Forts in Goa

Aguada Fort :

18 kms. Built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to command the entry into the river Mandovi, in order to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there. The fort houses presently the central jail. A lighthouse is situated nearby, the visiting hours for it being 16.00 to 17.00 hrs.

The fort was constructed in 1613 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was a reference point for the vessels coming fromEurope at that time.

This old Portuguese fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi River. It was initially tasked with defense of shipping and the nearby Bardez sub district.This is how the fort got its name: Aguada, meaning Water.

Crews of passing ships would often visit to replenish their fresh water stores. On the fort stands a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612, it was once the grandstand of 79 cannons.

It has the capacity of storing 2,376,000 gallons of water, one of the biggest freshwater storages of the time in whole of Asia. This fort is divided in two segments: the upper part acted as fort and watering station, while the lower part served as a safe berth for Portuguese ships.

Whereas the upper part has a moat, underground water storage chamber, gunpowder room, light house and bastions, it also has a secret escape passage to use during time of war and emergency.

The lighthouse at initial stage is used to emit light once in 7 minutes. In 1834 it was changed to emit light creating eclipse every 30 seconds, however it was abandoned in 1976.Fort Aguada was the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese.

Reis Magos Fort

The Reis Magos Fort is located in a small village called Reis Magos in the northern banks of the river Bardez, in the Indian state Goa. The fort is quite near to the capital city of Panjim which makes it appropriate for the tourists to visit. Reis Magos is a Portuguese which means Three Wise Men.

The architecture of the fort has the fusion of the Hindu and Portuguese style of architecture since it was designed several times under the rule of Portuguese and Marathas among others. The Reis Magos Fort was bounded with laterite walls in the entire exterior.

Terekhol fort

Terekhol fort was built by a sawantwadi ruler Maharaja Khem sawant bhonsale. In 1746 Portuguese captured this fort. Later Portuguese rebuilt the fort and constructed a church in the premises. It is now a heritage hotel and not open to public for sightseeing. Visitors can stay in this hotel as they will get a beautiful view .It is now converted into a hotel which is named as Fort Teracol heritage.

Chapora fort

Chapora fort Is 22km from Panjim. Main feature of the fort are the tunnels built under the ground. From the fort visitors can get a good view. It is built in red laterite stone which was later deserted by the Portuguese. Reis Magos fort It is situated on the bank of river Mandovi. There are many such forts which are very attractive .So plan your stay in Goa this season and don’t miss the chance to visit our forts.

Arvalem Caves :

The celebrated caves of Arvalem, belonging to a remote era, are in a westerly direction not far away from the temple of Rudreshwar and are of archaeological interest. A mythical background is attached to these caves. Some are of the opinion that these caves have been carved by the travelling Buddhist monks. An inscription is noticed on a Shivalinga with a circular top in cave No.2 Its is in Sanskrit and in Brahmi characters of the 7th century A.D. It reads as Sambalura-vasi Ravih.