Introduction

About 18 kilometers (11.25 miles) from Panaji in Old Goa, along Candolim Chogm Road stands the 17th century Portuguese bastion, Fort Aguada overlooking the Sinquerim Beach and Arabian Sea stretching into distance. Built in 1612, this old Portuguese fort sprawls on the beach south of Candolim at the shore of the Mandovi River. Fort Aguada was constructed to protect the coast from the Dutch and the Marathas, and was a reference point for ships coming from Europe at that time. Interestingly, the fort got its name (Aguada meaning water) from the freshwater spring within the premises providing water supply to the ships that used to stop by. Crews of passing vessels would halt here to replenish their fresh water stores before continuing on their voyage.

Fort Aguada is characterized by a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse erected in 1864, the oldest of its kind in Asia. The structure was once the grandstand of 79 cannons, with a moat around it. The fort is so large that it dominates the entire peninsula at the south-western tip of Bardez. The 5-meter-high (17 feet) and 1.3-meter-wide (4 feet) walls allow you to enjoy a walk along the top while taking in stunning views of the coast and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea. Photographic opportunities galore and you can capture the fort from different perspectives. Enjoy views of the Mandovi River to the south and the surrounding lush greenery. Not surprisingly, it remains the only fort that was not conquered by invaders during the 450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa.

Though today, much of the structure serves as a prison and is out-of-bounds for travelers. But none can forbid you from spending some moments of solitude atop one of the terraces overlooking the hills, and enjoying the scenery. Even though major parts of the fort remains inaccessible, a trip to Goa’s iconic landmark Fort Aguada is highly recommended for its quaint aura, historical richness and breathtaking vistas.

The land around the fort is now owned by the Taj group, and on the ramparts behind the fort sits the Fort Aguada Beach Resort where the original fort once did. Spread across 88 acres overlooking the Arabian Sea on Sinquerim Beach, the resort comprises an array of villas and cottages with 130 rooms, 24 Terrace Suites, nine restaurants and water sports facilities, in addition to recreational facilities such as tennis and squash.

There is an annoying gathering of street vendors on the road near the fort, hawking snacks, beach toys, picture postcards and plastic artifacts. After exploring the fort, if you intend breaking for lunch drive down the main Candolim-Calangute road dotted with restaurants serving Goan delicacies, seafood and multi-cuisine specialties. You will also come across hoards of local souvenir shops, in addition to a range of water sports facility on the beach. Candolim Beach is rather laidback and is a great place to unwind after a demanding day of sightseeing under the Goan sun.

Special Attributes

The ramparts of the fort affords a spectacular view of the Arabian Sea, Candolim Beach, Mandovi River and the lush greenery.

Nuisance

Touts and hawkers

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Hire a private taxi or motorcycle

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Goa. The sun can get harsh near afternoon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, a sun block cream and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Wonderful photographic opportunities, great views from the top of the lighthouse

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Begin early in the day so that you can catch a breathtaking view of the sea whipped white by the wind, from the fort's ramparts. If you are too keen, climb up the four-storey lighthouse and you will be rewarded with stunning vistas of the coast and the verdant greenery.

Type of site

A 17th century Portuguese stronghold