Aguada, Mapusa, Goa India

Fort Aguada is unquestionably one of India’s most well maintained heritage structures. This seventeenth century fort built by the Portuguese to protect its then territory against the Dutch colonialists and the Marathas, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists.

What’s better, Fort Aguada and its lighthouse offering a breath taking view of the Arabian sea are flanked by a pristine beach, called the Aguada beach and a 5 star resort called the Taj Vivanta. For the tourist willing to spend that extra buck, putting up at the Taj Vivanta, contrary to what’s believed of 5 stars and its contemporary adulteration of an Indian holiday, is a wonderfully local experience, right from the view to the food to the accessibility.

Fort Aguada and Agudad beach are also just a stone throw away from the famous Candolim Beach. Come evening, and the streets and by lanes around Fort Aguada transform into flea markets offering cheap and ethnic accessories and garments.

Fort Aguada is very accessible to the rest of Goa, both the party and heritage places and it's well worth putting up here for the duration of your stay. One can get to Aguada via a hired car or taxi from the airport or the railway station. If you’re driving, ample boards and signs guide you to Aguada.