to withstand a siege by the Dutch fleet. In 1683, the Portuguese territories were attacked by Sambhaji's troops. From the inevitable defeat of the Portuguese, the troops of the ruler of the Mughal Empire, Aurangzeb, saved. After that, Viceroy Francisco de Tavora (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 this 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 armories, a small workshop for the production of gunpowder, barracks for guards, 5 prison facilities. 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, the building, so powerful 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 of Vasco da Gama.

But it turns out, for example, in the same GOA there is not only sand, sea and sun, but also historical fortifications.

The grandest and one of the best preserved forts in the state, Aguada, was built by the Portuguese at a strategic position at the mouth of the Mandovi River in 1612 to defend against Dutch and Maratha attacks. Occupying the entire small peninsula on the southwestern edge of the Bardes region, this fort was once the most valued and key element of the Portuguese defensive system. In their better days his battery consisted of 79 guns.

Aguada originally consisted of a main hilltop fortification and several coastal bastions. One of them, located at the southern end of Sinkerim Beach, has now been converted into a five-star resort owned by the Tata family, and the other, overlooking the capital of Goa, Panaji, is the state's only operating prison. The main fortification is surrounded by a deep dry moat around the perimeter for additional protection.

In the Middle Ages, the source of food water available on the territory of the fort was used to replenish the supplies of passing ships, for which Aguada served as a stronghold on the route. Hence the name of the fortress - in Portuguese "water" sounds like "agua".

In 1864, the Portuguese erected a four-story lighthouse on the territory of the upper fortification, the oldest of its kind in Asia.

In the middle of the 20th century, under the rule of the dictator Salazar, the northern lower bastion of the fort was rebuilt into a prison, used mainly to contain political opponents of his reactionary regime.

Today, this Goa state's only functioning prison holds a large number of foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes. They say that there are no more places in the cells, and new prisoners are being redirected to prisons in neighboring states.

Getting to Fort Aguada is very easy - it is located on the southwestern tip of the Bardes district, in the Sinquerim beach area. One of its lower bastions is located right on the beach, the second, almost destroyed, can only be reached on foot along the path along the coast or from the popular Sunset Point (in English, roughly means "point for watching the sunset"), located a few hundred meters to the west the upper fortification, behind the modern functioning lighthouse, and the third bastion, the one in which the prison is located, was erected on the south side of the hill, and an asphalt road leads to it, enveloping the entire hill in a clockwise direction. Along the same road, which branches halfway, you can also get to the main citadel of Fort Aguada, the lighthouse and Sunset Point, in the vicinity of which real peacocks are found.

On the north side of the fort is a rampart of red-brown laterite, which deepens into the bay, thus forming a dam between two small sandy bays. This beautiful place known as Sinquerim Beach. The resort of Fort Aguada, which is one of the most expensive in India, reigns over the beach from the lower slopes of a steep peninsula.

The fortress ruins can only be reached by the road from the Taj village, and then turn right at the sign. Now there is a prison on most of the fortress, and therefore there is no access for visitors. Still, the fortress is worth a visit, if only for the great views from the top of the hill where the four-story Portuguese lighthouse is located. The lighthouse towers on one side over the vast expanses of sea, sand and palm trees of Calangute Beach, over Cabo Raj Bhavan or, as it is also called, Cabo Palace over the mouth of the Mandovi River, and on the other, at the tip of the Marmagao Peninsula.

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Forts in Goa are a must see Goa, it is not necessary to visit all of them, but at least one or two is highly desirable! Beaches are beaches, shopping is shopping, and you must see the ancient ruins, which once ran strange white people in funny hats and with spears. If only because there are only two sights in Goa, and amazing photos are obtained in the forts! We climbed with Maxim almost all the forts of Goa, below is information on how to get there, where they are, plus photos and reviews. historical facts and I won’t bore you with dates, who are very interested - you can find it in Google.

Aguada Fort in North Goa

If you are staying in Candolim or Calangute, the easiest way for you to get to Fort Aguada, it is located nearby, on a cape, south of Candolim and Sinkerim beaches, at the mouth of the Mandovi River.

Drive along the main road from Candolim, come to a crossroads and turn right. Quite a bit - and Fort Aguada! Don't miss.

