A Memorable Stay At Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, Goa

Fort Tiracol, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

Have you ever fancied living in an ancient fort on a clifftop with a mesmerising view of the ocean in front of your eyes? If yes, then Fort Tiracol in Goa, India, is just the place to be. I visited the fort on my last visit to Goa and have tried to provide you with a vivid description of what I saw, heard, and learned.

The fort, a protected heritage property now converted into a luxury hotel, overlooks the confluence of the Tiracol River and the Arabian Sea. Located around 1.5 hours from the Manohar International Airport, Goa, the property welcomes guests with a fresh sea breeze, a spectacular panoramic view of the blue ocean, and historic fort walls that tell their own tales. 

Step into the fort's courtyard, where you see a beautiful white church, the St. Anthony's Church, at one end and a statue of Jesus at the other. The church remains open on Sundays when villagers from the nearby village of Tiracol visit it for the Sunday mass. 

St. Anthony's Church, Fort Tiracol. Image credit: Arijit Nag

The sea-facing side of Fort Tiracol has a series of rooms offering captivating ocean views. Each room has a cosy balcony where you can sip your morning or evening tea and watch the sky above the sea change colours, further enhancing the beauty of the blue ocean below. The rooms come with vintage decor and a luxurious feel that transports you to a different era. 

A room with the view of the sea at Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

The rooms also lead to a common staircase that climbs down the historic fort walls to reach an amphitheatre below, where you come closer to the ocean and simply experience the serenity of the place. Looking up, you can admire the historic fort and think about the many ancient dwellers of this bastion.

The amphitheatre at Fort Tiracol, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

It is believed that Fort Tiracol was established on a hillock in the 17th century by the ruler of Sawantwadi (present-day Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra), Khem Sawant Bhonsle. It helped the king maintain a naval fleet for defence and trade. 

At the entrance to Fort Tiracol Heritage Hotel.

Later, in 1746, the Portuguese annexed the fort, which remained under their control until 1961! The fort is also associated with India's freedom fighters, who used it as a symbolic location to demonstrate their right to independence from colonial rule.

Hence, once you learn about this fort's history, your stay becomes even more interesting as you feel the history oozing out of every part of the property. 

The beautiful view from the room at Fort Tiracol. Image credit: Arijit Nag.

Of course, another experience to look forward to at Fort Tiracol is the food served there. The dining area is, again, one with a view to remember! One story above the living area, the restaurant of Fort Tiracol, the Tavern, just soothes your eyes and soul with its gourmet food and gorgeous sea views. Try out the local Goanese cuisine here, like prawn balchao and chicken xacuti. Continental dishes are also available and are equally good.

The sunset viewpoint and half-moon beach near Fort Tiracol, Goa. Image credit: Arijit Nag

There is a fantastic sunset viewing point close to the property where you can enjoy some cosy time with loved ones while watching the sunset. Although the property lacks a beach of its own, a beautiful beach nearby is easily accessible from the fort. You can see the beach from the fort but must take a ferry across the sea to visit it. The ferry is available every half hour, and the staff will help arrange a car to take you to the ferry ghat.

In addition to the beach visit, you can also go on a fishing expedition, take a heritage walk, or explore other beaches. The staff at Fort Tiracol are always ready to help you with such arrangements.

View of the sea from a cave near Fort Tiracol, Goa.

During our stay, we took a guided heritage walk in the morning outside the property, which lasted just over an hour and gifted us with wonderful memories. The guide explained the history of the fort and the area and took us to the cliffside, where we saw the sea lashing the shores of a half-moon-shaped beach and a small, mysterious cave that ended in a phenomenal view. The locations are genuinely remarkable for photography, so make sure you dress accordingly. However, remember to wear comfortable walking shoes as the route is undulating, and heels are a definite no-no. 

The way to The Tavern in the evening with the church in the background.  Image credit: Arijit Nag

The nights at Fort Tiracol are equally enjoyable. If you are visiting as a couple, you are sure to enjoy the romantic candlelight dinner at The Tavern with light music in the background. If visiting with friends or family, it is the perfect time to relax and engage in deep conversations. The serene settings will definitely calm your mind and soothe your soul.

Read about another offbeat destination in Goa here: Wildernest Nature Resort, Chorla Ghats