Reis Magos Fort, Goa: History, Entry Fees, Timings and Nearby Attractions

Reis Magos Fort, located on the banks of Mandovi, stands tall in the Bardez district of North Goa, commanding its aura of security and protection. It is an underrated tourist spot featuring Portuguese-era cannons, a spectacular library, and heartfelt views of the sea. 

This is a must-visit place in the Goa itinerary with its storied history and architectural grandeur. If you want to know the details about this landmark, follow along with this article that includes its timing, entry fees, and nearby places to explore for the wholesome Goan travel experience.

Reis Magos Fort: Practical Info Box

Reis Fort is the cultural gem of North Goa that should be on every traveller’s bucket list. Here is Reis Magos Fort information such as its location, timings, and exploration time:

Location	Beside Three Kings church, Bardez, Fort, Verem, Nerul, Goa 403114
Entry Fees	₹50 for adults and ₹25 for children
Timings	9:30 to 5:00 pm and remains closed on Monday
Exploration Time	1-2 hours
Best Time to Visit	Winter (November to February)
Fort Type	Coastal/defensive port
Famous for	Portuguese architecture, scenic views of the Mandovi River, and the heritage museum.

History of Reis Magos Fort

Reis Magos Fort history is all about changes that symbolise the influx of the new era. Let’s see the rich history associated with the fort:

• The fort was originally built by Adil Shahi, ruler of Bijapur, as an outpost in 1493. 
• As the ruler’s foundation weakened, the Portuguese took control of this military post and built the first iteration of the fort in 1551 to defend the narrowest part of the Mandovi River. 
• In 1707, it was fully rebuilt to protect against the Maratha and Adil Shahi armies. 
• Before it was heavily militarised, the monument’s extravagance was used to host the viceroys and generals who visited from Portugal to India.
• It was also occupied by the British army from 1798 to 1813. 
• During the 1900s, the fort lost its military significance and was converted into a prison that operated until 1993. 
• Today, it stands as the cultural and historical center of the state of Goa.

Reis Magos Fort Timings and Entry Fees

The fort remains open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed on Monday. Reis Magos Fort entry fee is ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children, and ₹100 for foreign nationals. You can take phone cameras inside for free, but there is an extra charge of ₹250 for a DSLR. Visit the fort in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather and the best lighting.

Things to do at Reis Magos Fort

Visit the race magos fort to explore the art gallery of Mario Miranda’s caricatures, see the historic artillery, and attend the light and sound shows. It is a well-preserved structure that combines culture, photography, and peaceful seaside strolls. 

1. View the Artillery 

Check out the 33 iron cannons that are strategically positioned here to defend the narrow estuary of the Madovi River. The artillery was originally established at the outpost in 1493 before it was expanded by the Portuguese in 1551. Still, there are 7 original Portuguese-era cannons on display. Also, view the “death hole” on the entrance that was designed to drop hot oil or throw balls of fire on the intruders.

2. Visit Mario Miranda Gallery 

Wander through the halls to see the exhibition dedicated to Goan cartoonist Mario de Miranda, which adds a distinct cultural touch to the experience. This combines history, art, and amazing scenery into a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors.

3. Explore the Reis Magos Church

It is the oldest church in the Bardez district, located at the base of the fort. This church was built in 1555 by Franciscan friars. It features Corinthian columns and a crown with royal arms. The base of the steps displays the carved lion reminiscent of the Vijayanagar Empire. It houses the remains of Dom Luís de Ataíde, a famous Portuguese viceroy, and experiences heavy foot traffic during the annual January 6th feast.

4. Take a Scenic Walk 

Stroll through the surrounding roads of the fort area for the pleasing views of the region. Head down to the riverfront for the eye-catching scenery of the Panjim skyline across the water.

5. Attend the Light and Sound Show

The light and sound show is a multimedia presentation that narrates the region’s Indo-Portuguese history. This show is usually conducted in the evening. However, the schedule is subject to change according to the season and the day of the week. It’s suggested to check the current schedule before the visit.

