For centuries the Tiracol fort, located along the northern most border of Goa, has served as the coastal sentinel for a string of kings and rulers.
It was built in the 17th century by then ruler of Sawantwadi province in Maharashtra, thanks to the vantage point it commands over the Arabian sea and at a time when trade was largely carried out through ships hugging the coastline.
The fort, given its significance in maritime warfare, was later taken over by the Portuguese rulers of Goa. Historically, it holds significance even today, because one of the first Indian flags to unfurl in Goa, was at the very same fort during the Goan struggle for independence from Portuguese rule.
Decades later, the significance of the fort is now the tourism potential it commands. It’s rugged built and the stunning view it commands of the Arabian sea and the river which flows alongside is stunning and one which takes the viewer’s breath away.
A majority of the fort is now a part of a resort, but the fort itself is open to visitors and should be on your to-do list if you are frequenting the Tiracol, Arambol, Ashwem beach areas. The fort is only a short distance from the beach and requires a short ride by a ferry to access it.
Tiracol fort
In Pernem taluk, near Tiracol, Arambol beaches
For thousands of devotees in south Goa, the Shri Damodar temple located on the picturesque banks of the Kushawati river, in Zambaulim, represents a fervent sense of hope and expectation. The gulal festival at the Shri Damodar temple is one of the most looked forward to events in the month of Phalgun, with devotees thronging the temple premises with gulal or pink coloured powder which is used in religious and social celebrations in Goa.
The temple itself is located in Zambaulim village which is located around 22 km from Margao city in the heart of the Quepem sub district.
The extremely popular temple is home to the deity which is a reincarnation of Lord Shiva. It was originally located in Margao, but was relocated during the Portuguese inquisition. The new temple was relocated sometime in the 1800s and also has an idol of Lakshmi Narayan and shrines of goddesses Chamundeshwari.
Interestingly, the Shri Damodar temple has both Hindus as well as Christians in its long list of devotees. Getting to the temple is not difficult at all, just follow the National Highway 66 to the destination. The closest railway station to Shri Damodar temple is at Balli.
Shri Damodar temple
Zambaulim village, in Quepem taluka
