Reis Magos Fort: A Historic Gem in Goa

Introduction
The Reis Magos Fort is located on the banks of the Mandovi, about two miles from Fort Aguada. Reis Magos Fort is one of the popular ancient monuments of Goa and is owned by the Government of Goa. This is a 400-year-old fort of Goa. This fort was constructed in the year 1551 and is one of the oldest forts in Goa. Today, the fort comes under the ownership of the Government of Goa and finds itself on the list of Ancient Monuments of Goa.

Reis Magos Fort was built primarily to protect the narrowest point of the Mandovi estuary. It proved very useful during the wars against the Maratha rulers in the 18th century. It also served as a residence for the Viceroy and other officials visiting via Lisbon. Although it was briefly occupied by the British Army from 1798 to 1813, they later vacated it. This fort has been used many times, first as a jail and then as a hospital. This fort has been opened for public darshan in June 2012.

In the year 2007, the Government of Goa signed a tripartite agreement with INTACH and the Helen Hamlin Trust. According to this, it was decided to renovate the fort to use it as a cultural centre. Presently, the fort functions under a guided vision and mission to promote cultural heritage in Goa. That is why, it has also become a centre for showcasing many exhibitions, fairs, festivals and educational programs. The fort is visible from Panaji, located across the Mandovi River from it.

A Glimpse of History
The first incarnation of Reis Magos Fort was a military post, built in 1493 by the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur. When the Sultanate lost to the Portuguese, a fort was built in 1551 as the first line of defence for the then-capital Velha Goa. The fort was expanded several times, before being completely rebuilt in 1707. It is said that the British occupied the fort from 1798 during the period of the Napoleonic Wars. With the decline in the threat of naval attack in the early 1900s, and with the transfer of the capital of Goa from Velha Goa to Panjim, the fort fell into disuse as a military fortification. Step inside the fort and you will find that you have stepped back in time. Explore its winding corridors, hidden chambers and strong ramparts, each of which echoes the whispers of bygone eras. The fort served as an important defence post during the Portuguese era, protecting the bustling port city of Old Goa from invaders.

Scenic Views and Tranquil Surroundings
Reis Magos Fort offers beautiful views and a tranquil atmosphere that will be a delightful retreat for all visitors. If you love to visit historical places then Reis Magos Fort would be a perfect place for you during your trip to Goa. You will be rewarded with picturesque views of the sparkling waters of the Arabian Sea and the quaint villages located close to the beach. You can feel the gentle ocean breeze caressing your skin as you enjoy the tranquillity of this historic site.

How to Reach Reis Magos Fort -
The best and most comfortable way to reach this fort is to take a self drive rental car. Reis Magos Fort is located at a distance of about 8.4 kilometres from Panaji. This distance can be easily covered by renting a self drive car and you can also visit other tourist places by renting a self drive car.

Best Self Drive Car Rental Services in Goa -
Car4Hires provides the best self drive car rental services in many different areas of Panaji and Goa. You can rent a self drive car from Car4Hires, whether you are in Panaji or anywhere else. Hiring a self drive car from Car4Hires will make your trip to Reis Magos Fort and other tourist places in Goa convenient. You can easily book a self drive car by visiting the Car4Hires website. Car4Hires' online car booking system is very convenient for booking a car.

Book a Self Drive Car With Car4Hires -
To book a self drive car you just need to visit the Car4Hires website. We offer a very convenient online car booking process so that you can easily book a rental car for yourself with just a few clicks. If you face any issues while booking a rental car, you can contact our staff via chat or call. Our staff will guide you and resolve your queries.

Best Time to Visit Reis Magos Fort -
You can visit Reis Magos Fort any time of the year but the best time to visit this fort is from late October to February. The months in between are considered to be the best time to plan a trip to Goa as the weather in Goa is pleasant during this time. The most favourable time to visit this fort is from October to February. Avoid visiting this fort during summer as the temperature is above 40 degrees Celsius.

FAQs about Self Drive Car Rentals in Goa

Are self driving cars a good thing for travel?
Yes, self drive cars are a great option for travelling as it gives you the freedom and convenience to travel wherever or whenever you want. This saves you a lot of time and gives you privacy while travelling. Nowadays, self drive cars is the best option compared to local buses, taxis or any other public transport.

Is it safe to hire a self drive car in Goa?
Yes, it is completely safe to rent a self drive car in Goa or anywhere else if you hire a rental car from a trusted car rental provider. Car4Hires is one of the most trusted car rental providers in Goa. We provide self drive rental cars at affordable prices and also provide a free cancellation process within 24 hours. We also give good discounts on pre-booking. Our staff is also available to assist with your questions through the call or chat process.

What are the prices of self drive rental cars in Goa?
The price of a self drive rental car in Goa is based on the type of car, rental duration and rental company. It is advisable to choose a good and trustworthy car rental company and check factors like insurance coverage and the condition of the vehicle before booking. Car4Hires is one of the most trusted car rental providers in Goa and the prices are very reasonable too. Car4Hires offers good discounts on pre-booking. If you are planning to visit Goa then you can book a self drive car from Car4Hires.

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