In the early decades of the 17th century. Its construction was carried out by the Portuguese who then disposed of these lands. The new building was erected in 1612 for several purposes. The first of these was the defense of the capital of the Portuguese possessions - Old Goa - from attacks from the sea. During that period, the Dutch and Marathi caused a lot of fears among the Portuguese. For defensive purposes, nearly eight dozen cannons were installed along the entire length of the fort's fortifications.
Another function that the building performed was the storage of fresh water. This explains the origin of the name known today - Aguada. The basis for it was the Portuguese word água - water. The purpose-built Aguada reservoirs had a total storage capacity of 2,376,000 gallons of fresh water. Fresh water springs located nearby made it possible to constantly replenish supplies. In this regard, the Aguada fortress has become one of the important points for sea-going ships, especially for those coming from. Here the sailors could rest and get drinking water necessary for their onward journey.
In 1864, a lighthouse was erected in the fortress, rising four stories up. It also becomes an important landmark for ships sailing by: initially it shone every seven minutes, later it was improved and was able to give light signals every 30 seconds. The lighthouse continued its work for many decades - until 1976, after which it was replaced by a more modern one. Today it continues to exist and is considered the oldest lighthouse on the territory, which has made it a popular tourist attraction.
In the middle of the 20th century, during the period when the actual power belonged to the Prime Minister Antonio di Salazar, the premises of the southern part of Fort Aguada were turned into prison cells. Initially, they contained mainly political prisoners - the opposition to the Salazar regime. Later, the cameras were used for other lawbreakers. This prison is still in operation today, so tourists do not have access to all parts of the fortress. According to the Indians themselves, not only local criminals are serving their sentences in these cells, but also many foreigners who have come to rest and have violated any Indian law.
In 2013, an extreme restoration was carried out of that part of the Aguada buildings, which is open to visitors. The northern part of the fort today is occupied by the Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada 5 * hotel, which is one of the most luxurious in this part of the state.
How to get there
Formally, the building is located on the territory of the Candolim settlement in the north of the Indian state. Fort Agauda Road runs through the entire settlement, moving along which you can get to the structure. The fort itself is located on a hill not far from the coast of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River, in the very south of the settlement. The easiest way to get here is by private car or by taxi, as there are no regular public transport routes. However, on the plus side, Candolim has a wide range of accommodation options for travelers, so it won't be difficult to find a hotel closer to the fort and its beach.
Fort Aguada on the map
Inside the fort
The structure is quite impressive in size: its buildings occupy a significant part of the coastline and are located at a certain distance from each other. Because of this, Aguada had the status of the main Portuguese fort for a long time. The entrance to the territory, open to visitors, is free for everyone. This becomes one of the reasons that there are always a lot of people walking around the building, both from foreign tourist groups and from Indian.
The main part of Fort Aguada is divided into two levels. In the lower one, arriving ships of different sizes could safely moor and stay in the parking lot. In the upper part, there were several important rooms and internal structures. So, here you can see a moat that protects the fort, special chambers for storing large volumes of drinking water, halls that were used as warehouses for cannon powder and other ammunition, bastions. From here, underground passages also begin, built in case the inhabitants of the fortress would need to leave it unnoticed. The lighthouse of Aguada also rises here.
Access to the very top of the lighthouse is open for travelers, but for this you have to overcome a considerable number of steps on the internal spiral staircase. But the view from the upper point of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River that flows into it is worth the effort: it leaves an indelible impression and allows you to take unique memorable photos. A new operating lighthouse is also open for visits, which replaced its predecessor. You can find it nearby, behind the walls of the fort. In order to get to its upper platform, you need to pay about 50 rupees (about 50 rubles) or a little less than a dollar. It also allows you to admire the views of the sea, as well as see the main buildings of Aguada from above.
More than once Fort Aguada became an object for filming Indian films. He has appeared in many films and television films in India since the last century. In this regard, not only tourists who are bored on local beaches or lovers of ancient citadels, but also true fans of Bollywood art often come to get acquainted with the structure.
Excursions
You can explore Fort Aguada both independently and with a guide. In both cases, it should be borne in mind that the building is open for visitors from 10:00 to 17:30.
