Introduction

To the north of Arambol, a sinuous coast road winds around the top of a rocky, undulating plateau, and then through a dense woodland to join the river Arondem, which it then trails for 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) through a pretty landscape of paddy fields, lush coconut palms and temple towers jutting out from quaint red-bricked villages. This little enclave of Teracol, the northernmost tip of Goa can be reached by ferry from the hamlet of Querim, about 42 kilometers (26.25 miles) from Panjim.

In its heyday, Teracol was a key Portuguese bastion for the defense of Goa, with the estuary of Teracol River on its north side. The fort was originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi in the 17th century. In 1764, it was rebuilt after the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida captured it. However, Teracol was legally incorporated into Goa only in 1788. However, in 1825 Dr. Bernado Peres da Silva, the first Goan born Viceroy of Goa, used the fort as a base for an armed rebellion against the Portuguese. The outcome was not, however, very fruitful, and the Portuguese took over the fort once again. Regarded as the most atmospheric monument in Goa, you will see decorative turrets and a dry moat with commanding views of the estuary and the blue Arabian Sea stretching into distance. Explore the Chapel of St. Anthony in the fort’s claustrophobic cobbled square, which opens to general public on certain occasions such as the annual feast usually held in May. Appreciate its classical late Goan façade and, maybe take some pictures.

The fort doesn’t get too many visitors, the ones that choose to explore it do so by hiring a motorbike to Teracol, and head back at the end of the day to Calangute or Baga Beach. And if you run out of fuel, the nearest service station is at Arambol. Also, one of GTDC’s (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) daily tours from the capital city of Panjim comes up here, as does one daily Kadamba bus from the capital; alternatively the 7 O'clock bus from Siolim on the Chapora River, pulls in at the Querim ferry only an hour later.

A part of this old country house-like fort has been recently converted into a low-key luxury hotel. To soak up the ambience of the place and spend few days in solitude, you can book yourself a room at this posh Hotel Tirakhol Fort Heritage. There is a restaurant downstairs rustling up sumptuous seafood, traditional Goan and Chinese cuisine, not to mention some frosty beer to go with the meal.

Explore the fort, get a glimpse into its fascinating history and take in breathtaking views of the coastline from its ramparts.

Special Attributes

Teracol Fort is regarded as the most atmospheric monument in Goa.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can hire a motorbike to Teracol, and if you run out of fuel, the nearest service station is at Arambol. Also, one of GTDC’s (Goa Tourism Development Corporation) daily tours from the capital city of Panjim comes up here, as does one daily Kadamba bus from the capital; alternatively the 0700 hours bus from Siolim on the Chapora River, pulls in at the Querim ferry only an hour later.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers

Exposure

You will mostly 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

The terrace affords arresting views of the Arabian Sea. There is a restaurant downstairs rustling up sumptuous seafood, traditional Goan and Chinese cuisine.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Begin early in the day so that you can capture magnificent views of the coastline from its ramparts.

Type of site

Originally a Maratha Fort, later captured by the Portuguese