Fort Aguada

History of fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is another non-beach tourism destination that attracts good number of tourists in Goa. Unlike, other forts in India like Daulatabad, Golconda or Amer, fort Aguada is much smaller and do not have many things to see. The most beautiful part of this fort is its location and the view of sea that it gives from one of its corner. You can keep it as a second preference spots in Goa.

The fort is located at a distance of about 16 kms from Panjim. The road is nicely built and passes through a market and then alongside sea, making the trip pleasant. If you are using google map avoid getting confused with the Taj hotel property which is also named ‘Fort Aguada’ and is located in same area. About half a kilometre before the fort there is a church on left side and that can be crowded on Sundays. Best way to reach the fort is by your own vehicle.

Inside view of the fort

On reaching you can park your vehicle in designated parking space and walk inside the fort. There is a boundary gate from where you enter the premise and walk for about 100 meters to reach the fort’s only entrance. The entrance of the fort gives feel of ancient times. Once inside, you will find a vast open ground with thick stone boundary wall. The wall itself is wide and you can climb up the wall through stairs and can walk through its perimeter. It gives you a good view of the surroundings. 

Entrance

Tourists walking on boundary wall

Inside the fort there is also a heavy pillar which is called lighthouse, which is another point of attraction. While walking inside the fort you will notice that there is a large hall below the ground also which can be viewed from grills at few locations (please read the history in first pics to get its details). The area below the fort is used a prison, but visitors are not allowed to go there (and obviously nobody wants to be there). Towards the sea side of the boundary you can climb on the wall and can have a panoramic view of the Arabian sea till a long distance. This is the most beautiful part and a popular photography point in the fort. Entire round of the fort can be taken in less that 20 minutes. However, you can hangout there and spend more time if you want. But be careful of the timings. Fort closes at 5:30 pm and  a guard will ask the tourists inside to vacate so that they close the main gate. Opening time of the fort is 8:30 am.

Sea view point

There is nothing available inside the fort and ouside also there are limited options for snacks or refreshment. Few locals sell stuffs like vada pav, colddrinks, tea, juices etc. on carts. There are no proper shops and you may not be sure of the hygiene and healthiness of these food stuffs. I suggest to avoid eating from there and bring your own eatables. Sinquerim beach and Candolim beach are other places nearby that you may club with your visit to the fort.

Tips:

1. Carry your eatables along with you as there are no good options near fort

2. Beware of the timings as it closes relatively early

3. Touring this fort is not very physically demanding, like other forts in India. Thus it is suitable for elderlies and people with mobility problems.

Quick points

1. Entry fee – free

2. Timings – 8:30 am to 5:30 pm on all days including Sunday

3. Season to visit – round the year

4. Time requirement – about 1 hour should be sufficient