Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently launched the inaugural edition of the Indian Lighthouse Festival at Fort Aguada in Goa. This unique festival is dedicated to transforming historical lighthouses into tourist destinations by fostering public-private partnerships (PPP).
Starting September 23, this three-day festival was celebrated at lighthouses across India, aiming to revitalise their rich maritime history and promote them as tourist destinations. The government plans to modernise 75 lighthouses and promote them for tourism, benefitting local communities and businesses.
At the event, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant emphasised the importance of lighthouses in India's maritime history, particularly in coastal states like Goa. Historic lighthouses are being renovated and equipped with suitable amenities, with India having 203 lighthouses along its 7,517-kilometer coastline.
Goa's lighthouses have a history dating back to when the Portuguese ruled the area. During that period, Goa was a busy trading hub with ships from around the world navigating its treacherous coastline. The Portuguese built lighthouses to ensure safe passage, symbolising their power. Today, these lighthouses serve as reminders of Goa's maritime heritage, attracting tourists. Popular ones include the Aguada, Cabo de Rama, Reis Magos, and Betul Lighthouses, which offer great coast views and continue to guide ships.
Aguada Lighthouse
This lighthouse derives its name from the nearby Fort Aguada, originally built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century as a defence against Dutch and Maratha incursions. It is situated at the entrance of the Mandovi River in North Goa, India.
Dating back to 1864, it ranks among the oldest lighthouses in Asia and was constructed during the Portuguese colonial period. Standing tall at 42 meters, the Aguada Lighthouse boasts an impressive range of 17 nautical miles. Its primary purpose was to provide guidance and ensure the safe navigation of ships through the dangerous waters of the Mandovi River, notorious for its sandbars and strong currents.
Cabo de Rama Lighthouse
The Cabo de Rama Lighthouse is a prominent spot in Goa, positioned at the southernmost tip of the state. Its construction occurred in 1890 during the Portuguese colonial era, and it proudly stands at an elevation of 25 meters above sea level.
Perched atop Cabo de Rama Hill, this lighthouse shares its location with the Cabo de Rama Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese fortress. The primary purpose behind the creation of this lighthouse was to provide essential guidance to ships traversing the waters of the Arabian Sea, preventing them from encountering peril along the rugged coastline.
Reis Magos Lighthouse
The Reis Magos Lighthouse, a historic beacon, graces the village of Reis Magos in North Goa, India. Its construction dates back to 1838, a testament to the Portuguese legacy, and it proudly rises to a height of 13 meters above the ground.
This lighthouse was purposefully erected to serve as a guiding light for ships navigating the intricate waters of the Mandovi River, shielding them from the ever-present threat of running aground on the prevalent sandbanks in the area. During the colonial era, the Mandovi River served as a vital trade route, and the lighthouse played a pivotal role in ensuring the secure passage of ships through these waters.
Betul Lighthouse
The Betul Lighthouse is a prominent landmark in the southern part of Goa, India. Nestled at the confluence of the Sal River and near the village of Betul, its remarkable stature reaches an impressive height of 46 meters. This architectural marvel was brought to life in 1954 and has since been a stalwart guardian, guiding ships safely through the turbulent waters of the Arabian Sea.
With its strategic location, the Betul Lighthouse assumes a crucial role as a guiding beacon for maritime vessels, aiding them in circumventing the treacherous sandbars and navigational hazards prevalent in the region. It boasts an extensive range of 22 nautical miles, firmly establishing it as one of the most potent lighthouses along the Konkan coast.
Getting There
You can reach Goa through several transportation options. The Dabolim Airport offers convenient air access, connecting major Indian cities. Alternatively, Goa's railway stations, Madgaon and Vasco da Gama, provide a well-connected train network. Long-distance buses from cities like Mumbai, Pune, and Bangalore offer road access, with national highways facilitating road trips. For a unique experience, some cruise liners sail to Goa from Mumbai. Once in Goa, renting a motorcycle or scooter is a popular choice for local exploration.