Goa has a rich historical legacy that many don't know about. A living testimony to this historical legacy is the famous forts of Goa. Not only are they popular tourist attractions but they also provide vital historical information to historians and archaeologists. The forts of Goa tell dramatic tales of history to those who visit and even today one can feel the mystical air of the rich historical legacy lingering here. Though most of the forts are almost in ruins, the concerned authorities preserve it and take care of it. The forts of Goa are a must visit if you are traveling in India.
Cabo Fort Goa
The Cabo De Rama fort is situated on the southern coast of Goa. The Portuguese rebuilt it when they took over. They built a chapel inside the fort. The chapel is still in use, but otherwise the fort lies in ruins, which gives it a magical look. It was uninhabited for many years, which gives it a naturally ruined look. The historical atmosphere created by the fort in its entire splendor is something to look out for. Locals believe that Lord Rama stayed in this fort with his wife Sita for sometime during his 14-year exile.
Chapora Fort
Situated near the Anjuna beach, the Chapora fort was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur. The fort gives a spectacular view of the sea as it is situated atop a cliff, on the coast of the Anjuna beach. A few ruins here and there give a mystical look to it, though otherwise it has been well preserved. It was given a new dimension when the Portuguese took over and one can see traces of the Portuguese architecture in it.
Chapora Fort Goa
Built by Adil Shah of Bijapur and reconstructed by the Portuguese, very little remains of what the original structure was. Located on the southern cape of Chapora river, the fort is built of red laterite. It was finally deserted by Portuguese in 1892 and it lies in ruins today. Apart from some ruins you can spot the heads of two tunnels which were used as supply routes in the forts. There are also some Muslim tombstones on the southern slope. However, the reason why it's popular with tourists is different. The real pleasure of climbing up here is the view which offers panoramic views of Vagator.
Terekhol Fort Goa
The Terekhol fort is located in the northern tip of Goa. It is situated on the mouth of the Terekhol River and was built by the ruler of Sawantwadi, Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle. The Terekhol fort of Goa was built during the 17th century. The Terekhol fort was given legal recognition as a part of Goa around 1788.
Aguada Fort Goa
Fort Aguada, the largest and most well preserved fort in Goa today is the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Situated atop the Sinquerim plateau in Bardez Taluka, overlooking the vast expanses of Arabian Sea, the fort marked a reference point of ships. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas. The fort got its name 'Aguada' from the word Aguada (Portuguese for water), because of the three fresh water springs inside it. Built in 1612, it was once the grandstand of 79 cannons, a moat around the fort also protected it.
Rachol Fort
Seven kilometres north east of Margao is Rachol fort, surrounded by the moat of an old Muslim fort. The fort situated on the crest of laterite hillock was crucial for Hindus, Muslims and Portuguese. While the Muslims were the oldest tenants of Rachol hill, Portuguese considered it as their stronghold on the Christian faith. Hindus taking it over from the Sultan of Bijapur ceded it with Portuguese in exchange of military help against Muslims. Though the fort is not in a very commendable state but the church inside the fort has been restored with great efforts. Little is visible of its original structure like the archways on the road to the famous Rachol Seminary.
Cabo Raj Bhavan
An imposing structure, the Cabo Raj bhavan stands on the mouths of river Mandovi and Zuari atop a cliff in Tiswadi taluka. Nine lilometres form Panajim, it lies on the peninsular tip of land near Dona Paula. Built in 1540, it was initially used to guard the Goa harbour. It took a long time to complete and was huge enough to house entire citadel in it but what remains today of it are just three large cisterns. Before the fort was erected a chapel of Blessed Virgin Mary was build along with a convent for Franciscans. This later housed Governors of Goa and today also its the official residence of the Governor of Goa. One of the most elegant Raj Bhavan's in India, special appointment is required to visit it.
Cabo Fort Goa
The Cabo De Rama fort is situated on the southern coast of Goa. The Portuguese rebuilt it when they took over. They built a chapel inside the fort. The chapel is still in use, but otherwise the fort lies in ruins, which gives it a magical look. It was uninhabited for many years, which gives it a naturally ruined look. The historical atmosphere created by the fort in its entire splendor is something to look out for. Locals believe that Lord Rama stayed in this fort with his wife Sita for sometime during his 14-year exile.
Chapora Fort
Situated near the Anjuna beach, the Chapora fort was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur. The fort gives a spectacular view of the sea as it is situated atop a cliff, on the coast of the Anjuna beach. A few ruins here and there give a mystical look to it, though otherwise it has been well preserved. It was given a new dimension when the Portuguese took over and one can see traces of the Portuguese architecture in it.
Chapora Fort Goa
Built by Adil Shah of Bijapur and reconstructed by the Portuguese, very little remains of what the original structure was. Located on the southern cape of Chapora river, the fort is built of red laterite. It was finally deserted by Portuguese in 1892 and it lies in ruins today. Apart from some ruins you can spot the heads of two tunnels which were used as supply routes in the forts. There are also some Muslim tombstones on the southern slope. However, the reason why it's popular with tourists is different. The real pleasure of climbing up here is the view which offers panoramic views of Vagator.
Terekhol Fort Goa
The Terekhol fort is located in the northern tip of Goa. It is situated on the mouth of the Terekhol River and was built by the ruler of Sawantwadi, Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle. The Terekhol fort of Goa was built during the 17th century. The Terekhol fort was given legal recognition as a part of Goa around 1788.
Aguada Fort Goa
Fort Aguada, the largest and most well preserved fort in Goa today is the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese. The fort is so large that it envelops the entire peninsula at the south western tip of Bardez. Situated atop the Sinquerim plateau in Bardez Taluka, overlooking the vast expanses of Arabian Sea, the fort marked a reference point of ships. Built on the mouth of river Mandovi, it was strategically located and was the chief defence of Portuguese against the Dutch and Marathas. The fort got its name 'Aguada' from the word Aguada (Portuguese for water), because of the three fresh water springs inside it. Built in 1612, it was once the grandstand of 79 cannons, a moat around the fort also protected it.
Rachol Fort
Seven kilometres north east of Margao is Rachol fort, surrounded by the moat of an old Muslim fort. The fort situated on the crest of laterite hillock was crucial for Hindus, Muslims and Portuguese. While the Muslims were the oldest tenants of Rachol hill, Portuguese considered it as their stronghold on the Christian faith. Hindus taking it over from the Sultan of Bijapur ceded it with Portuguese in exchange of military help against Muslims. Though the fort is not in a very commendable state but the church inside the fort has been restored with great efforts. Little is visible of its original structure like the archways on the road to the famous Rachol Seminary.
Cabo Raj Bhavan
An imposing structure, the Cabo Raj bhavan stands on the mouths of river Mandovi and Zuari atop a cliff in Tiswadi taluka. Nine lilometres form Panajim, it lies on the peninsular tip of land near Dona Paula. Built in 1540, it was initially used to guard the Goa harbour. It took a long time to complete and was huge enough to house entire citadel in it but what remains today of it are just three large cisterns. Before the fort was erected a chapel of Blessed Virgin Mary was build along with a convent for Franciscans. This later housed Governors of Goa and today also its the official residence of the Governor of Goa. One of the most elegant Raj Bhavan's in India, special appointment is required to visit it.
No comments:
Post a Comment