Aguada is included in the program of many excursions in Goa, both sightseeing and thematic, and can also be part of a boat trip. So, a program with access to the open sea by boat or yacht, visiting neighboring islands and a fort on the way back will take about 9-10 hours and will cost from $ 45 (about 2,500 rubles) per person. The cost of overland excursions around the state starts from 35-40 dollars (about 2,000 rubles) per person and depends on the scope and conditions of the program: some organizers offer transportation by buses, some by jeeps, and there are those who combine two types of transport.
Souvenirs
You can buy souvenirs not far from the fort itself. Here, along Aguada Beach, there are many street vendors and souvenir shops. Merchants offer figurines and other images of the fort itself and the lighthouse of Aguada, national clothing such as saris, traditional Indian jewelry for men and women. Also on the shelves there is usually a wide selection of yoga-related items, with a lot of emphasis on fishing gear. The latter become especially relevant, since right on the Aguada beach you can rent a boat and go out to sea to fish.
When purchasing something from the locals, bargaining is not prohibited. In these places it is perceived normally and even welcomed. Sometimes, thanks to this, the price of the goods can be significantly reduced - the goods can be sold even two or three times cheaper than its original indicated cost.
A trip to Fort Aguada is a great way to diversify your holiday on the seaside of Goa. Here, not far from the beaches, you can get acquainted with history, see how European influence is tightly woven into the chronicle of India. The fort pleases guests with the opening views and amazes with the scale of its territory, where tourist facilities, prison cells and a five-star hotel coexist today. And of course, having set aside time to get to know Aguada, you should not miss the opportunity to visit the oldest lighthouse in the Asian part. The structure reminds India of the past and at the same time remains a significant part of the present and future. And as one of the main attractions of Goa, it has become an integral part of the image of the state and the entire state.
Business card
Address
Fort Aguada Road, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, 403515, Goa, India
In the Indian tourist state of Goa, you can find a large number of attractions. very interesting and confusing, throughout the territory there are a large number of historical sites that shed light on the past of the state. Goan forts are always of particular interest.
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is one of the most significant forts in Goa and perhaps the best preserved to this day. It was built in 1612 to protect the mouth of the Mandovi River from the Marathi people and the Dutch.
There were 79 guns along the perimeter of the fort. The lower part of the fort was intended for the defense of the coastline. The upper one was for servicing the fort; there was a drinking water storage in it. In this regard, sailors often visited the fort to replenish water supplies, hence the name "Aguada", translated as "Water". The 4-storey lighthouse of the fort attracts the most attention; it is the oldest of its kind in Asia. Now it no longer works.
The main part of the fort, on which the lighthouse is located, is open to all tourists. In 2013, a complete reconstruction of this place was carried out. In the southern part of the fort, adjacent to the sea, there is a functioning prison. And in the northern part, adjacent to the Sinquerim beach, there are fortifications of the fort and the fashionable hotel Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada 5 *.
A very picturesque view of the Mandovi River opens from the upper platform of Fort Aguada.
Fort Aguada is located in North Goa on the headland south of Sinquerim. It can be reached via the main road from Candolim, heading south. To get to the main structure, you should turn left at the intersection near the hill with the fort, and if you turn right, you can get to the coastal structures from the Sinquerima side.
Fort Reis Magos (Reis Magos Fort)
Fort Reis Magos - one of the oldest in Goa, it is about 50 years older than Aguada. According to various sources, it was founded in 1490 or 1551 by Adil Shah. Other sources say that the Portuguese, led by Alfonso de Albuquerque, destroyed a Muslim coastal outpost and erected the Reis Magos fort in 1543 to protect the territories.
In 1739, Reis Magos played a key role in containing the Marathas, who conquered the entire territory of Bardez at that time, with the exception of the forts of Aguada and Reis Magos. On the territory of the fort there were 31 cannons, barracks, a prison, underground storage facilities, a well for the extraction of fresh water and a large number of secret passages.
Currently, the fort has been reconstructed and turned into a museum. The cost of entrance tickets is about 50 rupees. The territory of the museum complex is quite large. You can walk along the upper part of the fort, where there are the most real cannons of those times.
From above, there is a beautiful view of the Mandovi River and the city of Panaji.
There was a prison in the lower part of the fort; these premises are now open to the public. The rooms that used to be prison cells are decorated with paintings illustrating the past of the state of Goa. In one of the premises of the upper part of the fort there is also a kind of gallery, which contains drawings and caricatures of Goan authors of the 20th century.
