The Aguda Fort
Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea, bringing the
seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada Fort, which crowns the rocky
flattened top of the headland, is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa. Built in
1612 to protect the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders,
it is home to several natural springs, the first source of drinking water available to
ships arriving in Goa after the long sea voyage from Lisbon.
EATING OUT
Candolim's numerous beach cafes are a cut above your average seafood shacks, with
pot plants, state-of-the-art sound systems and prices to match. Basically, the farther
from the Taj Complex one ventures, the more realistic the prices become. The main road is
also dotted with restaurants serving the usual selection of fresh fish dishes, with a
handful of continental options thrown in.
HOW TO GET THERE
Road: Buses to and from Panjim stop every twenty minutes or so at the stand
opposite the Casa Sea Shell, in the middle of Candolim. A few also continue south to the
fort Aguada Beach Resort Terminus, from where services depart every thirty minutes for the
capital via Nerul village. Taxis wait outside the major resort hotels and can be flagged
down on the main road.
WHERE TO STAY
Candolim is charter-holiday land, so accommodation tends to be a little expensive for most
of the season. The best place to start looking is at the end of the lane that leads to the
sea opposite the Canara Bank, at the north side of the village.
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