Fort Terekhol or Fort Tiracol (तेरेखोलचा किल्ला)

In front of the fort, lies the famous lonely and cool Terekhol beach.
 

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1. Terekhol (तेरेखोल) is on Sindhudurg-Goa border and comes under Goa state.

2. You can reach here from Sawantwadi (सावंतवाडी) by a private vehicle. Terekhol is about 1 hour distance from Kudal.

3. Terekhol can be reached form Panji (पणजी) (Goa) also in half an hour by a private vehicle.

Terrace on the fort

Portuguese church inside Fort Terekhol

Terekhol beach

1. Portuguese Fort - Terekhol is spelled as Tiracol in Portuguese. Fort Tiracol is Portuguese fort built about 300-400 years back. Since the fort lies on the border it was important for Portuguese rule after Shivaji captured Sawantwadi area and raised a mightier navy. Fort is not situated at the sea shore of Arabian sea but is a bit inside the Terikhol Khadi (creek).

2. Fortification - The fort is quite small with not much great defense. There are no bastions but in stead there are Portuguese style watch posts at all corners. Walls are not rounded at corners. Fort door is approximately 8 feet tall and rectangular shaped unlike the common forts of India.

3. Inside the fort - Inside the fort lies a Portuguese church centrally located occupying major of the area of the fort. To the left of the church is the two storey building where the hotel rooms lie. Fort structure is maintained properly by the hotel and colored wherever required without hampering the ancient glory.

4. Hotel Fort Tiracol - Hotel Fort Tiracol welcomes you with inviting lawns outside the fort walls. Fort is allowed to see for the visitors but be careful not to destroy anything. A staircase to the right takes you to a open space from where you can see watch posts, church and beautifully decorated lounge of the hotel. From here you can see the beautiful Terekhol beach and the motor launch that cross Terekhol creek. Hotel Fort Tiracol gives a great view of the creek joining the Goa sea.

5. Terekhol beach - After you pass some time here, leave the fort and reach the motor launch jetty that will take you to Terekhol beach. The launch is free for humans but charges 30-35 rupees for vehicles like Sumo, bikes or tempo travelers. Since this is Goa beach, of course drinks are lot cheaper here. the beach is developed like a foreign beach with chairs, beach umbrellas, etc.

6. Caution - Do not buy and try to take any drinks back inside Sindhudurg. At the border checking is done and you will have to pay duty on drinks as per Maharashtra rules. So buy drinks and drink there in Goa only.

Terekhol creek (तेरेखोल खाडी)

While coming back, you can reach Sawantwadi by the same route back. Do not buy and try to take any drinks back inside Sindhudurg. At the border checking is done and you will have to pay duty on drinks as per Maharashtra rules.

If you have come form Goa then return back to Goa by the same route.

Time to climb	0.5 hour to see the fort
Food	Available at Hotel Fort Tiracol (but costly) or at Terikhol beach
Drinkable Water	Available at Hotel Fort Tiracol (but costly) or at Terekhol beach
Shelter	Hotels at Goa, Sawantwadi or Kudal or Hotel Fort Tiracol

1. Go Goa - Terekhol is part of Goa. So whole Goa is open to you for Tourism. There are endless number of spots, beaches, temples and hotels in Goa to visit.

2. Sawantwadi - A shoppers' stop for Sindhudurg visitors to buy wooden toys, show pieces, games, cashew, mango, kokum etc. also a centrally places lake in the city with a beautifully decorated garden at the shore.

3. Sindhudurg fort - Terekhol fort and beach can be covered if you are on Sindhudurg picnic. It takes hardly 3-4 hours to enjoy the beach and the fort.

More Pictures

http://sanketsan1.tripod.com/sindhudurg