Forts of Goa
Goa’s strategic location along the coast with its natural harbors made it a prime target for invasions. This led to the construction of heavily fortified structures at important locations by conquerors over the centuries. Apart from the major vantage points at Aguada, Reis Magos and Cabo de Rama, smaller, lesser known forts in Goa secured the territory from attacks.
Aguada Fort 
Standing on the crumbling ramparts of what was once the most formidable and impregnable of the Portuguese forts in India, one looks out at a panoramic ocean vista, witnessing the confluence of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea, over which the fort has kept watch for more than four hundred years.This is so majestic a sight that it is easy to picture a Portuguese galleon or carrack on the horizon, on the last leg of its arduous voyage from far off Portugal around the Cape of Good Hope, finally able to make safe harbour and replenish its supplies.
View MoreAguada Fort
Standing on the crumbling ramparts of what was once the most formidable and impregnable of the Portuguese forts in India, one looks out at a panoramic ocean vista, witnessing the confluence of the Mandovi River and Arabian Sea, over which the fort has kept watch for more than four hundred years.This is so majestic a sight that it is easy to picture a Portuguese galleon or carrack on the horizon, on the last leg of its arduous voyage from far off Portugal around the Cape of Good Hope, finally able to make safe harbour and replenish its supplies.
View MoreCabo de Rama
Deriving its name from the Hindu Epic the Ramayana, this ancient fort far predates the Portuguese rule in Goa, making it one of the oldest forts in Goa. Though time and the elements have weathered this proud structure, it still stands today, guarding the mouth of the Sal River and commanding panoramic views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.
View MoreCabo Raj Niwas
The official residence of the governor of Goa, known as “Raj Bhavan”, is located at the extreme end of a narrow cape jutting into the Arabian Sea , it is one of the Palaces of historical and architectural significance and antiquity in Goa. Earlier, during the Portuguese regime, it was the Official Residence of the Governors-General, which was then known as “Palacio do Cabo”. Later, it was the Official Residence of the Lt. Governors of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, under the name of “Cabo Raj Niwas”, which name it retained till Goa was given the status of a State in 1987.
View MoreCabo Raj Niwas
The official residence of the governor of Goa, known as “Raj Bhavan”, is located at the extreme end of a narrow cape jutting into the Arabian Sea , it is one of the Palaces of historical and architectural significance and antiquity in Goa. Earlier, during the Portuguese regime, it was the Official Residence of the Governors-General, which was then known as “Palacio do Cabo”. Later, it was the Official Residence of the Lt. Governors of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu, under the name of “Cabo Raj Niwas”, which name it retained till Goa was given the status of a State in 1987.
View MoreChapora Fort
These days Chapora Fort is recognised by the famous scene from the Bollwood film ‘Dil Chahata Hai’ . Commanding a panoramic view from its strategic point, the fort rises tall above the Chapora river. Originally belonging to the reign of Shahapura, whose name was altered to Chapora by the Portuguese, the fort has seen a tumultuous past, given the change in guard over the centuries. Conquerors from the Muslim invaders to the Portuguese to the Bhonsles fought fiercely to gain control over this important structure. Chapora finally fell to the Portuguese who renovated and further fortified it.
View MoreCorjuem Fort
Although this is one of the smaller forts in Goa, it has gained a name for itself, not only for being one of only two inland forts which have survived into the 21 st century, but also for the panoramic vistas that can be seen from its ramparts. This fort is surrounded on all sides by exceptionally beautiful swathes of Goan countryside, and as such is a great place for a scenic walk or a little photography.
View MoreCorjuem Fort
Although this is one of the smaller forts in Goa, it has gained a name for itself, not only for being one of only two inland forts which have survived into the 21 st century, but also for the panoramic vistas that can be seen from its ramparts. This fort is surrounded on all sides by exceptionally beautiful swathes of Goan countryside, and as such is a great place for a scenic walk or a little photography.
View MoreReis Magos Fort
Standing tall and proud overseeing and protecting the taluka of Bardez, across the river from the capital city of Panaji, this fort was one of the first bastions of the Portuguese rulers against enemy invasion. The structure exudes majesty and grandeur and though it is not the biggest fort in Goa, it still commands respect and awe.Pre-dating even the prestigious and much larger Fort Aguada, and situated at the narrowest point of the mouth of the Mandovi, it’s skilful construction and strategic placement made this fort nearly impregnable and it was an important asset to the Portuguese colonists.
View MoreTiracol Fort
Tiracol fort is a short distance away from Keri by ferry. The last fort along the coast, it stands at the confluence of the Tiracol river and the Arabian sea. The 17 th century monument was commissioned by the Maharaja of Sawantwadi, Khem Sawant Bhonsle. It has a little chapel that is still used once a year. Today, this heritage structure houses luxury visitors who stay at the converted heritage hotel.
View MoreTiracol Fort
Tiracol fort is a short distance away from Keri by ferry. The last fort along the coast, it stands at the confluence of the Tiracol river and the Arabian sea. The 17 th century monument was commissioned by the Maharaja of Sawantwadi, Khem Sawant Bhonsle. It has a little chapel that is still used once a year. Today, this heritage structure houses luxury visitors who stay at the converted heritage hotel.
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