How to Reach Reis Magos Fort?

Travellers have many options to reach Reis Magos Goa, comfortably. You may easily reach there by bus or taxi from the Manohar International Airport (Mopa) and from railheads like Thivim Railway Station and Madgaon Junction. People also prefer to take a ferry ride across the Mandovi River, as the Reis Magos jetty connects Panaji and Betim. 

Let’s see the ways to reach this fort by air, train, road, and ferry:

By Air 

The nearest airport to the fort is Manohar International Airport in Mopa, at a distance of about 20 km. On the other hand, Goa International Airport in Dabolim is about 35 km away from the fort. 

Both are major hubs that connect to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai, and International locations such as Doha, London, and Moscow. You can easily hire a taxi to reach the fort from the airports, which will cost about ₹ 1000 to 1500. 

By Train

The nearest railway station is Thivim Railway Station, located about 15 to 18 km away from the fort. This station is connected to Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Kochi, Ahmedabad, and Patna. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the final destination from this railhead by taxi.

Another railway station is Madgaon Junction, which is about 45 km away. It connects to regional hubs Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Mangalore, and Kochi. Hiring a taxi takes about 60 to 90 minutes to reach the fort area.

By Road

Many state-run (KTC) and private buses run from Panaji or Mapusa to Verem. From the Verem bus stop, the fort is about 1 km away.

You may also take a rented scooter or taxi from Panaji (7 km away) or  Calangute (12 km away) to complete the journey.

By Ferry

Many people board a public passenger ferry across the Mandovi River from Panaji to Betim Jetty. This is about 2-3 km away from the final spot, which can be covered by taxi or auto rickshaw.

Best Time to Visit Reis Magos Fort

Winter (November to February) is considered the best time to visit Goa with clear blue skies and a cool breeze. In summer, it is preferred to explore the spot in the early morning or late afternoon to prevent harsh midday heat. The monsoon season offers greenery and fewer crowds, but the steps can be slippery. 

Winter (November to February)	This is the best time to visit the place with cool and dry weather. The time is comfortable to explore the pathways, viewpoints, and galleries.
Summer (April to June)	The weather gets very hot and humid, especially during midday. To avoid the intense heat, plan your visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
Monsoon (July to September)	The monsoon season is accompanied by heavy rainfall and lush greenery. While the fort looks absolutely scenic in this season, it is advised to practice caution due to slippery stone pathways.

Where to Eat Near Reis Magos Fort?

There are many great eateries around the fort area offering the delectable Goan cuisine. The best restaurants include Mike’s Corner, Babazin’s, Voltaire, and Taste of Goa. Let’s see the timings, location, and budget of each spot:

1. Mike’s Corner

Mike’s Corner is a restaurant near the Nerul area with laid-back vibes in a shack setting. It is about a km away from the Fort area. The best options to try at this family restaurant include veg thali, feni, prawns recheado, chonak fry, chicken tawa, and chicken crispy.

Google Ratings	⭐ 4.4/5
Location	Reis Magos, Verem, Goa 403114
Timings	11 am to 5 pm and 7 pm to 12 am
Budget	₹200–1,000 per person

2. Babazin’s

Babazin’s is one of the best restaurants in North Goa, offering authentic Goan cuisine such as seafood and regional curry. The shack is located on the banks of the Madovi River, offering a great ambience to enjoy delicious food along with sunsets. The best dishes are chorizo pulao, butter garlic squids, pork chilli fry, and prawns pulao.

Google Ratings	4.3/5
Location	Nerul – Reis Margos Rd, Reis Magos, Goa 403109
Timings	12:30 to 4:30 pm and 7:30 to 11:30 pm
Budget	₹600–1,000 per person

3. Voltaire

Voltaire is an old house converted into a restaurant, offering authentic Goan Saraswat cuisine to its guests. It contributes to the Goa vibes with laid-back wooden furniture and friendly service. Visitors often praise the delectable delicacies like rose omelette rolls, cafreal, caramel pudding, urrak-based cocktails, and feni.

