Monuments In India

Aquada Fort

Aguada fort is constructed in the close vicinity of Panaji district of Goa state of India and just located at 18 kilometers distance from main district. This fort was constructed during seventeenth century and presently it is being maintained under Archeological survey of India.  Goa is a cool state and also free from dense population and pollution reason being much liked by the tourists.  This state is also rich in natural beauty, long and cool beaches, calm surroundings at everywhere in the state attracts visitors to come here time and again.  This fort was mainly constructed for a safeguard against Marathas.   This fort was considered as a nodal point for the all the communications from European countries in that period.  Mandovi river flows through the area, was the main location of old fort.  This fort and a lighthouse constructed near the sea shore is now in maintained condition and located at Sinquerim Beach. Lighthouse was constructed in 1864 to provide direction of the captains of various ships. This lighthouse is a unique construction and only one in entire Asia. In this lighthouse there was a provision made to store a huge quantity of drinking water more than 2,376,000 gallons.

In the fort, there was a tunnel for escaping during the period of any natural calamity of war. Complete fort has been divided into two main portions. Light house had the provision to emit lights at every 7 minutes and later it was modified to 30 seconds.  But after a prolonged use, the light house was abandoned in 1976.

This fort was constructed in a large area and according to surveys done; almost part of peninsula was covered under it. The fort was designed and built to defend the area from Dutch and Marathas. During the reign of Salazar, this fort was utilized as a prison but later the re-appropriation cancelled and the original form of fort tried to reuse but the passion, style and dignity of the fort could not be maintained even after the concerted efforts made by Salazar.  Presently, this fort is being used as Central Jail in Goa and light house.

Etymology

The name of the fort has been derived by the literal meaning of Aguada.  Aguada word carries the meaning of fresh water. A freshwater spring was on the top of the hill and it was also used as source of drinking water.  Various ships which pass through the way, replace their water storage from this water point.  This is the reason of naming the area and fort too.

How to Reach

This fort can be visited by all the four ways of transportation.  This facility does not available with the other monuments.

By Air

Nearest airport to reach this fort is Panaji. Airport is located at 23 kilometers from here. Panaji airport is well connected with domestic or international flights.

By Rail

Panaji is the nearest railway station too to reach this fort.  Major connectivity from Mumbai is available.  Broad gauge line is available till Panaji.

By Road

Road conditions are good in Goa.  This fort is located at 18 kilometers from main city Panaji.  From where frequent and affordable road conveyances area available.

Attractions

Sinquerim beach is ion the close vicinity of this fort.  To reach there, jetty is available to provide boating/steamer facility.  
Fort Aguada Resorts is also available but this hotel is most expensive in comparison of other good hotels in India.

The Cabo Palace is also very near to the fort.  In the close vicinity of this palace, the Taj village is also located as the entire area was taken over by Taj Group of Hotels in the decade of 1970. Presently, maximum portion of this area is being used as prison hence not allowed for normal visitors due to safety and security reasons.

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