10 Must Visit Forts in Goa

Get a unique experience by exploring a jail at one of the oldest forts in India, Reis Magos Fort. When we say old, we mean it as it was built in 1551! It was used as a jail till 1993 after which it was restored and opened for public visit. You can spot this fort on the banks of river Mandovi in a small village named Verem. When you reach here, take a walk in its premises and check out the 33 cannons that were once placed to protect the fort residents from enemies. Also, look for the Portuguese turrets here. Here’s an astonishing trivia about it! The turrets were used to pour hot oil on enemies! Climb to the top of this Goa famous fort to get a beautiful top view of Panjim city. Now, a reminder! Make sure you plan your visit between 9.30 am to 5 pm as it is its visiting hours.

Do you know you can also stay lavishly in a Goa fort? Yes, that’s right! Among the off beat things to do in Goa, lodging at an ancient fort can surely be one of your favourites. So, book a room here and feel the essence of old Goa. If you are coming here just to visit, then you have to come between 9.30 am to 6 pm. Explore the central jail it houses, which is also the largest in Goa. Also, gaze at the 13-metre tall lighthouse as it is the main attraction here. The strong and detailed Portuguese architecture of this fort will intrigue you right from the first glance. By the way, to come here, you have to get a cab ride from Goa airport and reach Candolim.

When you visit Aguada Fort, then don't return without stopping by its lower extension, the Sinquerim Fort. Located on the Sinquerim beach, this fort lets you explore the ancient architectural styles. While exploring, you can relax and gossip sitting on its stairs and enjoy the view outside. Many come to this fort at Goa only to see the eye-pleasing sunset from here. You can experience it too by staying back till late in the evening!

Don’t miss the chance to enjoy scenic views from another north Goa fort, Chapora Fort. You can come here anytime from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. In the evening time, the orangish gold hues of sunset and the tinted water of the Arabian Sea will soothe your eyes. But before that, explore the fort and its age-old interiors that will give you a glimpse of the ancient architecture. We recommend you hire a tour guide to tell you astonishing stories of how the Marathas captured this Goa fort.

In Corjuem Island, you will find this fort which was once used by the Portuguese army as a defence building. So, you can expect to see several murder holes and cannons inside the fort. Don’t forget to click a selfie with the picturesque backdrop of encompassing rivers and tall trees. If you are a landscape photographer, you will get plenty of panoramic shots to click from here. What’s best about this famous fort is that it remains open from 6 am to 7 pm, allowing you enough time to explore and enjoy.

Next on our list is the Ponda fort, which is popularly known as the Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Fort. Why so? This is because the famous Maratha ruler, Shivaji conquered this fort in 1665. You will also get to see a black, life-size statue of the ruler at the entrance of the fort. The beautifully adorned brick red and white fort will be a treat to your eyes. Enter the fort and head to the garden inside to enjoy a lazy evening stroll. If you are here with your family, you can host a picnic in the garden and have an amusing day together. Make sure you plan your picnic between the visiting hours, which is 10 am to 6 pm.

Have you ever explored an abandoned archaeological site? If not, then we suggest you plan your visit to this famous fort in South Goa. You will be pleasantly surprised by the mesmerising view it offers. From the fort, you can see the river Sal meeting the Arabian Sea, which is quite a spectacle. The dense greenery all around the fort will also charm you for sure. Being a place in ruins, not many come to this fort. So, if you are seeking some alone time, you can simply come here anytime between 5.30 am and 7 pm and unwind amid the cool breezes and natural beauty.

To spend a relaxing holiday, visit this fort nestled by the Terekhol River. A section of the fort is also converted into a hotel where you can lodge. Check out the alluring all-white church in the courtyard of the hotel and feel the divine vibes. To intrigue the history enthusiast in you, let’s tell you that this old Goa fort served as the base for freedom fighters in 1961. By the way, when you are visiting this fort, don’t miss to taste some lip-smacking seafood sold nearby. You can come here at any time of the day as it remains open 24*7.

Head to Anjadip Island to visit this fort that once defended the Portuguese from the invaders. Take a walk from between the tall, intricately crafted walls and admire its detailed architecture. Since this fort has been renovated, you can witness the real charm of this place even now. You can find this place 87kms away from South Goa on the Goa-Karnataka border. Between 9.30 am and 5 pm, whenever you can, plan your visit here to speculate at the grandeur of Portuguese architecture.

Last but not least is the Mormugao Fort located in Vasco. From aesthetic surroundings to historical artefacts, this fort has many things to lure you with. Sit at a corner of the fort and cherish the splendid views of the sea and the verdant greenery from the top. When to visit? Any time you want as it remains open for 24 hours. And when you come here, look for the bulwarks and bastions that still look good as new.

Now that you know about the forts to visit in Goa, you can pick the ones that appeal to you and visit them one by one. Come explore a different side of this beach paradise through these historical places to visit in Goa.