Google Ratings	4.1/5
Location	Fort Road, opp. INS Mandovi Boat Pool Dock, Reis Magos, Verem, Goa 403114
Timings	12 to 3 pm and 7 to 11 pm
Budget	₹800–1,000 per person

4. Taste of Goa

Taste of Goa is located near the fort on Verem-Narul Road. It boasts of its Indian and Chinese cuisine and caters to every occasion and taste. The best dishes to try are biryani, prawn curry, kingfish rawa fry, chicken xacuti, and butter chicken.

Google Ratings	4.6/5
Location	Ambekhand,Reis, Magos, Verem, Nerul, Goa 403114
Timings	8 am to 10:30 pm
Budget	₹400–1,600 per person

Nearby Places to Explore Around Reis Magos Fort

For a memorable North Goa trip, combine the fort visit with nearby attractions like Coco Beach, Fort Aguada, and Candolim Beach. If you have time, explore the city of Panjim at your own pace. Take a look below to know the details of the nearby places:

1. Coco Beach (About 2.6 Km Away) 

It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa, considered a gateway between Candolim and Nerul. This beach is well known for its water activities, sunbathing, bird watching, and Goan seafood restaurants. It is a frequently visited picnic spot for the locals and tourists alike. You may take a boat trip that is called the “dolphin spotting trip,” as it offers glimpses of wild dolphins. 

Location	Coco Beach Dandarim
Timings	Open 24/7
Entry Charges	Free entry

2. Fort Aguada & Aguada Jail Museum (About 10 Km Away)

Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1612 to protect Goa from the Dutch and Marathas. It has an internal jail complex built to house the freedom fighters who were fighting for Goa’s independence. This 400-year-old structure has a storied past. Take a walk through it to immerse yourself in its history, Portuguese-style architecture and stunning sea views.

Location	Parking, Aguada Fort, Aguada – Siolim Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515
Timings	10 am to 8 pm
Entry Charges	₹300 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for international tourists

3. Candolim Beach (About 7 Km Away)

Candolim Beach is comparatively a quieter beach, perfect for relaxation and water sports like water skiing and parasailing. It begins at the Aguada Fort and is a half-hour distance from Panjim. This beach offers a blend of souvenir stalls, restaurants, and bars for an enjoyable experience. It has a long coastline, north to Calangute and south to Sinquerim, providing a glimpse of goan mood.

Location	Candolim Beach, Goa
Timings	Open 24/7
Entry Charges	Free entry

4. Panaji (Panjim) (About 8 Km Away)

If you have time for the relaxed itinerary, take a tour of the city of Panjim, which is the capital of Goa. There is a unique colonial feel to Panjim with its architectural style. 

Don’t miss out on walking through the pastel-hued lanes of the Fontainhas (old Portuguese quarter) and visiting the iconic Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Panaji is equally exciting to gain the Goan culinary experience with some of the authentic restaurants.

You may also visit the Anjuna Flea Market Goa, to shop from the hundreds of stalls selling bohemian clothing, handicrafts, silver jewelry, and spices. It is about 16 km away from the Fort area. The market operates on Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm.

Quick Tips for Reis Magos Fort Visit

When you visit the fort, you may follow some tips for a smoother journey, like avoiding the trip during the crowded season, wearing comfortable footwear, and carrying some cash. 

• The place is often crowded during the holiday seasons, weekends, and the late morning hours. Try to come in the early morning hours, which are most peaceful. 
• Wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Avoid heels as the fort involves a steep incline and uneven pathways. 
• Don’t rely completely on digital payments and carry some cash for small purchases and entry charges.
• Be cautious and avoid leaning over the fort walls. Follow the guidelines and keep your belongings secured.

Bottomline

If you want to see Goa beyond its beaches, Reis Magos Fort is a must-visit spot for you. It is historic, educational, and serene. It is a hidden gem that is visited by history enthusiasts, culture explorers, and architecture lovers alike.

Combine it with other nearby places like Coco and Candolim Beach and Panjim city for unforgettable memories with friends and family.