It is unclear where the idea originated. Some say it came from coastal Gujarat while others point to Cape Comorin. But it took Goan Carpenters years to perfect Goa’s traditional architectural curiosities: ‘the Mother of Pearl shell inlay Windows’. Glass…
Another Sunday and this time I plan to conquer all the six forts north of the Mandovi river on my trusty horse cycle. *Information about the forts are in separate posts. I started my ride from Britona Residency, under the…
The Chapora fort is a monument rich in historical lore and intrigue, located on a hillock above the mouth of the Colvale river, overlooking Vagator beach, its name is said to come from Shahpura, or Royal City, for there was…
The Tiracol fort was originally built by the Maharaja of Sawantwadi, Khem Sawant Bhonsle. However, it was wrested from him by the Portuguese in 1746. After being revamped by them in 1764, it became an important military bastion, guardian of…
One of the largest Portuguese fortresses in the subcontinent, Aguada is a great example of 17th-century military architecture that stands fairly intact. Named for the fresh water spring that gives the fort a constant supply of potable water, ‘Agua’ being…
Standing on the site of a small Bijapuri fort near the narrowest point of the Mandovi estuary, which was captured by the Portuguese in 1510, Reis Magos is probably the oldest Portuguese fort in Goa. The old Bijapuri foundation was…
The River Sal is a small river in Salcete which was once an economic hub to the various villages in South Goa. The meaning of word Sal means “salt” in Portuguese and people used to flock from neighbouring villages and…
The River Sal the third largest river in Goa measures 35 kilometers in length. On Sunday I decided to cycle from the spot where the river originates, atop the Verna plateau till where it flows into the Arabian Sea, crossing…
The beautiful village which is today called Chandor was earlier known as Chandrapur and was the capital of the Kadamba rulers, which ruled Goa until its conquest by Vijaynagars in 1367. It is also known as old capital of Goa….
It’s time of Golden Showers in Goa at the moment – the Copper Pod tree taking a cue of approaching summer are erupting in a huge flush and making its yellow-crowned presence felt where they have been allowed to grow….