Tiracol Fort, also known as Terekhol Fort, is a mediaeval fortress in the Indian state of Goa's northernmost region. The fort is located on the Terekhol River's northern bank and is accessible from the town of Querim. The fort dates back to the 17th century when it was erected by the Maratha emperor Shivaji.
Initially, the fort was utilised as a military outpost to keep an eye on the Portuguese, who had established a foothold in Goa. Eventually, the Portuguese conquered it and utilised it as a customs post to collect taxes from the locals. During the Indian liberation movement, the Indian National Army utilised the fort as a base to conduct raids against the British. The fort is a remarkable blend of Portuguese and Indian design, with laterite stone ramparts and bastions and Hindu temples and shrines on the interior. The fort covers 12 acres and has a wide courtyard, a church, a lighthouse, and a few tiny dwelling apartments.
The fort has been renovated and restored multiple times throughout the years, the most recent being in 2009 when it was transformed into a boutique hotel. The hotel has preserved the fort's historical beauty and provides visitors with a one-of-a-kind experience of staying in a heritage site. Each of the hotel's six rooms and two suites is named after a famous historical figure affiliated with the fort.
Apart from staying at the hotel, tourists may learn about the fort's history by taking a guided tour of the grounds. The fort also provides breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and adjacent farmland. Tourists may also access the fort by boat across the Terekhol River and experience the local shops and eateries in Querim.