Reis Magos Fort Goa

27th February 2022 - 1st March 2022, 

We were on our trip to Goa, we had chosen Candolim, North Goa as our place of stay between 27th February 2022 and 1st March 2022. This was the time we explored Reis Magos Fort Goa.
While planning for the trip to North Goa, we had put Reis Magos Fort as a must visit destination. This was due to the fact that Reis Magos Fort is one of the oldest forts in Goa and is beautifully restored.

Reis Magos is a village in Bardez Taluka. It is situated on the northern bank of Mandovi River, just opposite to the Capital City of Panaji. The village is famous for two of the iconic structures of Goa the Reis Magos Fort and the Reis Magos Church - first Church in Bardez. Reis Magos is the Portuguese name for the "Three Wise Men" from the Bible.

Just on the narrowest point of the Mandovi River, the Fort stands tall with its high and formidable walls, made of readily available and extremely durable laterite stone. At strategic points along the walls, one would see cylindrical turrets or watch towers which were a typical feature of the Portuguese architecture. Within the walls of the fort there is a fresh water spring that kept the troops full of essential resources.

The fort had 33 cannons of various sizes to safeguard the mouth of Mandovi River from invaders moving upwards towards the then capital of Goa. The fort has many underground rooms and passages and could accommodate a fully armed garrison.

Reis Magos Fort Goa - Cannons

Reis Magos Fort Goa - Structure Model

Reis Magos Fort History:

Starting from 1493, when Adil Shahi rule started in Goa, the fort originated as an armed outpost for the Adil Shah Sultanate of Bizapur.
In 1543 when Portuguese captured the region of Bardez, the fort and the adjacent Church replaced the armed outpost. Portuguese built many other forts but Reis Magos Fort remained an important fort due to its strategic location and invincibility against invasions. The fort was enlarged many times before being completely rebuilt in 1707.

Viceroys and other dignitaries arriving from and departing for Portugal used to stay at the fort.
Owing to the threat of invasion from the neighboring states the fort became a military stronghold. In 1739 it was used to repel enemies, who had occupied large sections of Bardez Taluka. 

During its service the fort fell against the British in 1793 and was briefly occupied by the British from 1798 to 1813. It was subsequently turned into a prison and served as a prison until 1993. It was then abandoned. 

Its restoration work started in 2008 under the supervision of renowned architect Gerard da Cunha.
The fort is now converted into a cultural center and is a major tourist attraction.

A small video depicting the various facts and trivia regarding Reis Magos Fort's history is as under:

Reis Magos Fort Goa - Restoration

Reis Magos Fort Timings:

Monday - Closed
Tuesday - 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday- 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Thursday- 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Friday- 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Saturday- 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday- 9:30 am to 5:00 pm

Reis Magos Fort - Death Hole

Reis Magos Fort Entry Fee:

For Adults: Rs. 50 per person
For Students: Rs. 25 per person
For Children below 8years No Entry Fees.
If you carry a Camera you have to pay additional Rs. 250. 
Rs. 10 per person on Sundays and Goa Govt Holidays

Reis Magos Fort - Map

Average Duration required to Visit Reis Magos Fort:

To visit the Reis Magos Fort and appreciate its grandeur one would need at least 1-2 hours. If you are a history lover then you can appreciate the various rooms &galleries in the fort which have been magnificently restored and are full of historical facts. One get's a panoramic view of the Mandovi River and the adjoining areas from the top of the fort; hence nature lovers would enjoy the sublime beauty of the panoramic picturesque views all around.

Reis Magos Fort - Gallery with Historical Facts

Reis Magos Fort - Gallery with Facts

Best Time to Visit Reis Magos Fort:

As locals suggested best time to visit Reis Magos Fort is between October to March as then the temperature in Goa is in the moderate range. Goa experiences scorching heat between the summer months of April and Early June, this is the time that people generally avoid visiting Goa. The Monsoon starts in June and ends in September. This is the time when the foliage is lush green. Hence one may opt to visit the fort in the monsoons as well. Having said that visiting the fort in any season is an enriching experience.

Reis Magos Fort - Solitary Confinement Cell

Reis Magos Fort - The Armory

How to reach Reis Magos Fort:

Reis Magos Fort is towards the northern part of Goa. It is near the Nerul area. It takes less time to reach the Fort if you are staying somewhere in North Goa and travelling from there. Having said that it is well connected to any part of Goa. Normally People hire a Taxi/Cab or a Two wheeler for their Trip to the fort area. 
In general Goa is well connected to the world via Goa International Airport. It is also connected to various other Indian States and Cities via road and railways. Major Railway Stations being Margao and Vasco-da-Gama.

Reis Magos Fort - Art work

Reis Magos Fort - View from a window

Other Important Information about Reis Magos Fort:

Clothings for Reis Magos Fort : Cotton clothes during the months of October to March and rain-cover during Monsoons.

Fooding /Lodging/Hotels on Reis Magos Fort route : Meals and Hotels available at North Goa, Central Goa etc. Hotels need to be pre-booked during peak season. Variety of foods options available on the route.

Petrol Pumps on Reis Magos Fort route: Nerul, North Goa, Central Goa etc.

ATMs on Reis Magos Fort route available at: North Goa, Central Goa etc.

Bike Repair Mechanics on Reis Magos Fort route available at : North Goa, Central Goa etc.

Car Repair Mechanics on Reis Magos Fort route available at: North Goa, Central Goa etc.

Phone Network Connectivity: Phone Network is good in this area.

Medical Care: Hospitals available at North Goa, Central Goa etc.

Any Special Permission Needed by Indian Citizen to Visit Reis Magos Fort: No.

Places to Visit near Reis Magos Fort:  Reis Magos Church, Candolim Beach etc.

    + Disclaimer: Information provided above is based on self experience and collected from various other sources.

               Credits: Videos Created on Windows 10 Video Editor.

             Background Music in the Videos has been picked from Windows 10 Video Editor Background Music.

Reis Magos Fort - Climb to reach Entrance

Reis Magos Fort Goa - View from the top