Aguada Fort is one of the prime tourist places to explore in Goa. It was built in ancient times to restrict ships from entering the Mandovi river. A lot of people come here to admire the magnificence of the fort and the natural beauty of its surroundings. Aguada Fort is hardly 15 km away from Panjim, the capital of Goa, and is also close to Margao railway station. It was made by Portuguese colonial rulers back in the days when Goa was not a part of India. The fort used to supply water to the ships which stopped by and that is also one of the reasons it has been named Aguada which means water.
It is said that this fort was considered one of the most prized and crucial forts for the Portuguese. It is also quite large in terms of its architectural advancements, so much so that it can envelop the entire peninsula which is at the southwestern tip. It has been built on the mouth of the river Mandovi. This location for the fort was strategically chosen for the defense purposes of the Portuguese.
September to March is the best time to visit the Aguada Fort. This is a great time for sightseeing activities. The summer season is not really recommended mainly due to the high temperatures. The monsoon season also sees a considerable amount of rainfall.
History of Aguada Fort
Aguada fort was constructed in 1612. The main purpose of constructing this fort was to guard the citizens against the Dutch and the Maratha rulers. It was also an important geographical point as the vessels coming from Europe trod on this sea route very often and used to stop by for their supplies.
This Portuguese fort stands tall and proud on the beach which is south of Candolim. The freshwater spring which is inside the fort provided the water supply to the ships that used to stop by. And this is also how the fort got its name as Aguada means water. It often used to happen that the crews of passing ships would visit to refill their freshwater stores. In 1864, a lighthouse was also erected here. This lighthouse is the oldest of its own kind in the entire Asian belt.
The fort was divided into two specific segments namely the upper part and the lower part. The upper part had a moat while the lower part had an underground water storage chamber, gunpowder room, lighthouse, and bastions. This place also has got a secret escape passage to use in case of war or immediate emergency.
Places To Visit Near Aguada Fort
1. Aguada Jail
The fort later was converted into jail at the time of Salazar administration, however, it is closed now for the public. Once the largest prison in Goa, Aguada Jail was completely shut down in the year 2015. The inmates of the jail were then moved to a jail situated in Colvale.
2. The Lighthouse
It is located inside the Aguada fort and has been there since the 17th century. With time, this lighthouse has become one of the most important landmarks in the history of Goa. It is an absolute must-visit for anyone who likes to travel.
3. Portuguese Architecture
The architecture of this fort is actually one of the major attractions for people visiting this place. Constructed on the Bardez Peninsula this fort has the sheer capacity to transport you back in the time of Goan history. Thus, it is one of the must-visit spots for you while you visit Aguada Fort in Goa.
4. Goa State Museum
Constructed in 1977, this museum possesses a very huge collection of different categorized items in terms of history, religion, and even art. For anyone who is looking for having an amazing travel experience, this museum is a must-visit.
5. St. Lawrence Church
Established in 1630, this church was built in the honor of St.Lawrence. The aura of Saint St.Lawrence was such that he was also referred to as the controller of the winds and also as the patron saint of sailors. The interior of the church has been adorned with a statue of St.Lawrence which makes this place quite special for the Christian community. But, not just the Christians, people from different regions and communities also visit this holy place.
How to Reach Aguada Fort
Aguada Fort is located at Sinquerim Beach of Goa. This popular state of India is very well-connected with the rest of the cities. Here’s how to reach Aguada Fort.
- Nearest metropolitan city. Mumbai
- Nearest airbase. Goa International Airport
- Nearest railhead. Karmali Railway Station
- Distance from Mumbai. 573 Kms
By Air. This place is located on one of the pristine beaches in the Sinquerim village which is near Candolim. The Goa International Airport (GOI) is the nearest airport. You can take a cab to cover this distance after you deboard your flight. The airport has a very good overall connectivity via other major and nearby cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Hyderabad, etc.
- Distance from Goa International Airport. 39 Kms
By Road. Anytime, traveling to Goa by road is going to be a great experience. Owing to great road connectivity, traveling to Goa from different Indian cities via bus, cab, or your own vehicle. For this, you can consider reaching the destination via NH 48, 50, and 52.
By Train. Karmali railway station is the nearest railway station. Traveling via train from the major Indian cities won’t be a problem.
- Distance from Karmali Railway Station. 26 Kms
Frequently Asked Questions About Aguada Fort
Q. Why is Aguada Fort famous?
Ans - Aguada Fort was the most important and crucial fort for the Portuguese. The fort is so big that it encapsulates the entire peninsula and hence, it is so famous.
Q. Who built Fort Aguada?
Ans - Fort Aguada was built in 1609 during the rule of Dom Filippe.
Q. Are there flights available from different Indian cities to Goa to reach Aguada Fort?
Ans . Yes, there are flights to Goa from different Indian cities.
