Oldest lighthouse in Asia!

Last December, we accompanied, Vanaja, my cousin from Hyderabad and her family on a tour to some of the famous places in North Goa. And we visited the oldest lighthouse in Asia!

The gigantic lighthouse!

This 13 metre high, lighthouse, is located inside the mammoth Aguada fort* and has guided many ships, from the European shores to Goa. Built by the Portuguese in 1864, the four-storey lighthouse, is the first of its kind in Asia! Initially an oil lamp was used (must have been an enormous one!) in this lighthouse which was later renovated.

At close quarters...

It overlooks the Arabian sea and is located 18 kilometres from Panaji, the capital city of Goa.

The Arabian sea view

At the initial stage, the lighthouse used to emit light once in 7 minutes. In 1834, it was changed to emit light creating eclipse every 30 seconds, however it was abandoned in 1976. In 1890, a smaller lighthouse named, ‘The Aguada Beacon' was built on the Mandovi river banks.

Picturesque setting: Sun, Sea and The Church of St. Lawrence at a distance

Witnessing the magnificence......

A gigantic bell retrieved from the ruins of the St. Augustine Church at Old Goa was placed in this lighthouse. However, later, the bell was moved to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church at Panaji.

Reaching this lighthouse is a light trek. The sheer height of this lighthouse is amazing. The view of the Arabian sea from the fort is refreshing!

Reaching the summit!

* To be continued.....