Fort Aguada

by - 3/06/2015

This was the first stop of our second day. It was only 11 in the morning but we already had our share of adventures. First a morning dip in the rocky Anjuna beach here to be followed by a 10 km bike ride with a 13 kilo backpack on my back to checking in into a different hotel. Our morning was quite something!!

Aguada fort is one of the most visited places on Goa. Situated on a hill top on the Sinquerim beach, the Arabian sea can be seen on three sides. There is a lighthouse too and the famous Aguada jail.

This fort was built in the early 17 th century, at around 1624. The term Aguada means freshwater spring in Portugese. This fort supplied water to the ships. This Portugese bastion was built to prevent entry into the Mandovi river ( the largest river of Goa) and to prevent potential enemy attacks from the Dutch and Marathas.

The area around the fort housed a large well and a number of springs that provided fresh drinking water to the voyagers that arrived by ship. "Agua" in Portuguese means water, thus the fort derived its name "Aguada" to denote a place where water is accumulated.

Steps lead down from the middle of the courtyard within to an enormous vaulted cistern capable of storing ten million litres of fresh water. The other unusual feature of the fort is a four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of its kind in Asia.

An interesting feature in the precinct of the fort is a 13 metre high lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in 1864, initially used an oil lamp. It was later renovated and modernised in 1976.

This lighthouse was home to a gigantic bell that was retrieved from amongst the ruins of the St. Augustus monastery at Old Goa. However, the bell has now been moved to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church at Panaji.

Though the entire fort is no longer intact, some buildings that are still in good shape have been converted into a prison. Interestingly, it happens to be the largest prison in Goa.

En-oute to the fort, one comes across the church of St. Lawrence, the saint of the sailors. The Portuguese used to build churches on the outskirts of the forts to prevent the enemy from firing at a close range.

It was a very hot day with the sun in its full glory and the stone fort radiating more and more heat. I was really tired after walking on the rough surface in high heels :(





The dry moat at the entry of the fort.




The light house from a distance.. These four storey Portugese lighthouse is oldest of its kind in Asia


The 13 metre high lighthouse..


The Arabian sea below..

Below is the Aguada jail..


Stopping by the Candolim beach  on the way back...

beautiful waves at the Candolim Beach..



Lunch was nothing fancy, fresh mackerel curry and steamed rice.



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12 comments

  1. Look at the waves so amaze by that you guys look stunning and like always know how to have fun and explore.

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  2. You look marvelous. I love your dress and the heels. Haha only I true fashionista would walk all the way in high heels. The lighthouse looks awesome. I can't believe they have a jail at a beautiful location like that. It's much better than my view haha. Wish you a happy Monday pretty!!

    xx glamdevils.com / miradevils.blogspot.com

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  3. Looks like a fun destination on your travel diary. You look cute as well as classy in above shots :)

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  4. Never been here! Beautiful place! I love your dress!
    www.alessandrastyel.com

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  5. what a fun post! your outfit is so cute! love your umbrella!
    kelseybang.com

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  6. Super nice this post!! A want sunny days!! ;)
    My Showroom

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  7. What a beautiful scene! & Lovely choice of colors to style. (:

    ♥ | http://www.connect-the-cloths.com | xoxo
    http://blogspotter.co/connect-the-cloths

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  8. Love the poruguese influence in goa..the lunch looks yummy , ur dress supercute.

    Aditi
    So-Saree
    www.sosaree.in

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  9. The light house is portuguese? How cool :D

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  10. Beautiful photos! I love your dress!
    www.alessandrastyle.com

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