Sharvani ChandvaleDo you like exploring forts in Goa, but always end up at the ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’ with the rest of the tourists in Goa? First of all, that’s Chapora Fort and you shouldn’t turn Goa into a movie set with different locations named after movies that were shot there.
This is also why we’ve put together this guide to all the amazing forts in Goa you should check out apart from the Chapora Fort:
CORJUEM FORT, GOA
The Corjuem fort is smaller than the rest but just as crucial and strategically important. Built along the gorgeous Mapusa river in 1705, it is one of the only two surviving inland forts that were made of pitted laterite. It was a military fortress for the defence of Portuguese India and is a protected monument under the Goa, Daman and Diu Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.
It is said that the Corjuem fort was built by the Desais of Sankhali, but was traded to the Sawant-Bhonsles of Sawantwadi. It was rebuilt several times and was even used as a military school in the early 1800s.
REIS MAGOS FORT, GOA
Yes, Reis Magos is pretty popular, after Chapora, Aguada and Terekhol. As it should be! Hidden away from the crowds right in the heart of Goa, it sits peacefully overlooking the gorgeous river Mandovi. It’s said that the name is derived from the Three Magi or the Three Wise Men that visited Jesus in Bethlehem. Yet it’s curious to know that the fort itself wasn’t built by the Portuguese.
A small fortress was first built by the Adil Shahis of Bijapur in 1493. It was a very clever defence strategy since the location of the fort is a meeting point for the river Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. How convenient would it be to spot any marine invaders from the genius fortress? Eventually, when the Portuguese rulers started claiming territories, they managed to defeat the rulers and build an actual fort in 1551. It would serve as their first line of defence for the then capital Velha Goa. Over time the fort was enlarged many times and reconstructed in 1707. Apart from the Adil Shahis and the Portuguese, even the British had occupied this fort in 1798.
Eventually, with the shifting of rulers and capitals, the fort fell into disuse and ruin. For some time it was used as a prison until 1993 and was finally restored somewhere in 2008 by INTACH. We don’t want to sound shallow, but it has one of the best views of our favourite city and is really Instagram worthy!
RACHOL FORT, GOA
Rachol has a special place in our hearts. This serene little village dresses up in beautiful colours during the monsoons and is worth a visit. The Rachol fort was initially built by the Bijapur Sultanate along the bank of the River Zuari. It was eventually conquered by the Vijayanagar king and handed over to the Portuguese in exchange for protection from the northern Islamic rulers.
Sadly, not much of the fort remains apart from bits and pieces spread over Rachol.
However, the surrounding village is pleasant. One comes across rice fields, rivulets, shrimp farms and many other fascinating local elements!
TEREKHOL FORT, GOA
Often mispronounced as Tirakol, the majestic Terekhol fort rests quietly on the northern tip of Goa, at the mouth of the Terekhol River. Now converted into a luxurious Goan heritage resort, the fort was built by Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi. Strategically built in the 17th century for a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, it was surrendered in 1746 to the Portuguese who attacked it in retaliation. They did not like being bothered by the frequent border skirmishes that kept happening!
The coolest thing about this fort is that it was one of the locations that the Satyagrahis captured during Goa’s Liberation Movement. Alas, this victory was short-lived and they were eventually arrested. An annual feast takes place in the fort Chapel for the Holy Trinity which later became the Church of St Anthony in May. The church in general is not open to visitors.
Fort Tiracol can be reached by a ferry from Querim, 42 km North of Panjim.
CABO DE RAMA FORT, GOA
Cabo de Rama is the secret no one will tell you. Tucked in the South of Goa looking over a breathtaking view of the sea, this fort was built by the King of Soonda. It was eventually overtaken by the Portuguese. Over time it was abandoned and then used as a government prison till 1955 until it was abandoned again. The fort isn’t much of a fort anymore but the view, the view’s worth it!
It’s said that Lord Ram during his years in exile visited this place and thus the name Cabo de Rama, meaning Ram’s cape. The name was changed from Ram’s Kila after the Portuguese overtook it. It’s believed that this beautiful fort might be one of Goa’s oldest! We suggest you try finding the beach that’s around the fort too! Just ask the locals and you’ll get to it!
MORMUGAO FORT, GOA
Just like the Reis Magos Fort, the Mormugao fort was built in 1624 at the mouth of the Zuari river. It’s hidden in plain sight and overlooks the Mormugao harbour. This one, unlike the rest, was built by the Portuguese. It was built under the assumption that Mormugao would be the next capital for the Portuguese Administration, but sadly it got too expensive and was hence, abandoned. This was one of the forts that faced constant attacks from the Marathas as well. It’s worth a trip down south and the view’s really fascinating! What’s more, searching for the fort could be an adventure in itself!
ALORNA FORT, GOA
The Alorna Fort is one of the lesser-known forts of Goa. Also known as the Halarn or Halarna fort, it is one of Goa’s oldest and was built in the 17th century by the Bhonsle’s of Sawantwadi.
The fort is currently under renovation by the Archeological Survey of India and is not open to the public. What’s exciting about this beauty is that one doesn’t understand how important its location is until you actually investigate. It is small and seems almost unimportant but historians would say otherwise.
NARVE FORT, GOA
Situated on the island of Divar, the Narve fort was what kept any skirmishes between the Portuguese and the Kingdom of Bijapur at bay. It was cleverly built to guard the entry point between the two. Today there exist ferry terminals to take villagers across.
The fort, albeit being located in one of Goa’s prettiest corners, is now in ruins. The ferry ride to Divar and the fort in itself are pretty marvellous but that’s all there is to it.
BETUL FORT, GOA
The Betul fort is built at the mouth of the river Sal and is one of the prettiest but most disregarded forts in Goa. Stuck somewhere in the South of Goa, it was built on the orders of Shivaji somewhere in the 1670s, probably the last he built before his death. Its position on a pretty hillock gives you a view of the river and the sea which is simply mind-blowing! You can also take a trip to Mobor beach for a breathtaking sunset.
Final Thoughts
Want to explore all the forts in Goa? Then this is the guide you will only need. Skip the crowded queues, the mainstream destinations and noisy cruises and take a day off to drive to these amazing forts and discover a new side of Goa!
