Fort Aguada, Goa

Overlooking the vast expanse of ‘seeming to be endless’ blue waters in front of it, Fort Aguada is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Goa. It receives a lot of tourist traffic all around the year. Reasons are that it’s excellent for sightseeing and also that it stands as a testimony to the glory of Portuguese empire.

History of Fort Aguada

Construction of the fort was undertaken by the Portuguese in the year 1609 for the purpose of keeping an eye on the movements through the waters and the nearby areas and the structure was finally complete in 1612. Since then, precisely for over more than 400 years, the fort has stood strong (although some parts of it have been ruined) and its magnificence remains intact.

The location where the fort was constructed was of strategic importance to the empire and provided it a great defence base.

Interesting features of Fort Aguada

Aguada lighthouse

So this is one of oldest of its kinds in Asia as it was built in 1864. It is a four storeyed structure and when you take a view of the surrounding acreage from the lighthouse, it is just par amazing. For the ones who love to take photographs, this is a place for you to look out for beautiful scenes and clicking opportunities!

Quick fact : Delving into the history we get to know that the lighthouse was constructed to guide ships into safe harbour

Aguada Jail

Yes, there is a prison house in the fort where accused of the crimes such as narcotics abuse, drugs sale and trafficking are lodged in. It is closed for public visits.

Location of Fort Aguada

A drive from Panaji (the capital of Goa) can take you to Fort Aguada. The way will be having a lot of narrow roads and distance to be covered from Panaji till here will be around 14-15 kms. Drive time should not be more than 45 minutes ideally. There’s another trek way to reach the fort which will be requiring you to take a 2 km long walk through a steep slope.

Top Reasons to Visit Fort Aguada

The first and foremost reason will be the lighthouse which offers a breathtaking top view of the area around.

The second reason is that you can relax with your better half while watching the sunset here because it is one of the most popular tourist spots in Goa to enjoy the sky painted in fleeting shades of red and orange while the sun bids a farewell to the day for then.

Also to be Visited along

Church of St. Lawrence (patron saint of sailors), which was built on the fringes of the fort to gain strategic advantage of not being shot down in close range.

And if you want to give yourself a luxurious treat then you can plan a stay in the Taj Aguada hotel that stands within the fort walls!