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Goa’s Forts
For those who believe that Goa is inextricably associated with its beaches and only that, the Forts in Goa come as an almost epiphanic revelation and a pleasant one at that.
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Goa was once the seat of the Portuguese power and the forts of Goa are remnants of history. Be it the Aguada Fort, Cabo Fort, Chapora Fort or the Terekhol (Tiracol) Fort, the forts in Goa are wonderful specimens of Portuguese architecture.
A remarkable characteristic that can't escape an observant eye is the fact that the Portuguese were quite possessive about their creations.
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These bastions of power were constructed by them by making use of the modern engineering knowledge available at that time.
The low parapets are
quite a contrast to the monumental walls of Rajasthan. The fosse that encircles each fort serves as the first line of defence, followed by the gigantic cannons perched on the ramparts.
Forts and bastions have been intrinsically associated with history. But the forts of Goa can be spared the austerity that is characteristic of the forts in the other parts of the country. They are immense fun.
It is indeed a pleasurable experience to scale the forts and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea and the sun slowly sinking in its waters. If you believe Goa is only about beach, wine and fun, check your memory.
This thin strip of land was once the seat of power of the Portuguese, and hence it is not bizarre that one will find remnants of history sprawled all over the terrain. Erroneously forts have always been related to history. But these imposing edifices not only speak of yore, at least not in Goa.
They shout for fun too. The pleasure of scaling the heights os a Goan fort to enjoy the view over the Arabian Sea or watch the setting sun turn its old ramparts to burnished gold can be an enriching change from beach lounging.
Stretching from Tiracol Fort at the northern most tip of Goa, to Cabo da Rama Fort in the south, are remnants of colossal castles that once guarded Portugal's newly annexed territory from land and sea conquests.
Remember, the forts of Goa were strategically located and strongly garrisoned to protect the entrance to the port or to the provinces around.
Goa was once the seat of the Portuguese power and the forts of Goa are remnants of history. Be it the Aguada Fort, Cabo Fort, Chapora Fort or the Terekhol (Tiracol) Fort, the forts in Goa are wonderful specimens of Portuguese architecture.
Once parapets of military expertise along with encouraging a leisure purpose, these forts of historical importance have now fallen to ruin with only a few being used either as a prison or a hotel, or as in the case of Cabo Palace, which is the official residence for the Governor of Goa.
Even if the laterite walls are covered with lichens, even if these archaic seats of power want to shed their responsibility, they, however, remain integral to Goa's architectural heritage.
Southindiatourtravel.com is an international travel site and a repository of useful information on Forts in Goa, Places of Tourist Interest in Goa and in other exotic places around the globe.
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