Goa, one of the best-visited destinations in India and one of the most well-known Indian states outside of India, is a beautiful place to unwind amidst nature’s splendor. Goa offers a diversified topography with hills, waterfalls, and more, even though its beaches are more well-known. In Goa, some impressive churches and temples are worth visiting because they originated hundreds of years ago.
The presence of fascinating forts is another aspect of Goa worth examining. These forts, mainly built by the Mughals and Portuguese, are lovely representations of our historical past. The forts tell stories from the past. History aficionados aren’t the only ones drawn to these forts; You can also spot nature lovers having a good time. Let’s examine the well-known forts in Goa that you should see while there.
Chapora Fort
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The fort offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, unlike anything you’ll see from other Goa forts. The fort’s sturdy walls, which overlook the magnificent Chapora River, have stood the test of time as a symbol of power and pride. The fort’s stories of how the Marathas overcame it will keep you interested if you love history. Watch the Sunset into the Arabian Sea in the evening for breathtaking vistas.
Corjuem Fort, near Aldona Village
Forum is a well-known fort in Goa that draws tourists from all over the world. The Maratha kings built it in the early 18th century and then renovated it by its Portuguese occupants to reflect their preferences and enhance its defense foundation. You may see some of the best views of the Corjuem River at Corjuem Fort, a protected monument. This fort in North Goa provides evidence that regiments don’t always have to be enormous buildings that dominate the landscape.
Reis Magos Fort, Bardez
The Reis Magos Fort is not very big, yet it has had a lot of historical significance. Reis Magos, one of Goa’s oldest forts, was constructed in 1551 and remains almost entirely intact. The fort was one of the first defenses against invaders for the Portuguese, a place to stay for essential dignitaries, and a prison (until 1993). Today, the fort is a cultural hub and a well-liked tourist destination near Goa, and it includes the Three Kings Chapel, which has a haunted legend and a beautiful setting.
Fort Aguada, Aguada
One of Goa’s few examples of Portuguese architecture is this building. Portuguese builders added a lighthouse to the Aguada Fort. This fort dates to the 19th century. The area’s abundant springs are why the fort received its name, Aguada, which means water. Today, a portion of the defense is still standing and is being helpful as a prison. The state’s largest prison is there.
Terekhol fort
The name Terekhol emerged because of the river on whose banks the fort was built. Despite being constructed by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsale, a Sawantwadi king, the Terekhol fort was taken by the Portuguese in 1746. In Goan history, it is also well-known as the scene of an uprising against Portuguese control. Later, the Portuguese renovated the fort and added a church because it is now close to a century old. The old fort is now a heritage hotel; visitors cannot tour there. However, it is visible from the outside.
Mormugao Fort
The Portuguese constructed Mormugao Fort at the beginning of the 17th century to safeguard Margao Port. They were able to keep a better eye on the waterways to defend the port from attacks and invasions because of the structure’s expansion into the sea. The fort is currently one of the best places to go for a stunning view of the natural surroundings and the stunning Arabian Sea. The bastions and bulwarks still stand tall and protect the area, even if most of the fort is currently in ruins. The Fonte de Malabar and the Fonte Santo Ignacio are two different magnificent fountains located here. These have come from a sulfur and gold mine.
Cabo De Rama Fort
Cabo de Rama is a Portuguese fort from the 17th century situated in the Canacona district of South Goa and relates to the Ramayana epic. Although the Portuguese took Cabo de Rama Fort in the 1760s and utilized it as a military base and prison, the Hindu Soonda Rulers constructed it. During their 14-year exile, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana resided in the fort. Although the fort is now mostly in ruins, it is a well-liked tourist destination because it provides a breathtaking perspective of South Goa. As a result, it is also a nationally significant historical monument.
Ponda Fort
Adil Shah constructed the Ponda fort while in charge of the Ponda district. This fort has a basic design and has a garden enclosed. There’s a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj built within the fort, and Shivaji attempted to usurp Adil’s control of the fort. However, the Portuguese saved Adil and overpowered Shivaji. However, the Marathas ruled the fort for ten years before being taken over by the Portuguese. Many bloody fights between various dynasties, including the Mughals, Portuguese, and others, took place in this fort.
Colvale Fort
The Tivim Fort is another name for the Colvale Fort. The Tivim Village is where this fort is situated. Middle Fort is another name for it, again for unexplained reasons. The fort is accessible to the general public, but the building is in utter disrepair. The government is in charge of the restoration process. The Portuguese used brick and stone to construct this fort around the middle of the 17th century. The fort was a defensive building featuring bastions, cannons, guardhouses, and other fortifications. There remains only a faint remnant of the old splendor.
Cabo Fort
The Cabo fort, which sits on Goa’s southern shore, seems tarnished on sure sides due to its lengthy abandonment. Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman lived here during their exile. The Portuguese took control of this fort and constructed structures for it, one of which is a chapel still in use today. The current Governor’s home was previously a convent. Even though the fort was constructed around 1540, it still appears majestic and is worth a visit.
Alorna Fort
One important fort in Goa is Alorna Fort, also known as Halam Fort. This fort, which lies a short distance from Mapusa, was constructed in the 17th century to protect the area from marauding Marathas. The fort is not now accessible to tourists. The fort’s apex offers a panoramic view of the River Chapora once it is open, and the vista is said to be breathtaking. The renovation wouldn’t be finished for years, though.
St. Estevao Fort
On the island of St. Estevao stands St. Estevao Fort. This fort is on an island that has a tiny hilltop. And this is the state’s smallest fort. Maharaj Shivaji constructed a modest fort in the 17th century on this island. The fort is still well-maintained, and the view of the sea and the ramparts from it is breathtaking. The courtyard only occupies around 3/4 of a badminton court due to its modest size. The fort now houses a marble monument of Jesus Christ that the Portuguese fixed in 1926.