If the urge to escape strikes you, visit Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel.
Once an armed fortress that belonged to the Portuguese, Fort Tiracol is now content to spend the rest of its days on a cliff enjoying the kaleidoscopic view of the Arabian Sea and the spectacular estuary of the Tiracol River. It exists in its own space and time on the northern most tip of Goa. At a glance Set foot in its charming courtyard, you will be taken aback by the charming 17th century church standing there bang in the middle.
Undoubtedly one of Tiracol's strength is the simple fact that you are staying in a former defense fort in splendid isolation. There's a palpable sense of history all around. Added to this is all the luxury comfort a traveller expects today. The fort's elevated position and the views it affords from the ramparts are quite something else. Sitting on the top verandah, or on one of the rooms' private balconies, gulping the clean air and panoramic seascapes is a sublime experience.
The seven newly renovated rooms and suites tastefully designed with unique Portuguese and contemporary interiors are named after the seven days of the week! 2 Suites: Friday and Sunday and 5 Deluxe Double Rooms: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. With its limited number of rooms, the hotel offers an intimacy that befits its size. The interiors are both Portuguese contemporary light with all modern amenities yet in keeping with the monumental structure. Dramatic and homely in turns, Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel is unique.
- Tavern Restaurant Lounge Bar and Verandah – Garden Cafe Al Fresco – All rooms with Kings Size Beds - AC - Satellite 42 “ Flat Screen TV – Coffee Maker – Electronic safe – modern state of the art bathrooms with rain shower – Free Wifi Internet access in all rooms and public areas - Coast cruising- River fishing – Trips and Picnics can be organized on the surrounding beaches - Hotel transport is available at all times - Doctor on call.
By Sanjeev V Sardesai – HANDS-ON-HISTORIANS (Excerpted based on – (1) Purabhilekh Puratatv, the magazine of Directorate of Archives; (2) Fortresses & Forts of Goa by Dr. P. P. Shirodkar; (3) The Parish Churches of Goa by Jose Lourenco)
The territory, which is situated well within the tropics and flaked by the Arabian Sea to the west and the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) rising to an average height of 12 km to the east. It has tropical-maritime and monsoon type of climate, with profound orographic influence. Accordingly the climate is moist throughout the year. Other features of the climate are the regular and sufficient rainfall 320 cm during the southwest monsoon season, mainly from June to September. The climate is generally pleasant. Discomfort may be felt in the absence of wind particularly during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon months.
Due to proximity of the seas, the territory is generally humid, with a further rise in humidity during the monsoon weather. Even in summer the relative humidity is above 60 percent. Temperature variation throughout the seasons are also slight. May is the relatively warmest month when the mean daily temperature is around 30 degrees Celsius and January the coolest with mean daily temperature at lightly lower value of about 25 degrees C. Along the coast the maximum temperature recorded rarely goes beyond 37 degrees C.
Keri beach, 1,5 km long and also known as Querim beach, is a quiet beach located to the north of the Arambol beach. It is the northernmost beach of Goa that is backed with palms and casuarinas trees. The white sandy beach is one amongst the lesser-crowded beaches of Goa and is a serene and calm place to spend a beautiful holiday.
View on MapAs the name suggest, it is the finest, whitest, softest sand and the clearest bluest waters out of any beaches in Maharashtra. It is a feast for the eyes of the visitors. Take a walk on the 7 km long beach and enjoy the silent.
View on MapArambol beach, situated 50 kms from Panaji is a unique beach in North Goa which is much sought after. It is both a rocky and a sandy beach and has a sweet water pond right on the shore. It is also known to be the northernmost beach of Goa and is good for swimming.
View on MapThe Mandrem beach in Goa is situated to the north of Ashwem beach towards the Arambol beach. It is an isolated beach with vast stretches of empty sand that has very little shade and is located in the Pernem taluka which is the northernmost taluka of Goa.
View on MapAshwem beach situated south to the Arambol beach is another isolated beach in Goa where one can see vast stretches of sands until you arrive at a place that has some beach shacks and huts midway along the beach. There are a number of restaurants in the area that serve sumptuous seafood.
View on MapMorjim beach is an isolated beach situated on the north side of the mouth of Chapora river estuary. It can be viewed from the Chapora fort as a beach that has stretches of empty sand with a lot of palms and casuarinas trees in the background. The beach is also recommended for viewing sea birds.
View on MapVagator beach is 25 KM from Panjim : this secluded beach enhances the Chapora Fort that marks the entrance to the beautiful bay.
View on MapCalangute beach is the most popular beach in Goa. The beach is at a distance of 10 KM from Panijm and stretches for 7 KM to its twin beach Candolim.
View on MapThe most happening place & relaxing beach of Goa.
View on MapPalolem beach is 37 KM from Margao. Palolem is one of the most enchanted beaches in Goa and is very peaceful.
View on MapFringed on one side by coconut and palm trees and on the other, clear blue water of the Arabian Sea, the Redi beach is a virginal stretch of soft sand. It is the last beach in Maharashtra, bordering with Tiracol in Goa.
