The historic 17th century Betul Fort located at the foot of the Betul hill, overlooking the Salcete coastline was built by Hawaldar of Balli on the orders of Shivaji, the Maratha ruler in 1679.
Hawaldar of Balli was a local administrator appointed by Shivaji, who ruled this southern region at that time and had cordial relations with Soundekars. Goa had 50-odd forts and this is perhaps the only fort in Goa built by Shivaji. Shivaji died in 1680 and this could be the last fort built by him during his career.
In 1763, the Portuguese struck a pact with the King of Sunda (Soundekars) and annexed the area. They later established a custom house which still exists, a police station and post office in the fort.
The view from the fort bastion on the southern bank of River Sal is panoramic. The river empties into the Arabian Sea and the scene extends from the tip of Mobor beach in the north to the village of Betul in the east along the extensive bay below the range of hills.
* Betul fort is approximately 24kms from Margao, the Baracadi Cross and the Betul Lighthouse are about 3 kms before the fort on the same route.
