Forts Of Goa

Aguada Fort 

Aguada Fort was built in the year 1612 . The name Aguada is derived from the Portuguese word, ‘Aguada’, meaning water.

A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that arrived after the long sea voyage from Lisbon, giving it the name 'Aguada' (meaning 'water' in Portuguese).

The purpose of this fort was to protect the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders. It is a home to several natural springs. On the north side of the fort, a rampart of red-brown laterite juts into the bay to form a jetty between two small sandy coves. This picturesque spot is known as Sinquerim Beach.

Sinquerim Beach

Fort Aguada Resorts provide a luxurious stay to the tourists and are one of the best in India.The fort has a four storey lighthouse erected in the 19th century (1864) and the oldest of its kind in Asia
 

Lighthouse

The lighthouse is surrounded by magnificent places where Panjim lies to the east along the river, with its Miramar beach which leads to Cabo or Raj Bhavan - the Governor’s house. 

Beyond the lighthouse lies the estuary of the Zuari river and the Mormugao port with the islands of St. George and Cambariem offshore. On the western side lie the famous northern beaches of Baga and Calangute. 

While the Candolim church is located inland to these beaches.

The fort is visited by large number of tourists throughout the year. One can reach the fort by hiring a taxi , auto or bike. A part of this fort has been now converted into a jail, thus restricting access to the tourists. However, it is worth a visit, if only for the superb views from the top of the hill where the four-storey Portuguese lighthouse is. 

Chapora Fort 

Chapora Fort was constructed in the year 1617. It is located 22 kms from the Panaji , the capital of Goa. It is at a distance of 10 kms from Mapusa and located close to the Anjuna beach and Vagator beach. Two sides of the fort are surrounded by sea and one side by river.

The massive fort is built entirely of red laterite and served as a watch post of the border. It was built by Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur. This is one reason why it has been named Shahpura, which means the 'town of Shah'. 

The fort was destroyed after the rule of Adil Shah and was rebuilt by the Portuguese around 1617 when they made Goa their colony.However, during 1892, the fort was left deserted by the Portuguese.

Vagator Beach

This fort attracts a lot of tourists as well as people from the film industry. 

Famous Bollywood movie "DIL CHAHATA HAI" was shooted at this fort. One can reach the fort by hiring a taxi or an auto from Mapusa. Also, buses from Panaji ply to Chapora fort on a regular basis.
 
Today, though it lies in ruins , one does not miss to visit this fort and enjoy the feel of the mystical air as well as the scenic view of the sea from this fort!

Anjuna Beach