Think Goa, and you are flooded with images of picturesque landscapes, soft ocean sand caressing your wet toes and of course, the white sandy beaches. You can enjoy a day of local shopping, indulge in some water sports or sit back and marvel at a sunrise or a sunset. However, moving away from the coastline, there are many heritage places in Goa that are worth visiting! The forts in Goa create rich tapestries providing a glimpse into what Goa stood for, in earlier times, besides beaches, these forts are associated with interesting historical facts and anecdotes and also boast of unique architecture prevalent in those times drawing influences from various corners of the world from where early settlers first set their foot in Goa. Here’s a list of 6 forts in Goa you must take time out for, especially if you’re a history buff and would like to discover Goa beyond its golden beaches.
- Chapora Fort
Also called ‘town of Shah’ Chapora Fort prominently overlooks the dazzling Vagator Beach.
Also called ‘town of Shah’ Chapora Fort prominently overlooks the dazzling Vagator Beach, Morjim Beach, Ozran Beach and the mouth of the Chapora river, it was built in the 17th Century during the Portuguese rule and also had a number of underground tunnels. The most amazing fact about the fort is that the shooting of Bollywood film ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ took place here! Moreover, it is a favorite evening haunt for the thrill likers to chill out, and for the best sunset views.
2. Reis Magos Fort
This fort was revived by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage center of Goa.
One of the oldest forts in the city of Goa, Reis Magos Fort was constructed by Afonso de Noronha, a Portuguese Viceroy between 1551 and 1554. It offers a brilliant scenic view from all its sides and is located right on the hill onlooking the magnificent Reis Magos Church, at the merging point of the Mandovi river, the ambiance of this fort is extremely photogenic in nature and gets even better with the existence of a beautiful church built along with. It was revived by the Archaeological Survey of India as a heritage center of Goa.
3. Corjuem Fort
The Corjuem Fort has also been said to house the famous chapel of St. Anthony in the past.
Known to be built as a military fortress for the defense of Portuguese, Corjuem Fort is very famous owing to its unique location. Being one of the two prominent inland forts, this fort attracts many people even in the 21st century. It is not very far from the village of Aldona, around 6 km and is located in the Bardez taluka of North Goa. The Corjuem Fort has also been said to house the famous chapel of St. Anthony in the past. The fort is pretty charming and is adorned by carpets of lush greenery, it is fabulously constructed of pitted laterite stones.
4. Aguada Fort
It is the one-stop destination for numerous passing ships and the sunsets over here are truly amazing.
Present at the mouth of river Mandovi, this fort offers a gorgeous sight of the Arabian Sea, the idea behind building the Aguada fort at this particular location was for the prevention of attacks by enemies, it was constructed in 1612, and also boasts of a four-storeyed Portuguese lighthouse which is delightful to visit. It is the one-stop destination for numerous passing ships and the sunsets over here are truly amazing.
5. Terekhol Fort
Part of this fort has been converted into a heritage hotel, Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel.
Also popular with the name of Tiracol Fort, this landmark in Goa is located at the mouth of Tiracol River and can be reached by a ferry from Querim. This fort was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle in the 17th century and was rebuilt in 1764 as it had been seized by Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida, a Portuguese Viceroy. The fort courtyard which houses the beautiful church of St.Anthony is a gorgeous place to spend time with your friends or by yourself.. Part of the fort has been converted into a heritage hotel, Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, which is accessible by the general public only on special occasions.
6. Cabo De Rama Fort
It offers great views of the south Goa, the sea, and sunset
The Cabo de Rama Fort is located in the Canacona region of south Goa, between two popular beaches in South Goa, Cavelossim, and Agonda. It was constructed by the local Soonda rulers and taken over by the Portuguese after their arrival in Goa. Attracted by the big cape that offered good views of the Arabian Sea and the coastline, the Portuguese soon carried out renovations to modernize the fort. The Cabo de Rama Fort is now in ruins, but you can still see many attractions from the past, it also offers great views of the south Goa, the sea, and sunset.
Our Tours and Walking Trails at Travel Adventures Goa will take you on a journey back in time, from visiting these beautiful structures to learning about the culture, heritage, and architecture of Goa to indulging in some delicious Goan cuisine and going back home with lots of memories. Have a look at our website > http://traveladventuresgoa.com/