Tiracol fort

Fort Tiracol, sometimes known as Terekhol Fort. Its located on the northern tip of Goa at Pernem just at the mouth of the Tiracol River, Fort Tiracol can be reached by a ferry from Querim, its the best option to get there early. Going from road may take a little more time, but travelling through ferry in goa is great fun. The fort was originally built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, in the 17th century. The site chosen was a hillock on the Northern (right) bank of the river, which gave a commanding view of the Arabian sea. The Bhonsles of Sawantwadi kept a sizeable fleet of native vessels which sheltered in the Tiracol River. The fort initially consisted of 12 guns, a barrack and a chapel.

BARDEZ

Located in North Goa, Bardez is a taluka, which is popular for its beaches and markets. Bardez refers to ‘bara desh’, which means twelve countries. Twelve specific territorial areas, which together make the Bardez taluka, are Pombrupa, Olaulim, Anjuna, Serula, Aldona, Assagao, Moira, Machinola, Saligao, Candolim, Sangolda and Nachinola.

Bardez is delimited by Chapora River from the northern side and Mandovi River from the southern side. Mapusa River, which originates in Bardez, flows to the east of the region, while on the west of the region lays the Indian Ocean. In 1543, Bardez was under the control of the Portuguese along with Salcette and Mormugao and formed a part of the Portugal's Velhas Coquistas or Old Conquests.

Today, Bardez is one of the popular tourist destinations in Goa, with famous sites like the fort of Aguada and the beaches of Candolim, Sinquerim, Calangute, Baga and Anjuna. Big Wednesday Flea Market in Anjuna and the Friday Bazaar in Mapusa are also major tourist attractions in the region. Native people of Bardez are known as Bardezcar or Bardeskar in the Konkani language, which is the main language spoken.

Dabolim Airport is the main gateway to the destination, which is served by various domestic and international flights. Situated on the Margao-Sawantwadi rail route, Thivim Railway Station is the nearest railway station from Bardez.

Kadamba bus stand of Panaji is the main bus station, which can be used to reach Bardez. Buses from different regions of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka operate to and from this station. The best time to visit Bardez is during the winter months, which extend from November to February.

St. Paul's Church

St. Paul church is a popular tourist attraction in Goa. It was consecrated on 25th January, 1543 which is the day of the conversion of St Paul. It is now in ruins and one can see only an arch in basalt stone which is the facade of the old church.

The church was established as a result of the efforts of two priests known as Diogo de Borba and Miguel Vaz. They also established the Santa Fe confraternity in India. The church had the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier preserved in a silver casket which was later shifted to the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

St Paul church also had a college attached to it known as the St Paul College which was a very famous educational institution in India. It was also known to be a principal center of higher studies in the East which included a Master's as well as Doctorate degree. It was well known as in the year 1556 the first printing press in Asia was set up here.

During the year 1560 a foundation was laid for a bigger church and this building was pulled down. Between 1591 and 1675 the building was also set afire four times by some enemies of the Jesuits. As the building was in a dilapidated state, in the year 1829 the government decided to demolish it. Thus only the archway and some part of the facade can now be seen on the road taken from Old Goa that leads to Ponda.

PANJIM

Panjim means the ‘land that does not flood’. During the rule of the Portuguese in Goa, Panjim was just a landing stage with custom housing facilities and was surrounded by marshy swampland. However, in the year 1843, it became a capital.

Although the rulers and Viceroys built some popular buildings and heritage sites, but the overall development was not up to the mark and the main reason for that can be attributed to frequent natural calamities. It was because of these the Portuguese nobles preferred to set their mansions in the countryside than the city.

CHURCH OF ST. ALEX

Church of St. Alex, which was founded by Franciscans, is popular among tourists for its architectural beauty. The church features two towers, altars and a white dome, which can be seen from the entrance. This church was originally founded in 1595, which makes it one of the oldest surviving churches in Goa. The church that stands currently at this site was constructed by the local people in 1741. In 1765, the towers of this church were installed, while the sanctuary was rebuilt in 1916.

FORT AGUADA

Fort Aguada is a Portuguese fort, which was constructed in 1612 on the Sinquerim Beach. The sole purpose behind building this fort was to guard the region from the Dutch and Marathas. At the site of the original fort, Fort Aguada Beach Resort has been built.

Chapora fort

10 km from Mapusa, near Vagator Beach, Goa

Once neglected, the Fort of Chapora got popularized by the movie Dil Chahta Hai (therefore, also known as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort) and is now a prime attraction of Goa. Trekking up to the fort can be strenuous during the day, but its a great place to make your evening memorable. A silent stroll and picturesque sunset views are pleasing.

If you are expecting something unique from the historical ruins of the fort, then the Chapora Fort may disappoint you. You would only get to see huge, irregular, red laterite stone walls, a gate, bastions with cylindrical turrets, a few vague barracks and weeded bushes.

It is the best place to capture perfect shots – Vagator beach, Morjim beach or the Arabian Sea, you will never get tired of clicking there! It is a perfect place to hangout with best of your companions or to spend a peaceful, time alone, away from the chaotic mayhem of life.