The views there are amazing, the fort itself is very large, consists of several parts. Entrance is free, there are usually a lot of tourists, mostly Indian. There is also Senkerim beach, 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 who stayed in the Siolim area. If you live in Arambol or Anjuna and have your own transport, Chapora is also a ridiculous distance. Tourists are also taken there, there are Europeans, Russians, and Indians. Getting there by bike is quick and easy.

Fort Chapora is almost completely destroyed, leaving a few walls and fortifications. But what is worth climbing this fort 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 on Chapora is steep, it is slippery there, the stones crumble, we saw several people who fell unsuccessfully.

Chapora fort walls

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 Fort Tiracol, I advise you to combine the trip with the exploration of Fort Redi and famous beach Paradise.

Tiracol is a restored fort, it is clean, well-groomed, painted, there is even a hotel. The fort itself is small, you can get around it in a few minutes. Entrance is free, there are guards, in general - everything is civilized, which is even surprising for India.

Church in Fort Tiracol

Tiracol walls restored

This is me in the turret, from where the soldiers of the fort shot back

Fort Cabo de Rama in South Goa

Fort Cabo de Rama made the strongest impression on us! If we consider all the forts of Goa, Cabo de Rama is the most exciting. An extraordinary place! It will be far from North Goa to get to the fort, although many people travel, especially if they have their own transport. Fort Cabo de Rama, huge and dilapidated. But there still remains an atmosphere of antiquity, mystery and militancy.

I advise you to leave for 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. And you need to get around the entire fort and not be limited to a small piece, designed specifically for tourists.

The supporting wall at the fort is long, long. We went through it all

Going around the entire fort of Cabo de Rama, frankly, is not easy!

Fort's ancient cannon

Remains of some buildings

Sea view from the fort of Cabo de Rama

redi fort

The correct name for this fort is Yashvantgad. But it is better known as Redi Fort, named after the name of the village located nearby. Redi Fort is located not in Goa, but in the neighboring state of Maharashtra, but I included it in this article. If you are relaxing in North Goa, you should get 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!

Fort Redi 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 relax and swim. I advise you to take food with you, something that does not spoil quickly - bananas, roti cakes. Trip to Redi Fort and paradise beach usually takes at least half a day, or even the whole day.
However, we did not take anything except water. But they did not remain hungry - they had a bite to eat from a local cafe in the nearest village.

This is the only place to shoot movies!

Path along the dilapidated Fort Redi

There are also well-preserved parts of the fort.

Roots and branches tightly entangled the remains of the walls of Redi Fort

My tomb raider

Aguada Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Goa. It, like many others, was built by the Portuguese in 1612 to protect against the attacks of the Marathas and the Dutch.

The fort is strategically located very advantageously - at the mouth of the Mandovi River, to protect the then capital of Old Goa. Thus, a wonderful view opens up from any point of the fort.

The fort is divided into two parts - lower and upper. In the upper part there is a unique ancient five-level lighthouse 13 meters high. It is the oldest of its kind in all of Asia!

It was built in 1864, and in 1976 the lighthouse was closed, but, according to various sources, the lighthouse initially worked on an oil lamp (On this moment next to the fort there is a functioning lighthouse and you can go up there).

In the upper part there is also a huge well with several underground springs. There was a lot of water there, as much as 2,376,000 gallons (that's almost 9,000,000 liters!). This water was used by ships, setting off on long voyages. Thanks to these sources, fresh water the fort owes its name, because "aguada" in Portuguese means "water". At the bottom of the fort is now a functioning prison. As you know, many foreigners get there for drug fraud. Oh, the prisoners of this prison are lucky, because not every criminal can boast of a sea view.

The walls of the fort are 5 meters high and 130 cm wide. No wonder he was never captured. But that is not all. At the foot of the fort, a dry moat was dug, which to this day remains insurmountable. And in the old days, the fort could boast of 200 guns!

Near the fort stands the snow-white church of St. Lawrence - St. Sailors. On the territory of the church there is a small snow-white gazebo, which opens beautiful view to the fort and to Panaji. Opposite the church, traditionally, there is a Catholic cemetery.

view of the Church of St. Lawrence from Fort Aguada

Opposite the fort there is a helipad. But more often than helicopters, rave parties and bike races happen here.

On the territory of the fort there is one of the most expensive and famous hotels in Goa— Taj. There are two five-star hotels of this chain in Candolim - Taj Fort Aguada and Taj Holiday Village, separated from each other by a small roadway.