India fort aguada. Goa forts

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.

Beach Resort

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 the 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 shops. The fort is home to a four-story Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia. Built in 1612, it 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 irrigation, while the lower part served as a safe anchorage for Portuguese ships. While the upper part 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. This 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 aquatic species sports, there are places for recreation and entertainment for tennis, squash and mountaineering.

Gallery

The article has been translated automatically.

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 at 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 cannons.

Initially, 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 mainly 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 inmates 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 Sinkerim 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 operating lighthouse, and the third bastion, the one in which the prison is located, was erected on south side the hill, and an asphalt road leads to it, going 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 reddish-brown laterite, which deepens into the bay, thus forming a dam between two small sandy bays. This beautiful place 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 the road from the Taj village, and then turn right at the sign. Now, most of the fortress is a prison, and therefore there is no access for visitors. However, the fortress is well worth a visit, if only for the beautiful views from the top of the hill where the four-story Portuguese lighthouse is located. The lighthouse rises on one side over the vast expanses of the sea, sand and palm trees of Calangute beach, over Cabo Raj Bhavan or, as it is also called, Cabo Pales over the mouth of the Mandovi River, and on the other, at the tip of the Marmagao Peninsula.

a source

Despite the fact that I spent three months in Calangute in the immediate vicinity of one of the main attractions - Fort Aguada, only two months later I finally got to it.

And the point here is not that the place is not very interesting, rather, on the contrary: I considered this fort too much publicized tourist spot, so I was in no hurry to visit here.

A small excursion into history

The fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century and played an important role in providing security from the attack of the Marathas and other potential conquerors, since it is located right at the confluence of the Mandovi River into the Arabian Sea.

Fort Aguada is distinguished by its impressive size; several styles are mixed in its appearance: Portuguese and Indian. It is noteworthy that all fortifications have been preserved in fairly good condition.

There is also a lighthouse, which is considered one of the largest in all of Asia. True, now it is not active, but rather an exposition one, although it was turned off only about 40 years ago due to the lack of need for it.

The fort is a typical building from the times of the Portuguese rule and is built of Mangalore red stone, so beloved by all the locals. The lion's share of buildings in Goa, including houses, was built from this stone. The Goans still use it as a building material.

How to get to the fort

Fort Aguada is located in one of the most famous resort villages - Candolim. It is best to get to the fort on a rented bike (you can take it for $ 2.5-3 per day at any rental office, of which there are a myriad of them), without which it is quite difficult to get in, or by taxi (about $ 1.5-2 per kilometer). A trip from Calangute to the fort will cost approximately $ 5-8 (Rs 300-500). From Arambol, a taxi will cost $ 12-17 (700-1000 rupees).

Moving towards the fort along the main road from Candolim, at the T-junction you will need to turn left.

And on the right at the T-junction there will be a turn to the Taj hotel. Climbing up a small serpentine road, bypassing an unpretentious fishing village (on this section, you will not be haunted by the most pleasant smells, so beware), you will reach a small intersection of roads. If you eat straight, you will go to the prison of Fort Aguada,

and if you turn right, you will reach the fort in just three minutes.

If you are traveling by taxi, just tell the driver where to drop you off. Every rickshaw or taxi driver knows where Fort Aguada is located.

You can also get to the fort by public transport, but there is no point in doing this, since not every bus goes directly here. The final stop of most routes will be the very first fork, where the T-junction is located. And walking the remaining distance is rather dreary, so there is no point in going to Fort Aguada by public transport.

What to see

In the fort, you can spend several hours, leisurely strolling along the mighty and majestic walls of this structure and admiring the views that open up from a bird's eye view. From the walls you can see the capital of the state - the city of Panaji.

The fort opens its doors to all visitors at 8-30 am, admission is, of course, free.

Keep in mind that it closes at 17-30, so arrive early. Not knowing the closing time, I once arrived here at 17-30. Of course, I managed to walk for about 20 minutes (Indians are always and everywhere late, so they closed the fort only at 18-00), but my walk was constantly accompanied by shouts and whistling of guards who were trying to expel huge groups of Indian tourists from the territory. If you are a fan of early ascents, then you are doubly lucky, since in the morning there are very few people here and you can safely walk and carefully examine all the structures.

This place is always full of tourists, usually Indians and organized groups Europeans. It seems to me that there is no point in taking a tour from a guide, since you can get to Fort Aguada on your own, and the information that the guides will bring to you can be read on Wikipedia.

If you decide to take excursion tour, then its cost will fluctuate around $ 20-35 per person. You can buy it at any agency on the street in Goa, or take it from your hotel guide... Many "street" agencies offer guided tours for less than hotels. You will be offered a Russian guide everywhere, so don't worry about not knowing the local language.

There is a functioning prison just below the fort. Before it contained n opponents of the Portuguese colonization regime. All the unwanted were exiled here. Now there are mainly criminals arrested for possession and distribution of drugs, as well as those who have problems with an Indian visa. Yes, if you stay longer without official permission, you risk ending up in this particular prison. I do not recommend checking whether the authorities will notice that you do not have documents for a longer stay, even if you really want to.