Fort Reis Magos is located just three kilometers from Fort Aguada, on the banks of the Mandovi River. To get to Flight Magos from Candolim, you need to go towards the village of Nerul and turn right to Coco Beach, then drive along the coastline up to the fort.
Chapora Fort
The fort was built on a high hill, in a place clearly visible in all directions, thanks to which it occupied the most important strategic position, allowing to observe the mouth of the Chapora River. Sometimes the fort is also called Shahpur. The fortress itself was built more than 500 years ago by Adil Shah Baijapur. In 1617 (and according to some reports in 1717) the fortress was captured by the Portuguese and reconstructed into a fort. Several times before 1741 the fort was captured by the Marathas. Fort Chapora was held by the Portuguese until 1890, then it was abandoned.
Currently, the fort is open to the public, unfortunately it has not been reconstructed. This fort is not as well preserved as other Goan forts. Today, only a defensive wall, entrances and a monument remain. Nevertheless, the fort deserves attention if only because it offers just a stunning view of the Vagator beach, and on the other hand, of the Chapora River and the village of Morjim, located on the other side of this river.
Fort Chapora is located in North Goa near the village of the same name, at the confluence of the Chapora river. The village of Chapora is located just north of the large village of Vagator.
Fort Tiracol (Tiracol / Tirakol / Terekol / Terekhol Fort)
The exact date of the construction of Fort Tiracol is unknown. In 1764, Fort Tiracol was reconstructed by the Portuguese. Tiracol has always been a small fort. At the time of the Portuguese, it housed the Church of St. Anthony.
At the moment, the entire territory of the fort has been turned into an exclusive Fort Tiracol Boutique hotel. As an attraction, Fort Tiracol is not of particular interest, but the hotel's restaurant offers a beautiful view of Kerim and the Terekol River.
Fort Tiracol is located at the northernmost point of the state of Goa. To get to the fort, you need to constantly go north, up to Kerim, and then cross the Tirakol (Terekol) river by a large bridge or by ferry. After crossing you should go to the left.
Fort Korjuem (Corjuem Fort)
Fort Korjum is located inland of North Goa. It was built by the Portuguese in 1705. Ursula Lancastre from Portugal, known for her long disguise as a man, once served here as a soldier. She understood that, as a woman, it was almost impossible for her to build a career, let alone succeed in the military sphere. Her plan succeeded, and, pretending to be a man, she managed to travel the whole world. In Goa, her deception was revealed, as a result, she married the captain of the guard.
The territory of the Korjum fort is not very large, it has not undergone reconstruction. To get to the fort, for example, from Calangute, you need to go in the direction of Mapusa, then to Aldona. After Aldona, you need to cross the bridge over the Mapsa River and turn left, soon you will see Fort Korjum on the left side. To get to the fort from South Goa, you need to drive towards Panaji, over the bridge over the Mandovi river, then Porvorim and turn right towards Aldona, then the same path.
Alorna Fort
Another fort located in the mainland of Goa, inland of North Goa. Fort Alorna is located on the banks of the Chapora River, away from the sea.
It was built in the 17th century. The fort is relatively small in size; 4 cannons were installed in it. In 1746, Fort Alorna was captured by the Marquis of Castello Novo, also known as the Marquis of Alorna. In 1781, the fort was conquered by Dom Frederico Guilherme de Souza and used to defend against attacks by the Marathi people from the north.
Currently, the fort is in an abandoned state, but, nevertheless, it is quite well preserved. As a tourist attraction, Fort Alorna is not popular, there are no tourists here, the place is very quiet and calm. Fort Alorna offers a good view of the Chapora River basin.
You can get to the fort by driving through the city of Mapusa, then Bardez, Revora. Cross the Chapora River. It is very easy to get lost in these places, so be sure to study the map before traveling.
Fort Nanus (Nanuz / Nanus Fort)
Fort Nanus is also located in the continental part of the state, it is the farthest fort from the sea of \u200b\u200ball Goan forts. This is due to the fact that there are no tourists here at all. The territory of the fort is small, only small parts of the fort have survived to this day.
Fort Nanus is located in North Goa, in the Satari district. The road to the fort can be quite long if you go from the tourist areas of Goa, for example, from Calangute. Taluka Satari is remote, in the north this district is bordered by the state of Maharashtra, and in the east with the state of Karnataka. Fort Nanus is located near Valpoi, the largest city in Sattari County.
