Goa the word is almost synonymous with holidays and fun. However the wondrous beach haven along the west coast of the Indian shoreline has more to offer than just beaches and luxury hotels. With its rich cultural heritage and history, there are many forts in Goa which have been witness to different rulers and traditions over the centuries.
Forts of Goa were built by Maratha, Portuguese and Muslim rulers. Many of the forts were built at strategic points along the northern, southern, eastern and western borders of the state. The Portuguese used the forts as watch towers to prevent the Maratha and Muslim rulers from invading them. Since the Portuguese ruled Goa for over 450 years, theirs was the strongest influence.
To name just a few forts of Goa we can begin with the Aguada Fort, located at the estuary of the Mandovi river. The Aguada Fort was built in 1612 by the Portuguese. It has a very strong structure and was the only fort not conquered by invaders during the 450 year long rule of the Portuguese. The fort derived its name from the number of fresh water springs present within the fort; agua means water in Portuguese. Some of the interesting features of this fort are the lighthouse which used to have an oil lamp and a gigantic bell, and the Church of St. Lawrence who was said to be the saint of the sailors.
The next on our list of the Forts of Goa is the Terekol Fort, which is located at the northern end of Goa, on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea. The Terekol Fort was built in the 17th century by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhosale, and then rebuilt again by the Portuguese in 1764 when they captured the fort. This fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel. A part of the Aguada Fort is also converted into a heritage hotel, and this could be one great way to take care of heritage structures, since the ones which are left at the mercy of the government are usually in a very bad condition.
The Mormugoa Fort is located near the industrial town of Vasco De Gama. This fort was built by the Portuguese with the intention of using it as their capital, but due to repeated invasions by the Marathas, they abandoned the fort. Today, only a portion of the wall and the chapel remain, but this fort has given a lot of importance by the historians and is always included in the fort tours of Goa.
One of the most interesting forts among the many forts of Goa is the fort Cabo De Rama, which is said to have been a temporary home to the Lord Rama and his wife Sita, during their 14years of exile. The fort had various rulers till the Portuguese took over and rebuilt it. Later it came under the British rule, and was used as a prison till the time of independence. Goa has some more interesting forts and a forts tour of goa can be a good option when on a holiday here.
To know more about the Forts of Goa go to:
 |
Forts of Goa |
 |
 Aguada Fort |
|
|
Marmugoa Fort |
|
|
Chapora Fort |
|
|
Teracol Fort |
