Fort Aguada

If you are wondering that you have nowhere to go in the monsoon then the well preserved since seventeenth-century Fort Aguada located in Aguada Siolim Road in Candolim standing on crumbling ramparts is the place to visit. Earlier the house of Portuguese that now is turned into jail (one of the largest jails in Goa) surprises you with the ecstatic view of the Arabian Sea, Fort Aguada is the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese, and also don’t forget to see the view from lighthouse when you’ll visit as this place is known to be the best place for tourist attraction, although it is open every day people tend to visit more in monsoon season. The four-storeyed lighthouse here was built in 1864, one of the first lighthouses in Asia that once contained an ancient bell (one of the oldest in Asia). At the distance of 18Km from Panaji, the fort has majorly been more popular as the largest forts of Goa with the extensive of the Arabian Sea and neighbouring villages. Fort Aguada is open every day but has some timings to follow. It opens at 9:30 PM and closes at 6 PM.

Top facts about the Fort Aguada

• The first structure of the fort was established in the 17th century.
• Aguada Fort is about 18 Km from Panaji.
• It is located in near Sinquerim Beach
• The breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea is one of the main attractions here. 

Timing of the Fort

• Opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 6 PM

Chapora Fort

You just can not afford to miss this place, if you are traveling with your friends and if it's an all-boys group then this place is the cherry on the cake for you. One of the most important Portuguese architectural marvels is counted as one of the top places in North Goa. Apart from the phenomenal view of Anjuna Beach and Vagator Beach, this place has a special spot in all-boys hearts as a particular spot here serves a special moment of friendship. If you still can’t frame this place then the best way to introduce you to this fort is the movie named Dil Chahta Hai, just a moment of a few minutes in a song has taken this place by young tourists like a storm. It's an ideal place for photography along with spending some peaceful time. 

Top facts about Chapora Fort

• Fort was established by Adil Shah of Bijapur in the year 1510.
• The main attraction here is to see the Arabian Sea meeting Chapora River.
• The Portuguese occupied the Chapora Fort in the year 1717.
• The biggest fame to claim is the movie Dil Chahta Hai.
• Known for a spectacular sunset point.

Timing of the Chapora Fort

• Opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 5:30 PM

Reis Magos Fort

Standing tall with the background of rich history and slowly turning into the cultural center of North Goa, Reis Magos Fort is a must lookout place. This Fort has stood here for 4 centuries and is housed as a residence for Portuguese viceroys as Reis Magos was one of the most important assets to the Portuguese Colonist and currently is the prominent tourist attraction with high and formidable walls due to their steep slope.  If you are keen on photography then this fort commands the glorious views of the surrounding countryside to remember your Goa vacation. Along with the fort, you can also visit Reis Magos Church which lies only a short distance away from the fort. You can visit this fort anytime between 9 am to 5.30 pm, but it is closed on Monday. 

Top facts about Reis Magos Fort 

• Reis Magos Fort is located on the bank of the Mandovi River.
• It was established in the year 1551
• One of the main attractions is that it overlooks Panjim city.
• It is more than 400 years old.
• Promotes the cultural heritage of Goa.

Timing of Reis Magos Fort

• Opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 5 PM

Tiracol Fort 

Tiracol Fort is situated by the side of Tiracol River on the northern tip of Goa, where you can reach from Querim by boarding a ferry. This fort was built by the King of Swantwadi Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle in the 17th century. Tiracol Fort witnessed many demonstrations at various points in time and now this fort is a symbol of the freedom struggle of Goans. This fort has a vast history like it is one of the demonstration places where satyagrahis opposed Portuguese rule in 1954 and the fort once had a barrack, 12 guns, and a chapel. With a historical touch, the fort is now converted into a luxury hotel by the name Fort Tiracol Heritage. The fort offers a scenic view where you can spend a memorable time with your friends and family and enjoy the authentic Goan food along with the kaleidoscopic view of the Arabian Sea. Tiracol Fort is always open and ready to welcome its guests. The best time to visit here is from November to February, this is the time when you get the best and most favourable weather in Goa to enjoy each and every bit of your journey.

Facts about Tiracol Fort 

• It is a symbol of the freedom struggle of Goa.
• Also known as Terekhol Fort
• It was built by Maharaja Khem Bhosle in 17th century
• Famous for imposing view of the Arabian Sea

Timing of Tiracol Fort

It is always open (24*7) and ready to welcome the tourists. 

Mormugao Fort

One of the foremost coastal forts in Goa, This ancient behemoth, still well-preserved and standing proud today, Mormugao Fort was an important port for Portuguese ships. It covers an area of around 10 Km and once upon a time it included towering bulwarks, three magazines, five prison blocks, a chapel and accommodation for a garrison. Mormugao Fort is located near the Mormugao port and about a few kilometres north of Vasco Da Gama. Built in the early 17th century by the Portuguese to protect the Margoa Port is now a famous tourist attraction in Goa. This grand fort overlooking the Varca Beach has got a mesmerizing view of the beautiful landscape, the Arabian Sea and two stunning fountains - Fonte de Malabar and Fonte Santo Ignacio. Goans believe that these two fountains originated from sulphur and gold mines. Steeped in historical significance this fort is a great place for a day trip with your friends and family, and also a not to be missed attraction when in Goa. 

Major Highlights of Mormugao Fort

• Symbol of Portuguese rule over Goa.
• Built-in 1624.
• The best time to visit is between October to December and January to March.
• Commanding view of the hostile water beyond the harbour.

How to reach Mormugao Fort.

Mormugao Fort is at a distance of 32 Km from Panaji, 4 Km from Vasco Da Gama Railway Station, and 7 Km from Dabolim Airport. There are various buses running on a daily basis to Mormugao Fort and taxis as well.

Cabo De Rama Fort

Cabo de Rama fort is perched between the two famous beaches in South Goa - Cavelossim, and Agonda. The Hindu rulers as well as the Portuguese rulers, both had hands behind the development of Cabo de Rama Fort. One path of the fort will take you to the top of it and the other path to its on-premise church. Here you’ll also see a beautiful white church built by Portuguese rulers. Overlooking the Arabian Sea, Cabo de Rama Fort offers a striking contrast to the ruins of this ancient site. This fort is majorly famous for its beautiful view of the sunset and the gifted beauty around it. deriving its name from the Ramayana is one of the oldest forts of Goa and a rich slice of Indian heritage. Located in Canacona, a town in the southern part of Goa and is around 16 Km from Agonda Beach. Cabo De Rama Fort is attached to a 500-meter long beach which is an ideal place to catch the sunset and the fort itself is spread over 18000 square meters. November to March is the best time to visit Cabo de Rama as you’ll get cool and much pleasant weather compared to summer and monsoon season here. 

Major Highlights of Cabo de Rama

• Admirable architecture as it will take you back in time when it was made. 
• St. Antonio Church.
• Breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea.
• Mesmerizing Sunset view from the top of the fort.

How to reach Cabo de Rama Fort.

There are many bus services that operate from Margao to Cabo de Rama fort. It is very easy to reach the fort from any major hub of south goa. From NH66 you can also take a taxi or rent a cab to reach here as it will take almost 2 hours to reach the destination. 

Timing of Cabo de Rama Fort.

The fort opens at 9:30 AM in the morning and closes at 6:30 in the evening.