Wednesday, August 22. 2007
Wednesday, August 1. 2007
Saturday, March 31. 2007
Views of Zuari river, Arabian Sea, and Mormugao Port from Pilot Point at Headland, Sada near Mormugao in Vasco, Goa.
Tuesday, March 27. 2007
See fabulous views of Vagator Beach and Morjim Beach from the ramparts of 390-year old red laterite bastion of Chapora located 24-km from Panaji. Chapora Fort is a 10-minute drive from Vagator Beach and provides lovely views of Vagator and Anjuna beaches on one side and Morjim beach on the other.
History of Chapora Fort:
Chapora Fort was built by the Muslim ruler Adil Shah of the Bahamani kingdom of Bijapur (now in modern day Karnataka) as a border post to protect against invasions by Hindu rulers in the 17th century. It was known as 'Shahapura' during those times.
The Portuguese took control of Goa and re-built the fort in 1617. They lost the bastion of Chapora to the Maratha army under Prince Sambhaji in 1684. The 18th century saw battles between the Portuguese and Marathas for the supremacy of Chapora Fort.
The Marathas withdrew from Chapora Fort in 1717; the Portuguese re-gained control and re-built the fort with underground tunnels for safe passage during battles and emergencies. The Marathas re-captured Chapora from the Portuguese after 22 years in 1739, only to lose again after two years in 1741. The Portuguese controlled Chapora Fort for more than 150 years from 1741 until they deserted it in 1892.
Chapora Timeline:
Built by Adil Shah of Bijapur in early 17th century. Portuguese 1617-1684, Marathas 1684-1717, Portuguese 1717-1739, Marathas 1739-1741, Portuguese 1741-1892.
Views from Chapora:
- Fabulous views of Vagator and Anjuna beaches from the southern ramparts, and of Morjim Beach from the Northern ramparts.
Things to do at Chapora Fort:
- Take a group photograph at 'Dil Chahta Hai' point at the Northern rampart of Chapora fort, facing Morjim beach. The place of a scene from the superhit Bollywood film 'Dil Chahta Hai'.
- Enjoy spectacular views of the sea, swaying coconut and palm trees, sun, sand, and greenery from the ramparts of Chapora Fort. Chapora is pronounced as 'Shapora'.
- A visit to Chapora Fort is worth it for the lovely views of the beaches and countryside.
Tips:
- Don't forget water bottles. Take hats and sun glasses.
- There may or may not be a vendor selling soft drinks or beer.
- Take adequte protection against sun burns.
- Be careful of the slippery red soil while climbing down the fort.
- Avoid climbing the red laterite walls during monsoons; they have the weight of centuries on them.
Sunday, March 25. 2007
Visit to Ancestral Goa 'mini village' at Loutolim in South Goa.
Saturday, March 24. 2007
Views from Vagator Beach in North Goa.
Friday, March 23. 2007
Photographs taken on an evening boat cruise on Mandovi river in Panaji, Goa.
Thursday, March 22. 2007
Visit to Aguada Fort, south of Candolim village, near Panaji in Goa.
Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1609-12 to guard Goa against Dutch and Maratha invasions and control entry to Mandovi river. It comprises a lower fort with bastions all around and an upper fort with a lighthouse, an underground water storage chamber, bastions, and gunpowder room.
The upper fort used to serve as a Watering Station to ships (Água means water in Portuguese, and hence the name Aguada—a place for storing water). The lower fort provided a safe resting place for Portuguese ships. Part of the lower fort now houses the Central Jail of Goa.
The 19th century 42-feet (~ 4-storey) circular lighthouse at Aguada fort, which is not in use anymore, used to emit light every 30 seconds. The lighthouse, built in 1834 and supposed to be the oldest of its type in Asia, was de-commissioned in 1976 in favour of a new lighthouse located close to the fort.
Aguada Fort is located at a distance of 18-km from Panaji and it's worth spending an hour or two enjoying the fabulous view of Mandovi river from the upper fortress. Other places of interest near Aguada fort are Sinquerim beach and Calangute beach.
See pictures of lighthouse at Aguada Fort and views of Mandovi river and surrounding greenery, as seen from the upper fortress.
Monday, March 19. 2007
Enjoy water sports at Sinquerim Beach, which is a 5-minute drive from Aguada Fort. The Taj 'Fort Aguada Beach Resort' is located at Sinquerim, 13-km from Panaji and 41-km from Dabolim airport (GOI).
Saturday, March 17. 2007
View of ships at Mormugao Port.
Friday, March 9. 2007
Evening views of the glistening Arabian Sea as seen from Benaulim Beach at Benaulim near Colva in South Goa. Benaulim Beach is a 20-minute walk toward the left from Colva Beach.
The beaches at Colva, Benaulim, and Betalbatim are popular tourist destinations in South Goa—45-km from Panaji (North Goa). The nearest railway station is at Madgaon (8-km) and Dabolim Airport is 26-km to 28-km from these beaches.
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