Fort Cabo da Rama (Cabo De Rama Fort / Cape Rama Fort)
Cabo Da Rama is the largest Goan fort, with an area of \u200b\u200b179600 square meters. The fort is located in South Goa.
Fort Kaba De Rama (also known as Cape Rama) was founded in 1679 by Shivaj Maharaj, King of the Marathas. The fort got its name in honor of Rama, one of the earthly incarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu. The Indian epic Ramayana describes how Rama, along with his wife Sita, hid in these places. In 1763, the Kaba Da Rama fort was captured by the Portuguese and reconstructed. From 1932 to 1955, the fort's bastions served as a prison.
The fort is not very well preserved to this day. Only the fortress walls and a platform remained, on which several cannons from the times of the Portuguese colony were installed. This site offers an excellent view of the sea coast. There is also a functioning church of St. Anthony on the territory of the fort.
To get to the fort from the north of the state, take the NH17 road. Turn right around the village of Balli, where the road to Fatorpa sign is, or a little earlier, in the area of \u200b\u200bCuncolim. From the more southern part of the state, you need to go towards Agonda. Fort Cabo de Rama is located between Cola and Canaguinim beaches.
Mormugao Fort
Another fort located in South Goa. A distinctive feature of the Mormugao fort is that it was originally designed and built by the Portuguese, unlike most of the Goan forts built on the foundations of already built Indian fortresses.
Construction work began in 1624. The Portuguese began to build a powerful fort on the southern shore of the Gulf of Mormugao in order to protect against possible attacks from enemies. From the high rocky coast, chosen for the construction of the fort, the entire water area of \u200b\u200bthe Arabian Sea was perfectly visible in both directions. The Viceroy of Goan Don Franciscko da Gama personally laid the foundation stone of the fort.
Between 1640 and 1643, the fort was able to withstand the siege of the Dutch fleet. In 1683, the Portuguese territories were attacked by Sambhaji's troops. The troops of the ruler of the Mughal empire Aurangzeb saved the Portuguese from the inevitable defeat. After that, Viceroy Francisco de Tavora ordered the transfer of the capital of the Portuguese colony from Mormugao.
In 1685, the modernization of the fort began under the leadership of the Jesuit priest Teotonio Rebelo. It is believed that at that time Fort Mormugao was one of the largest structures of this type in the Portuguese colony. The length of the fortress walls was 10 kilometers. In total, there were 24 tower bastions in the fort, armed with 54 cast guns. On the territory of Fort Mormugao there was a church, 3 weapons depots, a small workshop for the production of gunpowder, barracks for guards, 5 prison premises. There were also 5 sources of drinking water, one of which had medicinal properties due to the content of sulfur compounds.
In 1703, Fort Mormugao officially became the seat of the Viceroys and Governors of Goa. Mormugao was the capital until 1759, after which the capital was moved to the city of Panaji.
Unfortunately, such a powerful building in the old days has been poorly preserved to this day. Now you can see only some parts of the fortress wall, a small chapel and two fresh water sources.
Fort Mormugao is located in the northwestern part of Cape Mormugao, near the largest Goan city of Vasco da Gama.
Forts in Goa are a must see in Goa, it is not necessary to visit all of them, but at least one or two is very desirable! Beaches, beaches, shopping, shopping, and you should see the ancient ruins, along which strange white people in funny hats and spears once ran. If only because there are not enough sights in Goa, and also amazing photos are obtained in the forts! We climbed almost all the forts of Goa with Maxim, below is information on how to get there, where they are, plus photos and reviews. I won't bore you with historical facts and dates, who are very interested - it will be possible to find it on Google.
Fort Aguada in North Goa
If you are staying in Candolim or Calangute, the easiest way for you is to get to Fort Aguada, it is located nearby, on a promontory, south of Candolim and Sinkerim beaches, at the mouth of the Mandovi River.
Take the main road from Candolim, reach the intersection and turn right. Just a little bit - and Fort Aguada! You won't miss.
The views there are stunning, the fort itself is very large, consists of several parts. Admission is free, there are usually a lot of tourists, mostly Indian. There is also Senkerim beach, you can swim. But the waves on this beach are usually big.
