The coastal state is dotted with numerous forts that were built as protecting guard against the attacking forces for the erstwhile rulers. These monuments that were built hundreds of years ago still stand tall and give us an amazing sneak peek into history. These forts also bear marks of historic events that changed Goa forever, although most of the Goan forts are in ruins but they still haven’t lost their charm and splendor.
Here is a list of most inspiring forts in Goa so that next time you take a Goa trip, you know what you want to see beyond beaches and nightlife.
1. Chapora Fort
More popularly known as the 'Dil Chahta Hai Fort', its claim to fame was the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster that was shot here, offers beautiful views of the sea and Chapora River. The hill-top location of the fort also offers a commanding views in every direction and a gives spectacular view of Anjuna and Vagator beach. It was built by Portuguese in 1717.
With steep slopes on all sides, the fort provided an excellent defensive advantage to the occupants during its heydays. It was originally built by Muslim ruler Adil Shah and was called Shahpura. The fort was later reconstructed by the Portuguese who named it Chapora, after the Chapora River that flows right alongside it. This fort has lost it's grandeur to time, a church which stood inside complex has disappeared, only the gigantic walls and tombs have remained.
Location: Vagator
Timing: 10 AM - 5.30 PM
2. Reis Magos Fort
Alfonso de Noronha built the Reis Magos Fort in 1551. It was restored in 1707 and served as a vital defensive wall during the 1739 war between the Portuguese and the Marathas. The British Army briefly held the fort between 1798 and 1813, and it even operated as a prison until 1993, when the army abandoned it.
Freedom fighter's Gallery, art gallery, history & restoration hall, and gunloops are the fort's four galleries. Reis Magos Fort's architecture is a mix of Portuguese and Indian architectural elements. The fort's elevation provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Location: Verem, Bardez
Timing: 9.30 AM - 5 PM
3. Corjuem Fort
The Portuguese erected Corjuem Fort in Aldona village in 1705 as an inland fort. However, despite being a relatively unknown place, it has recently acquired popularity due to the breathtaking views it provides. Despite being flanked by Portuguese and Mughal powers, it is one of only two forts that has remained standing and substantially undamaged.
According to legend, the fort has seen many conflicts and has defended Corjuem against various assaults. However, even in its ruins, it is lovely and tells tales of a bygone age. Cannons and murder holes abound in the fort. Climb to the top of the fort for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. It is a haven for nature lovers and photographers due to the tranquilly of the surroundings and breathtaking view.
Location: Aldona, Corjuem
Timing: 9.30 AM - 5 PM
4. Tiracol Fort
The mode of entry at this fort is a ferry ride from Querim. In the 17th century, Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the monarch of Sawantwadi, created this majestic building. The fort hae a barrack, 12 guns, and a peaceful chapel in its early days. However, in the following years, the fort was severely damaged and lost some of its allure. This majestic structure served as an important stragetic location for Portuguese colonists' maritime defense. The grandeur of Fort Tiracol, perched atop a lovely hillside overlooking the Northern River, is enhanced by the surrounding foliage.
Built in the 18th century during the Portuguese control, a lovely church stands in the midst of the fort within the courtyard. Except for exceptional events like the yearly feast in May, this church remains closed to the general public. If you're visiting Fort Tiracol, the Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel offers a great luncheon.
Location: Tiracol, Pernem
Timing: 9 AM - 7 PM
5. Aguada Fort
Built in 1612, Aguada fort was used as strategic location for defence against the Dutch and Maratha and figured among important forts for Portuguese covering the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez.
Now, the fort features a lone four-story lighthouse (the only one of its kind in Asia) and a breathtaking sunset outlook. The Aguada fort was named after the Portuguese word for water, 'Agua,' and served as a freshwater replenishment point for sailors. In actuality, it was one of Asia's largest freshwater reservoirs, with a capacity of 2,376,000 gallons of water. Two hundred guns and a deep dry moat protected the fort's heart. The prison cells utilized during Salazar's rule as Portugal's 100th prime minister are an intriguing element of Aguada Fort in Goa. Aguada jail was also housed in Fort Aguada. A nationalistic touch to the fort is provided by a statue in front of the jail, which salutes the liberation warriors.
Location: Candolim
Timing: 9.30 AM - 6 PM
6. Sinquerim Fort
Sinquerim Fort in Goa was built in 1612 and is one of the must-see attractions in the state. It is thought to be the lower extension of Aguada Fort. The majestic fort served as a point of reference for goods arriving from Europe. It was also utilised to keep the area safe from the Dutch and the Marathas. This lovely fort divides Sinquerim Beach in two, and the breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea will enchant you with their perfection.
Location: Sinquerim
Timing: 7 AM - 9 PM
7. Cabo de Rama Fort
Cabo de Rama is a Portuguese fort from the 17th century that has been linked to the Ramayana mythology located in Canacona. During their 14-year exile, it is thought that Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana lived at the fort. Despite the fact that most of the fort is now in ruins, it is a popular tourist destination since it provides a breathtaking perspective of South Goa. The Hindu Soonda rulers constructed the Cabo de Rama Fort in the 1760s, but it was conquered by the Portuguese and served as a military base and then a prison. As a result, it is a historically significan monument.
At the fort's gate, there is a little chapel called the Church of Santo Antonio. It is also one of Goa's oldest and largest forts, with a surface area of 180,000 square metres.
Location: Canacona
Timing : 9 AM - 5.30 PM
8. Mormugao Fort
This exists as a visible reminder of Portuguese domination in this coastal region. It dates back to 1624, when it was constructed with the goal of protecting the region's harbour. As a result, it operated as a key coastal fort for a long time before the Portuguese abandoned it in favor of other regions of Goa. Inscriptions atop the fort gates provide insight into its illustrious past. Traditional fishing boats line up along the shores of Varca Beach, providing excellent vistas for visitors to this fort. The bulwarks and bastions are in superb shape and the fort also consists two mannificent fountains - the Fonte de Malabar and the Fonte Santo Ignacio
Location: Mormugao, Vasco