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Goa is undoubtedly one of the top travel destinations in India. Goa is known not only for its beaches, it also has several other tourist places that attract travellers from around the globe.
The churches, forts and museums also make Goa attractive in the eyes of a traveller. Let us know more about the Aguada Fort that was built by the Portuguese around 400 years ago.
PC: Nanasur
The fort lies on the Aguada-Siolim Road in Sinquerim. Built upon a hilltop near the mouth of the river Mandovi, there are two routes that take you to the fort. The 4 km road from Sinquerim beach can be taken if you're driving to the fort; the other route is a steep 2 km one from the beach which can be covered by foot.
Sinquerim beach was once a major trade port of Old Goa. During the times of Portuguese invasion in India, the Aguada Fort was built here as a watch tower to monitor the passage of ships and other containers that entered Goa by water. The fort was named Aguada as 'agua' means 'water' in Portuguese, denoting the three fresh water springs that the fort contained.
PC: Manasa90304
Though three other forts were also built in the same region as watch towers, foreign invasion destroyed these forts except Aguada. Aguada Fort was also used as a defence base by the Portuguese against the Dutch and Maratha invaders.
Interesting Features Of Aguada Fort
Apart from its historical significance, there are some interesting reasons to visit the fort. Aguada Lighthouse is the oldest of its kind in Asia, and is a great place for photography. The lighthouse provides spectacular views of the whole region, and was used to guide ships to safe harbour.
PC: Iramuthusamy
Aguada Jail is an attraction inside the fort, which was used to imprison culprits who were accused of crimes like narcotic abuse, trafficking, drug sale, etc. The jail is one of the largest jails in Goa, and is closed to the public.
Also Read : Attractions Of Old Goa
The Taj Aguada Hotel, a luxurious hotel, is also located within the fort walls. The hotel has been a host to several Bollywood film shoots.
