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Mormugao Fort is a historic landmark in Goa. This fort has a storied past and once served as a place of prominence. Mormugao Fort made its appearance in the colonial era and has a rich colonial history too. Built by the Portuguese in the 17th century, this fortress has a military architecture. Strong bastions and thick walls depict its prominence in the past. This fort gradually fell into disrepair and lost its significance. Being an ancient site, this place offers a glimpse into the past along with showcasing the panoramic views of the surrounding area and Vasco Da Gama’s city.
Location Of Mormugao Fort
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Mormugao Fort is located a few kilometres from the city of Vasco Da Gama in Goa. Precisely, on the southern tip of the mouth of River Zuari lies the Mormugao Fort which overlooks the harbour of Mormugao. The fort is strategically perched on a hill and offers the best vistas of the Arabian Sea. From the topmost level of the fort, tourists shall see the bustling harbour below and the coastline of the surrounding region. Mormugao Fort was strategically made to protect the harbour below and keep it safe from any invasions.
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How To Reach Mormugao Fort
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
Mormugao Fort has a very accessible location and lies in the vicinity of the city of Vasco Da Gama.
By Air: Tourists can get down at the nearest airport, Dabolim Airport which is just 9 kilometres away. Take a taxi or hire ride-sharing services and you can get to the fort in 15-20 minutes.
By Train: The nearest railway station to Mormugao Fort is the Vasco Da Gama Railway Station which is just 4 kilometres away. Visitors can get down at this place and hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Mormugao Fort and explore other areas in the vicinity.
By Road: Those visiting the fort by road can either rent a car or take the local bus service from the depots. The fort is located off the main road which takes you to Vasco Da Gama.
Places To Visit Near Mormugao Fort
There are several interesting places to visit near Mormugao Fort in Goa. Each place promises a unique experience.
1. Vasco Da Gama
Photo: André B. Matos / Wikimedia Commons
Vasco Da Gama is a commercial city near Mormugao Fort. This city indeed has a storied past. Vasco Da Gama, shortened to Vasco City, is perched on the coast of the Arabian Sea. It is named after the Portuguese Explorer Vasco Da Gama. The city has a strong maritime history and was an important place for trade routes in the past. There are many places to visit in Vasco Da Gama such as Mormugao Port, Vasco’s Beaches and other historical sites. All the major shipping activities take place through Mormugao Port which is an interesting place to explore.
Location: Vasco Da Gama, South Goa, Goa
Distance From Mormugao Fort: 6.3 kilometres
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2. Bogmalo Beach
Photo: S Rahul Bose / Wikimedia Commons
Bogmalo Beach is located in proximity to the Mormugao Fort. The beach has a very calm ambience and a laid-back vibe. Bogmalo Beach is a clean, neat and peaceful beach in South Goa. The beaches have an opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying. There are a wide era of watersports activities that you can enjoy here. The region surrounding the beach has exquisite hotels and restaurants. It is recommended to try the local cuisine on the beachfront shacks and enjoy the cosy vibe.
Location: Bogmalo, Vasco da Gama, South Goa, Goa, India
Distance From Mormugao Fort: 13 kilometres
3. Cortalim
Photo: Dinesh Valke / Wikimedia Commons
Cortalim is a coastal village in South Goa near Mormugao Fort. This village has been of utmost importance to both locals and tourists. Cortalim has both a rich cultural and historical significance. Visitors can get insights into the traditional village lifestyle and residents who are preserving the Goan culture. There is a beautiful bridge near this village built over the Zuari River. The place is home to an ancient Shiva temple. Cortalim was previously known as Kushasthale. This place has a native Goan population which is entirely Christian. Cortalim lies in the sub-district of Mormugao and is a beautiful place to explore.
Location: Cortalim, Cortalim Village, Salcete Taluka, South Goa, Goa 403710
Distance From Mormugao Fort: 19.4 kilometres
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4. Japanese Garden
Photo: Mindaur / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Japanese Garden is a beautiful place to visit near the Mormugao Fort. The garden is open from 5 AM in the morning to 8 PM in the evening. It is located just a kilometre away from the fort. Located on a hill top this place provides amazing scenery. The garden overlooks the sea and indeed is a picturesque location. It is recommended to watch a sunrise or a sunset from the Japanese Garden which promises fun and excitement. People also visit this place for leisure time or for relaxing in the lush gardens and dense trees.
Location: Mormugao Port Trust Colony, Mormugao, Goa 403804
Distance From Mormugao Fort: 1.3 kilometres
5. St. Andrew’s Church
Photo: Balou46 / Wikimedia Commons
St. Andrew’s Church is an ancient church built in Vasco Da Gama, a city near Mormugao Fort in Goa. The church is very near to the fort and can be easily accessed. This church was built in the 16th century by the Portuguese and is one of the oldest churches in the region of Vasco da Gama. The architecture of the church is purely Portuguese-designed with baroque and other neoclassical elements. St. Andrew’s Church hosts many events and festivals throughout the year, especially during the time of Christmas and New Year’s.
Location: St. Andrew’s Church, Vasco da Gama, Goa
Distance From Mormugao Fort: 4.7 kilometres
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Where To Stay
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The city of Vasco Da Gama has multiple hotels and luxurious resorts which accommodate tourists from borders and beyond and have all modern amenities. Notable options are La-Paz Gardens Beacon Vasco Da Gama, Fab Hotel Maharaja, The Flora Grand and The HQ. Other places to stay are Hotel Rukmini, The Karma Plaza and Vasco Residency.
Where To Eat
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After exploring this ancient landmark of the colonial era, visitors can taste a few of the best dishes of Goan cuisine. There are many restaurants near the fort which offer both international and local cuisines. Some of the must-visit restaurants are The Pier- A Seaside Restaurant, Filomena’s Kitchen, The Beach Club and The Bliss By IVA Kitchen and Lounge. Other notable options are FODNI-Flavours Of Goa, Joet’s Bar and Guesthouse, Claudi’s Corner, Anna Beach Shack and Dom’s Sea Cuisine.
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Best Time To Visit
Photo: DavidPogue / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
To explore every corner of this ancient fortress, the ideal time to visit is during the drier months from November to March. The weather during this time is peaceful and pleasant enough to explore not just the fort but other places in the vicinity too. Also, check the timings of the fort before planning a trip. It is recommended to visit the fortress during the day to navigate through the ancient ruins of the same.
Mormugao Fort is indeed a historic place to visit as it provides a look into the colonial past and offers broad vistas of the Arabian Sea. Overlooking the harbour of Mormugao, this fort has been of utmost significance to the rulers in the past. Strategically perched on the hill, Mormugao Fort keeps its storied past safe. With multiple places to visit in the vicinity and things to do, this fort has been a chosen spot for tourists. Book a trip to Goa with TripXL and explore the remains of the fort.
Cover Photo: Rajib Ghosh / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