View of Fort Aguada
And this is Fort Aguada inside
And I'm on the fort wall
Fort Chapora in North Goa
But it will be easier to reach Chapora for those who stayed in the Siolim area. If you live in Arambol or Anjuna and have your own transport, the distance to Chapora is also ridiculous. Tourists are also taken there, there are Europeans, Russians and Indians. It is easy and quick to get there on your own by bike.
Fort Chapora is almost completely destroyed, there are several walls and fortifications left. But what is worth climbing this fort is stunning views of Morjim, and on the other side of Vagator and Chapora.
I strongly advise you to change into hiking shoes. The slope to Chapora is steep, it is slippery, the stones are crumbling, we saw several people who fell unsuccessfully.
Fort Chapora walls
And another wall
Beach view
Fort Tiracol
Tiracol is located on the northern border of Goa. Further is the state of Maharashtra. If you go to Fort Tiracol, I advise you to combine the trip with the exploration of Fort Redi and the famous Paradise Beach.
Tiracol is a restored fort, it is clean, well-groomed, painted, there is even a hotel. The fort itself is small, you can get around it in a few minutes. Admission is free, there are guards, in general - everything is civilized, which is even surprising for India.
Church at Fort Tiracol
The walls of Tiracol have been restored
This is me in the turret, from where the warriors of the fort were shooting
Fort Cabo de Rama in South Goa
Fort Cabo de Rama made the strongest impression on us! If you consider all the forts of Goa, Cabo de Rama is the most exciting. An extraordinary place! It will be a long way from North Goa to get to the fort, although many people travel, especially if they have their own transport. Fort Cabo de Rama, huge and dilapidated. But there is still an atmosphere of antiquity, mystery and belligerence there.
I advise you to leave for the Cabo de Rama fort as early as possible. It will take you three hours to bypass the entire territory. If you go to lunch, the heat on the mountain will be unbearable. And it is imperative to go around the entire fort and not be limited to a small piece specially designed for tourists.
The supporting wall at the fort is long-long. We went through it all
To get around the whole fort of Cabo de Rama, let's face it - not easy!
Ancient Fort Cannon
Remains of some buildings
Sea view from the Cabo de Rama fort
Redi Fort
It is correct to call this fort Yashwantgad. But it is better known as Redi Fort, named after a nearby village. Redi Fort is located not in Goa, but in the neighboring state of Maharashtra, but I have included it in this article. If you are vacationing in North Goa, it is worth getting to the fort. He's extraordinary! Huge, destroyed, entwined with the roots of old trees, in vines and bushes, with caves and wells - the views are mesmerizing!
Fort Redi is located in the forest, so there is a shade and you can explore the fort at any time, even in the heat.
If you drive a few more minutes, you will get there. There you can already relax and swim. I advise you to take food with you, something that does not spoil quickly - bananas, roti cakes. The drive to Redi Fort and Paradise Beach usually takes at least noon, if not all day.
We, however, did not take anything except water. But they did not stay hungry - they had a snack from a local cafe in the nearest village.
Here only to shoot a movie!
The path through the dilapidated fort Redi
There are also well-preserved parts of the fort
Roots and branches tightly entangled the remains of the walls of Redi Fort
My Tomb Raider)
This article is about the fort in Goa. For the fort at Bandra, Mumbai, see Castella de Aguada.
Fort Aguada and its lighthouse is a well-preserved seventeenth century Portuguese fort, standing in Goa, India, on Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea.
- 1 Origins and history 2 Fort Aguada Beach Resort 3 Gallery 4 Links
Origin and history
The fort was built in 1613 to defend against the Dutch and Marathas. This was the starting point for ships sailing from Europe at that time. This old Portuguese fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, on the banks of the Mandovi River. It was originally tasked with protecting shipping and the nearby Bardez sub area.
Fresh water in the fort provided water supply to the ships that were used to stop. This is how the fort got its name: Aguada, meaning water. Crews of passing ships visit frequently to replenish their fresh water stores. The fort is home to a four-story Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612 this was once a tribune of 79 cannons. It has the capacity to store 2,376,000 gallons of water, one of the largest freshwater storage facilities of the time in all of Asia. This fort is divided into two segments: the upper part served as a fort and an irrigation, while the lower part served as a safe anchorage for Portuguese ships. While the upper section has a moat, an underground water storage chamber, a gunpowder hall, a light house and bastions, it also has a secret getaway passage for use in wartime and emergencies. The lighthouse is initially used to emit light once every 7 minutes. In 1834 it was modified to emit light creating an eclipse every 30 seconds, however it was abandoned in 1976.
