9 fun and historical things to do at Aguada fort

Aguada Fort is an ancient monument situated on the beautiful shores of Goa and it has been built in the seventeenth century. Completed in 1612 by the Portuguese this monument was used as a watchtower to defend the region and the Portuguese ships in the Arabian Sea. The fort has seen many a battle and was of tremendous importance in colonial Goan history in the centuries that have rolled by. Today, the monument is one of the most visited sites in Goa capable to attract the attention of tourists from different parts of the world to experience the history and beauty of the place.

The fort is built on a hill and therefore has a vantage point view of the Arabian Sea, the Mandovi River, and the rich Goan vegetation. It was built intentionally for use as defense mechanism and lookout post as well. Besides the fine architecture, Aguada Fort has the distinction of housing one of the oldest operating lighthouses in Asia which was constructed in 1864. The tall structure and the historical background make it an interesting place to visit as it incorporates the feel of the old world in with the elegance of the new.

In case you are interested in history, culture and stunning nature, Aguada Fort is a place to visit. It is now even possible to walk through the ancient walls of the castle, view the water reservoirs which remain in excellent condition, and take in the pleasant atmosphere of the area. Historically inclined tourists, adventure lovers, and even those who just want to take it easy on the beach should find their time at Aguada Fort to be enjoyable and educational.

Here are nine entertaining and historical things to do at this amazing place.

1. Visit the historic fort walls and structure

The first thing that will catch your eye at Aguada Fort is its construction. The laterite walls of the fort built from stones available locally depict the military engineering of the Portuguese. When you are out on the fort, you can tour the constructional design of the fort, the old bastions, the rooms meant for gun powder and also the hidden corridors. It was erected on a hill whereby it would be easier for the Portuguese to monitor the movement on the sea especially the Arabian Sea.

2. Go to the famous Fort Aguada Lighthouse

Of particular interest to visitors are the lighthouse which is one of the oldest in Asia. This Lighthouse was constructed in 1864 and was used to illuminate ships coming into Goa for many years. This lighthouse is operational todate, and it provides some of the best vantage points anywhere in the region. The lights can be climbed up to get the view of the Arabian sea, the Mandovi River and the long stretches of the sand around Candolim. If you are interested in photography then the lighthouse is a great place to take some shots.

3. Walking Tour of the Old Portuguese Water Supply System

Aguada Fort also had an advanced water supply system as well. It has a huge water tank that can store up to 2.5 million liters of fresh water which was necessary for the survival of the fort and its people particularly in cases of a siege. There are still well preserved water cisterns you can visit and be amazed at the engineering the Portuguese brought in. The cisterns were hewn to harvest water, and therefore the fort was capable of sustaining inhabitants within for long periods of time or during long drawn out battles.

4. Experience Sea View from the Arabian Sea

The first thing that reconciled my eyes about Aguada Fort is its strategic location. On the top of the hill, one can see the Arabian Sea and the neighbouring terrain of the fort. One can spend time outside the fort and enjoy the splendid view of the coastline of Goa. The mixture of historical buildings and green areas provides a very calm atmosphere for tourists, who like to enjoy the view.

5. Visit the Beautiful Beaches on the Fort

After visiting the fort you can enjoy the beauty of the nearby beaches. Aguada Fort is easily accessible from tourist friendly beaches such as Candolim Beach, Sinquerim Beach and Calangute Beach. These beaches provide a chance to swim, to sunbathe, and to have fun on the water surfaces using water facilities. For those who want to avoid the noise, go to the part near the fort where there is no rush, and the sea is rather smooth.

6. Discover more about the Fort’s Bastions and Ramparts

There are so many bastions in Aguada Fort and when you explore them, it gives you a picture of how this fort was useful in military way. Some of the bastions were provided with cannons for protection of the fort from sea attack. Alighting along the walls you can get a feel of how this fort was as a military fortress how it was when it was in its prime.

7. Visit the St. Lawrence Chapel

Within the complex of the Aguada Fort there is another relatively small but important St. Lawrence Chapel, constructed by the Portuguese for Christianization purposes. The chapel remains today as the example of the architectural uniqueness that was brought to Goa by the Portuguese. It is a quiet venue for pondering and to discover more about colonial history of the area.

8. Enjoy the Sunset Views

If you want to have a good impression about Aguada Fort, then make sure to get there on the afternoon. The fort gives one of the finest sunset view sites in Goa. At night, you will be privileged to the golden-orange color that is due to the setting sun reflecting on the Arabian Sea. This is the most opportune time to take some excellent pictures and make memorable images of the visit.

9. Visit the Visitor’s Center and Familiarize Yourself with the History of the Fort

A visit to the visitor’s center is necessary for those looking to learn more about Aguada Fort. The centre is equipped with elaborate historical facts about construction of the fort, the role it played in Portuguese colonialism, and the significance it carried to the defence of Goa. Tourist guides are also present depending on the occasion to give background of the fort and assist in the understanding of its worth to the area.

Conclusion:

Aguada Fort is not a mere historical site, but a beautiful place of interest where one can get a feel of history, stunning views and serenity. If you are fond of its ageless structures, the light house to watch the scenic beauty, or just want to spend time at some of the beaches nearby, it has something to offer to every kind of tourist. A visit to the Aguada Fort is an opportunity to touch the history of Portuguese Goa and at the same time appreciate the beauty of the Goan countryside. Do not miss out on this great fort especially when planning your tour in Goa.