Wondering what to do when you are done with the beaches and nightlife of Goa? Want to go to some offbeat places around the region, but have no clue where? If you are a history buff, there are a few forts you can explore in and around Goa.
This fort in Goa needs no introduction. Located near Sinquerim beach, Fort Aguada was the main fort of the Portuguese. Construction of the fort began in 1609 and was completed in 1612. In 1864, a lighthouse was built on the fort and it is the oldest of its kind in Asia.
The fort got its name from the name Portuguese aguada which means water as it is situated at the top of a hill near river Mandovi. The fort has the capacity of storing 2,376,000 gallons of water, one of the biggest freshwater storage of the time in whole of Asia. A part of fort houses the Aguada jail complex which was recently renovated. Located in a part of Aguada fort is the Taj Fort Aguada Beach Resort, which has some spectacular views of the Arabian Sea.
From Panjim, it will take 40 to 50 minutes to reach Aguada Fort by car or taxi.
Also known as the Redi Fort, this structure was built by the Marathas in the 16th century and borders a pristine beach with not too many visitors around. Dotted with age-old trees that have branched off in several directions, the fort may look like it is crumbling, but still stands tall. With majestic gateways and what was once probably a moat, it is easy to get lost in the structure.
One thing that strikes visitors is the lack of upkeep of this heritage structure. State support could go a long way in promoting tourism here. Locals need to be roped in to act as tourist guides and the revenue generated could not only give them a better livelihood, but also go towards conservation efforts.
The Yeshwantgad fort is located in the tiny fishing village of Redi in Maharashtra, a 30-minute drive from Querim beach in Goa. Visitors can take a government bus either from Panjim or Vengurla to Redi. The other way is to take a Konkan railway train and get off either at Sawantwadi or Kudal and then take a bus or taxi. Biking down to the fort is also a great idea.
Situated on the right bank of river Chapora, the fort was the 18th century border between Goa and Bhonsles of Sawantwadi. Built before the Portuguese occupation, the fort was captured from the Bhonsles in 1746. The fort was then rebuilt and renamed as Santa Cruz de Alorna. In 1761, it was again under the Bhonsles. In 1781, the fort was captured by Dom Frederico Guilhermo de Souza. Strategically located in the northeastern corner of Pernem, it originally had a deep moat and four bastions.
Alorna Fort is located 10km away from NH 17, and visitors can reach here by road.
Built by the Maharaja of Sawantwadi and later revamped by the Portuguese in the 17th century, Fort Tiracol (also known as Terekhol Fort) gives silent testimony to the hard won freedom that Goa enjoys today. The fort offers awe-inspiring views over the confluence of the river and sea waters as well as a bird’s eye view of the Querem and Kalacha beach. During the Portuguese occupation, the church of St Anthony was built within the walls of the fort. The fort has now been turned into a heritage hotel, the Fort Tiracol Heritage.
Tourists can reach Fort Tiracol via a ferry which can be boarded from Querim. It is at a distance of about 42 km from Panaji.
Located on Vagator beach, the Chapora Fort offers a gorgeous, unobstructed view of the sea – namely three beaches, Vagator, Anjuna and Chapora. Built on an earlier structure constructed by Adil Shah, Fort Chapora was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617. It was abandoned by the Portuguese in 1892.
Reaching the fort is quite a hike. Visitors have to park their vehicles at a point in Vagator and then undertake a steep and rocky trek to reach the fort.