Fort Aguada

About Fort Aguada Goa


Looking out at the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea, Fort Aguada Goa is a 17th-century Portuguese fort. This beautiful fort stands on Sinquerim Beach, which is approximately 18km from Panjim, Goa.

The fort was built around 1612, to safeguard the Portuguese from the Dutch and the Marathas. Fort Aguada was the main stronghold in the region and very crucial also, it covers the whole peninsula till the southwestern tip of Bardez. The fort got its name from the Portuguese word ‘Agua’ which means water and most of the sailors used it to stock up their freshwater supplies. With a capacity to hold 2,376,000 gallons of water, this fort was one of the largest reservoirs of fresh water in Asia.

During the Salazar administration, a part of the Fort Aguada Goa was converted into a jail. However, the Aguada jail has been closed for the public. The jail houses statues which depict Goa's struggle for freedom. A ceremony is held on every 18th June to salute the freedom fighters of Goa.

The four-storied lighthouse inside the fort offers a stunning view of the sunset, is one of its kind in Asia. This lighthouse was built in 1864, it is also the oldest lighthouse in whole Asia. The oil lamps inside the lighthouse used to emit light after every 7 minutes, which was later changed to 30 seconds to make it easier for the sailors. The landscape of the fort is mainly dominated by this marvelous lighthouse. This historical lighthouse was abandoned in 1976 and a new lighthouse was built later on named Aguada Lighthouse.

Fort Aguada

Weather : 19° C

Timings :9:30 AM - 6:00 PM

Time Required : 2-3 hours

Entry Fee : Free

Contact Number: +91 9024104977

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History


The Portuguese who were ruling over the region had started the construction of this fort in the year 1609. Fort Aguada was finally completed after three years in 1612 under the supervision of Viceroy Ruy Tavara. Fort Aguada Goa history is something to look into.

The Aguada Fort was constructed to safeguard the Portuguese against the attacks of the  Dutch and the Marathas. This fort was the most crucial stronghold for the Portuguese in Goa and its surrounding regions. The freshwater reservoir inside the fort was used to supply the Portuguese sailing ships with fresh water.

The Portuguese army had many bastions in the fort and various gunpowder rooms were also available. Throughout history, Fort Aguada has witnessed many wars and a secret passage was also built inside the fort to help the Portuguese escape in case of war.

Architecture


A splendid example of the Portuguese military style of architecture, Fort Aguada is a wonder itself. Laterite stone, which was found in abundance in Goa was used to construct the fort. The fort is divided into two parts- the upper part and the lower part. The upper part of the fort was designed to serve as the fort for the Portuguese and it also houses a huge watering station. The lower part served as a safe berth for the ships belonging to the Portuguese. 

Fort Aguada Goa was also constructed to defend the Portuguese against the attacks of the Dutch and the Marathas. So, the walls of this fort were as high as 5 meters and as wide as 1.3 meters. The fort is surrounded by the bastions on three sides while the fourth side has a gate that faces the Mandovi River.

Activities


  • The four-storied lighthouse is one of the most attractive places to visit in the fort.
  • The series of prison cells are also to be visited. The occupants of the fort used to keep their prisoners in these cells and they were tortured till their very death.
  • The colossal water reservoir was the main source of freshwater for the occupants of the fort and various sailors. It is also a must-see.
  • The ammunition room is also a must-see, the army used to store all their weapons and ammunition in there.

Tips for visiting


  • Alcohol is strictly prohibited inside the fort.
  • Fort Aguada Goa ticket booking is not needed as an entry inside the fort is completely free.

Best time to visit


As per many visitors, the winter season is the best time to visit the Aguada Fort. Daytime is the best time to visit these caves and for trekking too. It becomes very unpleasant for the tourist to trek and check out these caves during a sizzling hot summer day.

Nearby Atractions


  • Candolim Beach
  • Rocky Beach
  • Sinquerim Fort
  • Sinquerim Beach

Nearby Hotels


Fort Aguada, Goa hotels are many. Being a tourist destination Goa welcomes visitors throughout the year and thus this place offers a variety of stay options. Goa has homestays, dorms, hostels, budget hotels, 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, 5 star hotels, and resorts. Mentioned below are some of the hotels in Goa situated near Fort Aguada:

  • Country Inn
  • Holiday Inn Resort
  • Resort Rio
  • Royal Orchid Beach Resort & Spa

Interesting Facts About Fort Aguada


  • The lighthouse at Fort Aguada is the oldest in the whole of Asia.
  • The oil lamps inside the lighthouse used to emit light after every 7 minutes, which was later changed to 30 seconds to make it easier for the sailors.
  • At a time, the fort had 79 cannons stationed.
  • St. Lawrence’s Church is in close vicinity to the church, the Portuguese cleverly built this fort to prevent the enemy from firing at a close range.

Nearby Restaurants


  • Bomara’s
  • Tuscany Garden’s
  • Sinq Nightclub
  • The Lazy Goose
  • LPK Waterfront Nightclub
  • Cafe Chocolates
  • Shivers Garden Restaurant

Fort Aguada location Map

How to Reach & Infographic

Getting In goa

BY AIR

BY ROAD

BY RAIL

BY Car

Infographic of Fort Aguada

Customer Reviews

Hoteldekho.com Reviews

  • ( 5 - Excellent Based on 1 review )
  • jeevanc207
  • Jaipur
  • ( On january 10, 2022 )
  • 5 - Excellent

Great service and friendly team

Our Rajasthan trip was very unorganized and from day 1 we need to argue for each committed hotel and details. Driver and hotel were not informed in advance and we need to pay 12000/- for the forceful event at the hotel which was never informed to us.

Hoteldekho.com Reviews

  • ( 5 - Excellent Based on 1 review )
  • jeevanc207
  • Jaipur
  • ( On january 10, 2022 )
  • 5 - Excellent

Great service and friendly team

Our Rajasthan trip was very unorganized and from day 1 we need to argue for each committed hotel and details. Driver and hotel were not informed in advance and we need to pay 12000/- for the forceful event at the hotel which was never informed to us.

People Also Ask About Fort Aguada

The Aguada Fort Goa is famous for its great history and its four-storey lighthouse.

The fort was built in 1612 by the Portuguese.

It takes around 2-3 hours to visit the fort.

The Winter season is the best time to visit the fort.

Popular attractions close to the Aguada Fort are Aguada Children’s Park, Sinquerim Fort, and Dolphin Point.

Nearby restaurants are Bomara’s, Tuscany Garden’s, Sinq Nightclub, The Lazy Goose, LPK Waterfront Nightclub, Cafe Chocolattis, and Shivers Garden Restaurant.

The entry inside the fort is completely free.

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