Corjuem Fort

Corjuem Fort

Corjuem Fort, a Historical spot in Goa

It was the era of Portuguese India, when the Corjuem Fort was built in the village of Aldona. It stands on Corjuem Island in Goa. Although the fort is small in size than other forts, it is in such a location where the surrounding area is viewed at a good length. Built by Caetano de Melo e Castro, it got abandoned in the year 1894. The fort is located at a distance of 12 km from the state capital, Panjim.

Legend behind

The fort was previously occupied by the Desai’s of Sankahali, but then it was handed to the Marathas. Gradually, the fort was brought under the administration of Portuguese India. It was then re constructed and the reason was to make the defense system stronger along the state.  In the early days of the 18th century, the fort used to provide security to the Corjuem town and was a military school with a chapel too. This fort has an interesting story historically. The military ground being the land of only men, created a curiosity in a Portuguese woman whose name was Ursula e Lancastre. She then disguised herself as a man and entered there but unlucky got caught and was captured later on. But then the Caption of the military group was impressed with her daring attitude and in spite of taking harsh action, married her.

About Corjuem Fort

Located in the Bardez Taluka in Northern Goa, it is actually a small island fortress which got constructed in the year 1705. It is square in shape and is featured many murder holes and gun ports. There are ramparts that can be reached through the ramp-like stairs that stands on the corners of the fortress. The fort was basically built by the Portuguese to protect themselves from the Bhonsles, Rana Rajputs, and Marathas during the 19th century. The beauty and historical importance has made the fort popular with tourists. The beautiful islands and villages can be fully viewed from this fort. Pitted lateritic stones have been used to build it. Lush greeneries surround the fort which looks awesome. Visitors are attracted to the fort due to the cable suspension bridge that connects Corjuem and Aldona. This is a major factor that attracts tourists to Corjuem as it is the one and only such bridge in the whole state.

In present days the condition of the fort is not so good due to weathering and a few parts of the fort are ruined. But still, it is in better condition and offers a significant spot for tourists. Being on top of the hill, it offers a stunning view of the countryside. The visit to Aldona is incomplete without visiting the Corjuem Fort. The place could have been a wonderful historical destination if the Goa tourism department had taken care of it. People who visited there have good reviews about the place. Although the place is not well maintained the structure looks ancient and the entrance could not be seen properly. It is a secluded place near Mapusa River, and make sure to visit the cable suspension bridge while you are there.

Useful information

The fort is available to the public every day of the week from 6 in the morning till 7 in the evening. Visiting in the cool moments of the day, that is morning and evening hours are a suitable time to visit there rather than visiting in the hot afternoon. And in the winter season, you can go there at any time of the day. A drive from Panjim to Aldona via Mapusa would take you to this secluded place away from city life. Alternatively, the fort can be reached on the ferry from Panjim to Chodan and from there Corjuem is nearby. Other nearby attractions apart from the Aldona cable bridge is the Aldona village and Corjuem Island.

The Corjuem Fort is a fantastic option to have an experience of the Portuguese reign although the place is in ruins. Historically the place is wonderful and provides a natural view of the surroundings in a far better way than other forts. There are only two islands that are still surviving and this one is one of them.

History

Corjuem Fort is a historic fort located in the Indian state of Goa. It is located in the Aldona village in the Bardez taluka, and is considered to be one of the most well-preserved Portuguese-era forts in Goa.

The fort was built in the 17th century by the Portuguese, as a means of defending against Maratha invasions and maintaining control over the region. It is situated on a hillock overlooking the River Mandovi, and has a unique triangular shape.

Throughout its history, the fort has served various purposes, including as a military outpost, a prison, and as a strategic location for observing enemy movements. During the Portuguese colonial era, it was an important defense structure and was used to control access to the River Mandovi, which was a major waterway for transportation and commerce.

Today, the fort is a popular tourist destination and is open to visitors. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the River Mandovi, and is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Goa. The fort has also been declared a protected monument by the Indian government, and efforts are underway to preserve and restore it for future generations.

Things to Do and See

If you’re planning to visit Corjuem Fort, here are some of the things you can do and see:

  1. Explore the Fortification: The fortification is the main attraction of Corjuem Fort, and visitors can explore its walls, bastions, and ramparts. The fort has a triangular shape, with its three sides surrounded by walls, and is a good example of military architecture from the Portuguese era.
  2. Panoramic Views: From the top of the fort, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the River Mandovi, and the nearby villages. The views are particularly stunning during sunset, when the skies turn golden and the surrounding landscape takes on a magical quality.
  3. Learn about the History: Visitors can learn about the history of Corjuem Fort and the role it played during the Portuguese colonial era in Goa. The fort has a rich history, and has served various purposes over the years, including as a military outpost, a prison, and a strategic location for observing enemy movements.
  4. Cultural Experience: Corjuem Fort offers a unique cultural experience, as it is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Goa. Visitors can learn about the customs, traditions, and architecture of the region and gain an appreciation for its unique history.
  5. Photography: The fort provides a great backdrop for photography, with its unique triangular shape, panoramic views, and well-preserved walls. Visitors can capture the beauty of the fort and its surroundings, and take home lasting memories of their visit.

Overall, Corjuem Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or just looking for a peaceful and scenic getaway. The fort is open to visitors throughout the year, and is a great place to spend a day exploring and taking in the beauty of Goa.

Where to stay in Corjuem Fort

Corjuem Fort is located in the village of Aldona in the Bardez taluka of Goa, India, and there are several accommodation options in the surrounding area for visitors who want to stay near the fort. Here are some options to consider:

  1. Homestays: For a more authentic and local experience, visitors can opt for homestays in the surrounding villages. These provide an opportunity to experience the local culture and hospitality, and are usually more affordable than hotels.
  2. Hotels: There are several hotels and resorts in the nearby towns of Mapusa and Panaji, which offer comfortable accommodation for visitors to Corjuem Fort. These hotels range from budget-friendly to luxurious, and provide a range of amenities and services.
  3. Guesthouses: For a more budget-friendly option, visitors can opt for guesthouses in the nearby villages. These provide basic but comfortable accommodation, and are a good choice for travelers who want to save money on accommodation.
  4. Vacation Rentals: For a more private and independent experience, visitors can rent a vacation home or apartment in the surrounding area. These provide the comfort and amenities of a home, and are ideal for families or groups of friends.

Regardless of which option you choose, it’s important to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to ensure that you have a place to stay near Corjuem Fort.

Essential Information

Here is some essential information for visiting Corjuem Fort:

  • Location: Corjuem Fort is located in the Indian state of Goa, in the village of Aldona in the Bardez taluka.
  • Opening hours: The fort is open to visitors every day of the week, and visiting hours typically run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Admission fee: There is no admission fee to visit Corjuem Fort.
  • Getting there: The nearest airport to Corjuem Fort is Dabolim Airport in Goa, which is about 45 kilometers away. From there, visitors can take a taxi or local transportation to reach the fort. The nearest railway station is in the town of Tivim, which is about 20 kilometers away.
  • Facilities: There are no facilities or restaurants within the fort, but there are several shops and restaurants in the nearby towns of Mapusa and Panaji, where visitors can purchase food, drinks, and other essentials.
  • Best time to visit: The best time to visit Corjuem Fort is from October to May, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the fort and its surroundings.
  • Safety: Visitors should exercise caution while exploring the fort, as the walls and ramparts are old and may not be safe to climb. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and to supervise children while visiting the fort.
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