Betul Beach (Fort side)

 Betul beach is in South Goa, 20.7 kilometers from Margao by the MDR43. It takes about 45 minutes by road from the city. Betul is at the southernmost tip of the 27 kilometers long continuous shoreline that extends from Vasco da Gama to the Sal River. The stretch of sand comes to an end at the confluence of the Sal River and the Arabian Sea at Betul. Immediately north of Betul is Mobor, followed by the popular Cavelossim beach. The stunning Betul fort is on the opposite bank of the river, offering panoramic views of the sea, the coastline, river, and the countryside.

This is a very serene and secluded beach, even during the November to January peak tourist season. It is a sandy beach with a few rocky outcrops. There are plenty of palm and casurina trees. You will also find many red crabs here. The calm Sal River flows quietly to meet the sea. A small red hill rises on the opposite side with the Betul lighthouse on top. The Betul fort is on the southern bank. You will only find a few tourists on the beach, those who explore on foot from the neighboring Cavelossim and Mobor. There is also a road that comes from the north to the confluence.

The beach gets its name from the small fishing village. It is a busy fishing community with a fishing port on the Sal River. You will see many fishing trawlers coming into the river and going to the sea. There is no bridge. But you can take the ferry service to visit the Cutbona fishing jetty.

The Betul Fort is on the edge of the Sal River with the sea on the other side. This small fort was erected in 1676 by the Hawaldar of Balli on the orders of Shivaji Maharaj. In fact, this is the only fort in Goa that interested this great Maratha King. It was constructed to guard the mouth of the river. However, the Portuguese soon became interested and took control of the fort in 1764. They held it till 1961 when Goa became a part of India.

It is in ruins now. But you can still see many cannons on the ramparts. The State Archives and Archaeology department or the Archeological Survey of India does not recognize it as a fort of historical importance. However, the Goa History Lovers group has recently put up a board here.

Ajay Raj