Fort Aguada in Panaji
· Summer: March-May (30°C - 36°C)
· Winter: October-February (22°C - 32°C)
· Monsoon: June-September
Best time to visit:
October-end to February
Opening Time: 10:00 a.m.
Closing Time: 05:30 p.m.
Weekly Holiday:
Entry Fees for Indians
Adults: N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras: N/A
Video Camera: N/A
Entry Fees for Foreign Nationals
Adults:
N/A
Children:
N/A
Cameras:
N/A
Video Camera:
N/A
A splendid colonial footprint on the canvas of Goa, Fort Aguada is one of the biggest and well-maintained Portuguese forts of the region. Built in 1613, when Portuguese felt the need to provide defence to their ships against Dutch and local Indian rulers; the fort stands gloriously defeating all signs of aging. An added attraction is the Portuguese lighthouse erected in 1864. It now serves as an exciting vantage point to admire the nearby beaches and Arabian Sea waves.
‘Aguada’ means water and it was chosen as the fort’s name due to its capacity of storing thousands of gallons of freshwater. A natural spring flowing nearby acted as the source of water for the ship crews. The fort, which is now known for its luxurious beach resort, boasts of features like moat, bastions, secret passages and storage chambers. Overlooking River Mandovi, the fort promises its visitors some spectacular views of the setting sun. Prefer to visit early morning or in the evening to avoid scotching sun.
Connectivites
Road:
Road route from Panaji to Aguada can be covered in local buses offering good and regular services. You may also hire a taxi to reach the fort. From Sinquerim Beach, it is about a 4 km. walk towards the fort which many tourists love to follow. However, it consists of a steep climbing section that may be fairly difficult for many.
Railway:
Karmali Railway Station is about 25 km. away and is connected to the fort by taxis. Pernim (about 31 km. away) and Margao (about 50 km. away) are other convenient rail access points with taxis as the convenient modes to reach Aguada.
Airway:
About 39 km. from the fort is Dabolim Airport which serves the whole of Goa. From here, you can easily arrive at the fort in a taxi.