Goa is a well-known tourist destination famed for its golden sandy beaches, electrifying parties, lip-smacking seafood, and hospitality. But there is much more to learn about the “party capital of India.” Goa is also home to some of the most beautiful historic sites in India, which speak volumes about what this tiny state has to offer. Today, in this blog, we will unravel about the best forts in North Goa, take a sneak peak into their history, and explain why they are deserving of being on your Goa’s travel itinerary.
Here is the list of the best forts in Goa:
- Fort Aguada
- Chapora Fort
- Tiracol Fort
- Reis Magos Fort
- Corjuem Fort
1. Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is one of the most important and iconic forts in Goa. The fort built with laterite stone is located on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the vast expanse of the majestic Arabian Sea. This fort was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese and has been well preserved for the locals and tourists of Goa. Apart from the magnificent fort, the four-story lighthouse, built in 1864, is a major tourist attraction too. Another interesting feature of Fort Aguada is the prison cells used under the rule of the Portuguese administration.
If you’re holidaying in Goa, add this historic landmark to your travel itinerary. Fort Aguada’s perfect location lets you see the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea; it’s an ideal place to catch the sunset and click Instagram-worthy photos.
Fort Aguada Goa Entry Fee: No entry fee
Fort Aguada Goa Address: Aguada-Siolim Road, Sinquerim, Candolim, Goa, 403515, India
Fort Aguada Goa Timings: 9:30 am to 6:30 am
2. Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort, better known as the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’, is one of the most visited forts in North Goa. Located in Bardez district, overlooking the Chapora River from a great height, this fort encapsulated the tale of pride, conquest, and valour. Its strategic location on a steep slope provided a solid defence to its occupants, whether it was ruler Adil Shah, the Marathas, or the Portuguese.
Even though the fort has lost its splendour, the ruins of these forts make for an Instagrammable backdrop. Its location on the hilltop offers visitors unforgettable views of the surrounding area. This area also gained prominence in pop culture after the Bollywood film Dil Chahta Hai (2001) was shot here, making it a beloved tourist stop and photo destination in Goa.
Chapora Fort Goa Entry Fee: No entry fee
Chapora Fort Goa Address: Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora, Goa, 403509, India
Chapora Fort Goa Timings: 9:30 am – 5:30 pm
3. Tiracol Fort Goa
Nestled on the mouth of the Terekhol River, Tiracol Fort is one of the most important forts in North Goa. It is believed that the fort was originally built by Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the king of Sawantwadi. However, after the Portuguese invasion, the fort was surrendered to them in 1764. It was used in Portuguese maritime defences. The Portuguese gave this fort an overhaul according to their architecture. It was not until the annexation of Goa in 1961 that the fort remained a part of Portuguese rule. Today, the fort has been morphed into a heritage hotel with a chapel inside the complex, which is open to the public only on certain special days.
Tiracol Fort Goa Address: Pernem Taluka, Tiracol, Goa, 403524, India
Tiracol Fort Goa Timings: 12:00 am – 11:59 pm
Tiracol Fort Goa Entry Fee: Free
4. Reis Magos Fort
Reis Magos Fort, located on the mouth of the Mandovi River and built in 1551, is one of the oldest forts in Goa. The fort has served important functions, such as being the residence of viceroys. Later, the fort lost its prominence as a government residence and acted as a detention centre until 1993, after which it fell into disuse. This roughly 460-year-old fort in North Goa began to wither away due to lashes of times. However, realising its significance, the Goan authorities began its restoration work in 2008. The fort is now converted into a cultural centre, besides being used as a tourist attraction. And the best part? You can even rent the fort for weddings, exhibitions, parties, music shows, photo shoots, etc.
Reis Magos Fort Goa Entry Fee:
₹ 50 per person for Adults
₹ 25 per person for Students
₹ 10 per person on Sundays and Goa Govt. Holidays
No Free entry for children below 8 yrs of age
Reis Magos Fort Goa Address: Verem, Bardez, Goa, 403114, India
Reis Magos Fort Goa Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (closed on Mondays)
5. Corjuem Fort
Last but not least, Corjuem Fort in North Goa might be small in size but is big on what it stands for. The initial construction of the fort was done by the Marathas, after which it fell into the hands of the Portuguese. The fort got a Portuguese makeover and acted as a military fortress for the defence of the Portuguese in India.
Today, this fort is one of the peaceful locations in Goa to sit back and contemplate. The fort is approximately 4 kilometres away from Aldona village. If you travel to this fort, don’t forget to click on stunning photos of the encompassing land and the Mandovi River. You can also look for a shrine made in the name of St. Anthony within the walls of the fort, which is regularly maintained and renovated from time to time.
Corjuem Fort Goa Entry Fee: No entry fee
Corjuem Fort Goa Address: Off Aldona-Corjuem Road, Corjuem, Goa, 403508, India
Corjuem Fort Goa Timings: Everyday from 6 am to 7 pm
As you wander through the historical forts of North Goa, each fort narrates the stories of a bygone era. It creates a vivid picture of the value of human life and it’s this connection to history and beauty that turns a visit into a lifelong fascination.
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