Forts in Goa

The forts in Goa are the architectural heritage today and are one of the prime elements of the tourism boom in Goa. The forts in Goa have an amazing history associated with them because most of them were built under Portuguese rulers' reign during their kingship for 450 years. It was the Indian Military who forced the Portuguese in 1961 to leave. Portuguese built the forts in Goa to control and watch the maritime trade on the coasts of the Arabian Sea flanked across Goa state. Forts in Goa are not oh-so-common forts because since Goa is a coastal town, many forts of Goa are built atop a hill overlooking the beaches and lush greenery.

The forts in Goa are peppered around Zuari River and Mandovi River that meet at the Arabian Sea. Within and adjacent to their vicinity, some forts of Goa house medieval lighthouses. Portuguese rulers commissioned the forts in this coastal region to keep a watch on the Maratha invaders. Apart from the legacy of the Portuguese, the forts in Goa have legendary connections with Hindu Epic - Ramayana. Cabo De Rama Fort in the South district of Goa is known to be the resting place of Lord Rama and his wife Sita and brother - Laxmana during their 14 years of exile.

Goa is the most debated holiday destination of India everyone knows. Like the French Capital of India - Pondicherry, Goa is also the 'Portuguese Colony of India’ if explored rightly. So the next time when sunshine, beaches, and party ambience calls you to visit Goa, add the dash of the Portuguese legacy in your Goa trip by exploring the historical forts in Goa. Some of them, like Chapora Fort, have Bollywood connections because it is the same fort which was featured in Dil Chahta Hai' and overlooks Chapora Beach too! But hardly pays attention to discover the Portuguese influence in Goa.

Commit to Learn More About the Famous Forts in Goa

Let's dive into the famous forts in Goa list to persuade you why learning about the Portuguese legacy is the new reason to visit Goa:

Chapora Fort

This fort is one of theoldest forts in Goa which was first annexed by Portuguese rulers and then Marathas and Bhonsales. Now it is the iconic attraction of Goa Tourism because a movie in 2001, 'Dil Chahta Hai,' was shot here, which gave Chapora Fort the mileage it deserves. A steep climb of around 100 stone steps is required to reach the Fort, where you can witness the mouth of Mandovi River, Ozran Beach, Vagator Beach, Morjim Beach. Food vendors are scattered around the parking area, and you are advised to keep yourself hydrated during the hike to the fort.

Entry Timings:10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, seven days a week
Parking Fee: 20 INR (approx.) for a two-wheeler, 40 INR (approx.) for a four-wheeler
Best Time to Visit: When the sun is not scorching (monsoon, winter, and early summer)
Distance from Panjim: 21.3 kilometers/45 minutes (approx.)
Popular Attractions Close to Chapora Fort: Anjuna Beach, St. Cajetan's Church, Baga Beach

Fort Aguada

The Arabian Sea waves gently stroke the walls of Fort Aguada. Its 4 stories intact Portugues Lighthouse is an experience to cherish for a lifetime. Fort Aguada is the lifeline of Goa Tourism because a few of its parts have been converted into a heritage luxury beach resort for leisure tourists, namely Fort Aguada Hotel. Witness the stunning sunset from Fort Aguada over the Arabian Sea and get enamored with the free experience to cherish in Goa. A few steps from the fort is Aguada Beach, where you can enjoy water sports like parasailing, surfing, and dolphin excursion.

Entry Timings: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM, seven days a week
Parking Fee: 20 INR (approx.) for two-wheelers, 40 INR (approx.) for four-wheeler
Best Time to Visit: When the sun is not scorching (monsoon, winter, and early summer)
Distance from Panjim: 15.9 kilometers/35 minutes (approx.)
Popular Attractions Close to Fort Aguada: Sinq Nightclub, Sinquerim Beach, Calangute Beach

Tiracol Fort

Located on the mouth of the Tiracol River, this fort is also called Terekhol Fort and was once the crucial maritime defense for the Portuguese. Tiracol Fort has one Portuguese built church squeezed in its courtyard, namely St Anthony Church, which you can visit because it is intact. Tiracol Fort was rebuild in 1764 when the Portuguese Viceroy - Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida, seized this fort from Maharaja Sawant Bhonsle. This fort is located on a cliff and is now a converted luxury heritage hotel where you can see the Tiracol River's views that meet the Arabian Sea. From dining to leisure walks on the premises of the heritage property, everything is magical here.

Entry Timings of Fort: 9 AM - 7 PM
Best Time to Visit: When the sun is not scorching (monsoon, winter, and early summer)
Distance from Panjim: 48 kilometers/1 hours 38 minutes (approx.)
Popular Attractions Close toTiracol Fort:Mandrem Beach, Keri Beach, Ashwem Beach, Querim Beach

Cabo De Rama Fort

Sitting on the small hill above the Cabo De Rama Beach is Cabo De Rama Fort. It is located in South Goa and has the legends of the Ramayana associated with it. According to the legends, Lord Rama, his wife Sita, and brother Lakshman stayed for a few days during their 14 years of banishment. Cabo De Rama Fort is one of the biggest forts in Goa, which was built by Hindu rulers initially, later power got shifted to Muslim rulers, and finally, Portuguese rulers conquered this fort in the 18th century and modified it to their beliefs. The upper chamber of this fort was used to keep a watch on the security breach of the fort. The citadel is now in ruins, but Portuguese legacy could be felt inside the St Anthony Church, inside the courtyard of the Cabo De Rama Fort.

Entry Timings of Fort: 9 AM - 5;30 PM
Best Time to Visit: When the sun is not scorching (monsoon, winter, and early summer)
Distance from Panjim:62 kilometers/2 hours (approx.)
Popular Attractions Close to Cabo De Rama Fort: Samson's Kiosk, Mobor Beach, Agonda Beach, Cola Beach

Mormugao Fort

This is not an oh-so-common fort, and hardly any tourists except locals know about Mormugao Fort. The reason behind its remoteness is it is located inside the premises of Mormugao Port Trust. River Zuari stands on the mouth of Mormugao Fort. It was commissioned in 1674 by the Portuguese rulers and was once the important Goan coastline fort. When you visit Mormugao Fort, come across its chappels, bastions, walls, and bulwarks. The fort is now in ruins but make sure you take your photography gears with you and let the sweeping views of the Arabian Sea be your backdrops.

Entry Timings of Fort: 9 AM - 5:30 PM
Best Time to Visit: When the sun is not scorching (monsoon, winter, and early summer)
Distance from Panjim:33 kilometers/1 hours (approx.)
Popular Attractions Close to Mormugao Fort: Hollant Beach, Varca Beach, Grand Island