Some of the chambers offer breathtaking sea views and you always have the opportunity to breathe in the salty sea breeze, but romance from 19th century novels intersects here with harsh reality in the form of disgusting food and barred windows.

At first glance, you can't tell that there is a prison here: a half-abandoned building (at least that's what it looks like), a lone guard sitting on a chair and having only a baton from his weapon, which he prudently holds in his hands, as well as excellent views ...

Even the gate, which should inspire fear on all new arrivals, looks somehow not at all frightening, but, on the contrary, intriguing. For example, when I saw them, and the prison itself, a very reasonable question arose: "Why does no one escapes here every day?" This building does not inspire any confidence with its reliability or impeccable security.

Souvenir shops

In the immediate vicinity of the fort, where the parking lot is located, there are several souvenir shops. In them you can buy a standard set: saris, aladdin pants, T-shirts with Indian prints, figurines of the gods and much more.

Also nearby you will see mobile food stands with local food, where you can buy light snacks or soft drinks at slightly overpriced prices: for example, you will be offered a bottle of water for $ 0.6 or 40 rupees (in the store $ 0.3 or 20 rupees). The price of food is twice more than the store price.

By the way, parking, as well as the entrance to the territory of the fort, is completely free, so do not try to pay some enterprising local “admission and parking fees”.

I had a similar situation when they wanted to charge me some rupees for entering the territory of the most free of the free attractions - the Gateway of India. These local "businessmen" are not at all embarrassed by the police who are walking around, they just diligently select not the smartest or newly arrived tourists and try to rip off some money from them.

On a note

In any case, if you get the opportunity to visit this place, then you should take advantage of it. And, as I said, come here early, by the very opening (8-30 am). At this time, there are few people here, and the weather has not yet had time to play out. Gorgeous photos and a lot of positive memories are provided to you.

Be sure to bring a bottle of water with you (in a pinch, buy it in the parking lot near the fort), sunglasses and some kind of baseball cap.

The Indian fort of Aguada in Goa is the largest fort that has survived to this day. It was built to protect the mouth of the navigable Mandovi River from enemy ships. Occupies a vast area on the headland, south of Candolim Beach.

Built in 1612 year, it is a monument to the Portuguese military development and a legacy of Goan history. The fort consisted, according to the plan, of two parts: the upper - fortress, bottom - coastal part... They were connected to each other by overground and underground passages. The fortress itself has a square shape with deep ditches dug at the bastions. The embrasures of the fortress gave a wide angle of fire.

On the territory of the fortress 1864 was built four-story lighthouse... It is considered one of the oldest in Asia. Used until 1976. Then, not far from the fortress, a modern lighthouse was built, which is still in operation. Having visited this place, tourists will be able to externally inspect both the old and the new lighthouses.

Peculiarity Fort Aguada also in the fact that under it there is a huge water tank... Its capacity is approximately 10 million liters and it is filled from natural sources. Here passing ships could replenish their supplies with drinking water. Literally from Portuguese "aguada" is translated as "water".

There is a prison in the coastal part of the fort, which is the only one functioning prison Goa State. It can only be viewed from the outside. It is clearly visible from the water or from the fortress.

A large number of peacocks are found in the vicinity of the fort. But when they see a person, they often run away. Therefore, tourists should keep their cameras ready if they don't want to miss a great shot. A magnificent view opens up from the fortress itself. The area around is covered with dense vegetation. Nearby is Helipad built in the 80s. It is known for the fact that occasionally large parties are held here.

Open fort from 10-00 to 18-00. To get to the lighthouse and the fortress, you need to take a taxi or rent a motorcycle. To this place there is a road called Fort Aguada Road and also the main street of Candolim. Part of the fort is easy for tourists to see from the side of the Sinquerime beach, you can walk here.

Residence possible in hotel rooms of any category or rented houses. And even for particularly fastidious tourists, the famous fashionable hotel Fort Aguada Beach Resort is located on a hillside surrounded by a tropical forest in the territory adjacent to the fort.

The nearest food points are located on the beaches of Sinquerime and Candolim. Cafes, restaurants will offer an excellent menu with Indian, European and many other cuisines. Some cafes are equipped with showers for the convenience of tourists.

In the early decades of the 17th century. Its construction was carried out by the Portuguese who then controlled these lands. The new structure was built in 1612 for several purposes. The first of these was the protection 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. Aguada's purpose-built 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 fortress of Aguada 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 floors 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 emit 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 de 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. Through all locality the Fort Agauda Road passes, moving along which you can get to the structure. The fort itself is located on a hill near 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 personal car or by taxi, as regular routes public transport don't go here. 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 coastline and removed from each other at a certain distance. Because of this, Aguada for a long time had the status of the main Portuguese fort. The entrance to the territory, open to visitors, is free for everyone. This becomes one of the reasons that a lot of people always walk 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. This is also where underground passages, 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 flowing 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 become part of 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 bus, some by jeeps, and there are those who combine two types of transport.

Souvenirs

You can buy souvenirs near the fort itself. Here, along the Aguada beach, there are many street vendors and souvenir shops. Traders offer figurines and other images of the fort itself and the lighthouse of Aguada, national clothes 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 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 to 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 the history, see how European influence is tightly woven into the annals 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.