| - Pragya Jhavar
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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