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Tiracol is in the northernmost tip of Goa. It is wild,
beautiful and probably one of the few remaining virgin
locations of Goa, an estuary where the river meets the
Arabian Sea in the unreal silence of mangroves. Not
only that, it is also a magnet for history enthusiasts
who want to delve into the rich past of this quaint
settlement. Tiracol is not a place that boasts of overtly
luxurious, but such is the aura of this destination
that it never fails to leave a lasting impression of
its untamed beauty on its visitors.
Tiracol originally belonged to the Bhonsale dynasty,
but was captured by the Portuguese in 1746. Though it
occupied just 2 sq miles, Tiracol had a strategic location
over the river, its access and a right to collect taxes
from the incoming ships. After Indian Independence this
fort was an important place where satyagrahis agitated
against the reign of the Portuguese in 1961.
Tiracol is known mainly because of its fort. But it
is a rare treat if one enjoys activities connected to
nature. It has many places to catch an enthusiast’s
eye.
Fort Tiracol: Built by the Marathas, this fort was
captured by the Portuguese in 1776. Later, the fort
served as a base for freedom fighters during the liberation
of Goa in 1961. The fort contains a 100-year-old chapel
of St Anthony and a 400-year-old church of the Holy
Trinity within its walls. It has now been converted
into a heritage hotel, where the staying experience
is like reliving the past.
Fishing and backwater trips: Tiracol has some of the
most beautiful backwaters, which have barely been discovered,
and that are rich with bird-life. Here, one can spot
many water birds such as open bill storks, reef herons,
pond herons, sandpipers, stilts, stork-billed kingfishers
and even the exotic Paradise flycatcher with its long
ribbon tail. In the span of a week, one could see more
than 75-80 species.
Sawantwadi: Sawantwadi is a former royal 'gadi', ruled
by the Sawant Bhonsale dynasty. The palace, constructed
of red laterite, with the Lester Gate leading up to
it, is an unusual royal residence with palm trees in
its gardens, overlooking Moti Talao, the pearl lake.
Sawantwadi is famous for its wooden toys and furniture.
The lacquer work is also exquisite as are the Ganjifa
cards- playing cards with the ten suites based on the
dasa-avatars of Vishnu.
Others: The other sights close by are the Portuguese
forts of Chapora, Alorna, Reis Mago and Cabo de Rama
and the Dutch Palace. Chapora, in particular, overlooks
one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, Vagator. One
can also visit Arambol or Harmal, fishing settlements,
for water sports.
Seasons to visit:
Tiracol is hot and humid during the summers. Thus,
the best time to visit this holiday venue is from September
to February.
Getting there:
By Air: The nearest airport is Dabolim airport, 29
kms from Panjim. It is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore,
Chennai, Cochin and Pune.
By Rail: The closest railhead is Sawantwadi, on the
Konkan Railway.
By Road: Tiracol is well connected by road to Mumbai,
Panjim and other important towns via NH 4A, 17 and 17A.
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