Fort Aguada was the most valuable and important fort of the Portuguese. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. Built at the mouth of the Mandovi River, it was strategically located and was the main defense of the Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas.
During Salazar's administration, Fort Aguada was repeatedly used as a prison, primarily by some claims, for Salazar's political opponents. [Citation needed] Many of his inmates are Western tourists serving time for drug crimes.
Fort Aguada panorama
Fort Aguada Beach Resort
Today Fort Aguada Beach Resort sits where the original fort used to be. The land around the fort is now owned by The Indian Hotels Co. On the rampart behind the fort Fort Aguada Beach Resort. The five-star, high-rated hotel, owned by Tata, is part of an 88 acre (356,000 m2) complex overlooking the Arabian Sea located on Sinquerim Beach. It is located 18 km from Panaji, Old Goa. Fort Aguada Beach Resort consists of a range of villas and cottages, 130 rooms, including 24 Terrace Suites. There are also nine restaurants and nearby beaches. In addition to water sports, there are recreational areas for tennis, squash and mountaineering.
Gallery
The article was automatically translated.
But it turns out, for example, in the same GOA there is not only sand, sea and sun, but also historical fortifications.
The state's grandest and one of the best-preserved forts, Aguada, was built by the Portuguese in a strategically important position at the mouth of the Mandovi River in 1612 to defend against Dutch and Maratha attacks. Occupying an entire small peninsula on the southwestern edge of the Bardes region, this fort was once the most prized and key element of the Portuguese defense system. In its best days, its battery numbered 79 guns.
Originally, Aguada consisted of a main hilltop fortification and several coastal bastions. One, at the southern end of Sinkerim Beach, is now converted into a five-star resort owned by the Tata family, while the other, facing the capital of Goa, Panaji, is the state's only active prison. The main fortification is surrounded by a deep dry moat for additional protection.
In the Middle Ages, the source of food water available on the territory of the fort was used to replenish the stocks of passing ships, for which Aguada served as a strong point on the route. Hence the name of the fortress - in Portuguese "water" sounds like "agua".
In 1864, the Portuguese erected a four-story lighthouse on the territory of the upper fortification, the oldest of its kind in Asia.
In the middle of the 20th century, under the rule of dictator Salazar, the northern lower bastion of the fort was rebuilt into a prison, used primarily to contain political opponents of his reactionary regime.
Today, this only functioning prison in Goa contains a large number of foreigners convicted of drug-related crimes. Cells are said to be running low and new prisoners are being redirected to prisons in neighboring states.
It is very easy to get to Fort Aguada - it is located on the southwestern tip of the Bardes area, in the area of \u200b\u200bSinkerim Beach. One of its lower bastions is located right on the beach, until the second, almost destroyed, can only be walked along the trail along the coast or from the popular Sunset Point (in English roughly means "point to watch the sunset"), located a few hundred meters to the west the upper fortification, behind the modern active lighthouse, and the third bastion, the one in which the prison is located, was erected on the southern side of the hill, and an asphalt road leads to it, which goes around the entire hill in a clockwise direction. On the same road, which branches out halfway, you can get to the main citadel of Fort Aguada, the lighthouse and Sunset Point, in the vicinity of which there are real peacocks.
On the north side of the fort, there is a rampart of red-brown laterite, which deepens into the bay, thus forming a dam between two small sandy bays. This picturesque place is known as Sinkerim Beach. Fort Aguada, one of the most expensive in India, dominates the beach from the lower slopes of the steep peninsula.
The fortress ruins can only be reached by road from the Taj village, and then turn right at the sign. Now on most of the fortress there is a prison, and therefore there is no access to visitors. However, the fortress is well worth a visit, if only for the beautiful views from the top of the hill where the Portuguese four-story lighthouse is located. The lighthouse rises on one side over the vast expanses of the sea, sand and palm trees of the Calangute beach, over Cabo Raj Bhavan or, as it is also called, Cabo Palace over the mouth of the Mandovi River, and on the other, at the tip of the Marmagao Peninsula.
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