View on MapLocated 10km from Mapusa, the red-laterite bastion, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. Intended as a border watchpost, it fell to various Hindu raiders during the 17th century, before finally being deserted by the Portuguese in 1892.
View on MapAlthough this is one of the smaller forts in Goa, it has gained a name for itself, not only for being one of only two inland forts which have survived into the 21 st century, but also for the panoramic vistas that can be seen from its ramparts.
View on MapThis is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa and was built in 1609-12, to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks.The area around the fort housed a large well and a number of springs that provided fresh drinking water to the voyagers that arrived by ship.
View on MapThe Reis Magos Fort, owned by the Goa government and listed under the Goa Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, is the oldest fort in Goa. It has been restored to serve as a Cultural and Heritage Centre.
View on MapLocated in Canacona taluka Cabo da Rama - Cape Rama -, takes its name from Rama, the hero of the Hindu epic Ramayana, who, along with his wife Sita holed up here during his exile from Ayodhya. The promontory was crowned by a fort centuries before the Portuguese cruised in and wrested it from the local Hindu rulers in 1763.
View on MapMapusa Market is located 15 KM from Panjim across the river Mandovi. It is the principal town of Mapusa in north Goa with easy access to the beaches of Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna and Chaopora. This largest urban center of North Goa has became popular due to the exotic weekly bazaars that are held in this town on every Friday.
View on MapOnce inside the market, the atmosphere is electric. The shops are neatly laid out in rows meandering up to the foothills.
Lights and lamps festoon every nook and alley and create a kaleidoscope of colours and hues blend into the thick green foliage of the evergreens.
View on MapThe Anjuna market opens its doors at 9am and starts to wind down around 6pm. The mid-hours get decidedly hot and the shops with fully covered passageways draw the biggest number of shoppers. Needless to say, stalls selling anything cold—from a frosty soda to a chilled beer—are brimming with thirsty souls.
View on MapThe Church is a fine example of Jesuit architecture built in 1594 ; the most precious relic of the church is the remains of St. Francis Xavier.
View on MapThe Church has impressive vaulted interiors and belfry with a huge golden bell set to be the biggest in the world. The church has 14 site chapels every one unique in style. Adjacent to the cathedral church is the church of St. Francis of Assisi and the chapel of St. Catherine.
View on MapThis church is amongst the revered Roman Catholic churches. Known for its Barque and Corinthian architecture, the church's interiors are finely inlaid with ornaments. On the tabernacle reside two statues – one of the Christ and the other of St. Francis of Assisi.
View on MapThis is one of the oldest and most famous churches in Goa. The 17th century structure is in the heart of Panjim – the capital of Goa. The church has a simple and elegant exterior. The interiors are tidy and well-maintained.
View on MapThe Church has impressive vaulted interiors and belfry with a huge golden bell set to be the biggest in the world. The church has 14 site chapels every one unique in style. Adjacent to the cathedral church is the church of St. Francis of Assisi and the chapel of St. Catherine.
View on MapThe original site of the temple dedicated to this deity was Kushasthali or Kutthal (Modern Cortalim) in the Mormugao Taluka of today.
View on MapConsidered to be amongst the most beautiful churches in Goa, the Church of St. Cajetan resembles the St. Peter's Church in Rome. Built with laterite blocks, the church has influences of Corinthian style of architecture.
View on MapAt a distance of 30 km from Panjim Kadamba Bus stand, 2 km from Sanquelim and 8 km from Bicholim, Arvalem waterfalls cascading down from the mountains from a height of 50 m (24 ft), is one of the most amazing spots situated in North Goa.
View on MapThe Tamdi Surla Waterfalls is at a distance of 32 kms. fromMargao and 65 kms. from Panaji, the capital of Goa. It is situated deep in an area that has to be trekked. It takes 45 minutes of brisk walking to reach the place. There is a temple known as the Tamdi Surla temple which has been made under the Kadamba style of architecture.
View on MapNot many people visit this waterfall in Sada village in Karnataka as you have to trek a lot to get to the base of the waterfall which involves climbing and descending some steep slopes which many people find difficult. Even so we had a very enthusiastic group of around 50 people who trekked to this magnificent waterfall.
View on MapLocated 100 KM from Panjim is the Dudsagar Waterfalls, the most impressive waterfall in Goa, that attracts many tourists, it is a popular spot to trekkers and hikers.
View on MapBeing one of Goa's younger sanctuaries, Netravali is still developing and will soon come into its own. Of the trails in this sanctuary, there are two that stand out as best and both culminate in cascading waterfalls, Mainapi and Savari.
View on MapThe sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao along the River Mandovi. It covers an area of 1.78 sq. km. many species of local and migratory birds are seen here.
View on Map52 KM from Panaji, this is the smallest sanctuary in Goa. The Sanctuary has a zoo, a botanical garden and deer-park.
View on MapSituated at Molem 160 km Panjim, this sanctuary covers an area of 240 sq. km of dense forest.
View on MapAbout 9km southeast of Palolem, and a good day trip, is the beautiful, remote-feeling Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa's second-largest sanctuary and easily its most accessible, if you have your own transport.
View on MapThe Netravali Sanctuary sustains a good mammal population due to its rich habitat and plenty of perennial streams.
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