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At the foot of Sinquerim Hill in Candolim, Goa, amid swaying coconut trees and crashing waves lies the historic Aguad Port and Jail. This 400-year-old heritage complex has been transformed into the country’s newest cultural destination – Aguad. Open to the public since August 2021, Aguad caters to every category of visitors including Goan residents. The destination is accessible both by road as well as boat transfers to and from Panjim.
The Aguad Port and Jail complex also houses a state-of-the-art digital museum, the Aguad Interactive Museum. The renovated complex is a seamless blend of history and culture, celebrating Goa’s vibrant identity and serving as a hub for cultural exchange amid picturesque landscapes.
A must-visit spot for tourists and locals, the museum offers interactive kiosks equipped with a smart content management system. Visitors can access audio guides via a mobile-friendly web app using QR codes spread across the site, ensuring a truly engaging and educational experience.
ET Travel World recently spoke with Naveen Chopra, Group CEO of Waterfront Experiences, to discuss the ambitious transformation of the historic Aguada Jail in Goa into a vibrant cultural destination. Chopra is the man at the helm of this fortress, helping transform this historic site into a unique cultural hub for India, helping to show that there is much more to Goa than sunny skies and sandy beaches.
Showcasing Goa’s cultural heritage
One of the main features of the renovated complex is a digital museum that showcases Goa’s history from prehistoric times to the Portuguese colonial period to the present day. “The museum provides a comprehensive understanding of Goa’s heritage, giving visitors a chance to spend an hour to an hour and a half exploring its rich culture,” says Chopra.
Aguad Goa, the newly renovated historical site, has now been transformed into a cultural hub that blends the old and the new, a unique destination that brings art and culture to life. The historical site now stands as a unique cultural hub for India, designed to showcase India’s cultural richness through a plethora of dining options as well as a bookstore and a digital museum.
The museum is part of a wider effort to transform the Aguada jail into a cultural hub. The complex now hosts a variety of events, exhibitions and food options, attracting both tourists and locals. “We have converted former barracks and warehouses into art galleries and inaugurated three exhibitions celebrating India’s civilisational wonders, including ancient manuscripts, traditional jewellery and the symbolism of the lotus flower,” says Chopra.
Preserving history while ensuring business success
Chopra’s vision for the Aguada prison complex is about preserving history while also ensuring commercial success. “The complex is over 400 years old, originally built by the Portuguese as a prison and later evolved into a port, customs house and cultural centre,” explains Chopra. His team had the daunting task of reviving this site rich in history and making it a viable tourist attraction.
Chopra emphasised, “Our foremost concern was to ensure that commercial purposes never overshadow the rich history and culture that this prison represents for Goa.” The complex has undergone a complete renovation, bringing it back to its old glory while accommodating modern requirements.
Win-win for all stakeholders
For Chopra, the project is a “win-win” for everyone. “The Goa government now earns revenue from the lease, the property has been restored, and tourists have another beautiful place to visit,” he says. The complex has become a popular venue for events, including heritage walks and cultural performances, contributing to the local economy and promoting Goa’s rich traditions.
However, Chopra is aware of the challenges that come with managing such a space, especially when it comes to hosting events. “We are cautious about hosting noisy weddings at our venue due to safety concerns,” he says. Our focus is on creating a space that respects its historical significance and appeals to a modern audience.
Promoting regenerative tourism
Chopra’s efforts are in line with a broader push towards regenerative tourism in Goa, which aims to highlight the state’s cultural richness beyond its beaches and nightlife. “Our outreach programme targets tour operators, event management companies and film shoots to showcase the potential of Aguada Jail as a cultural destination,” he says.
The project aims to increase the number of visitors, while maintaining a quality experience for visitors. “We currently welcome around 500 people per day, but our goal is to increase that number responsibly, while ensuring the experience remains top-notch,” says Chopra.
As he develops the Aguada Jail complex into a waterfront experience, Chopra is committed to his vision of making it a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Goa’s history and culture. “We are constantly learning and adapting based on consumer feedback,” he says. The complex’s future will likely include more events, workshops and collaborations that will further enhance its role as a cultural destination.
Uzbekistan has expanded its tourism potential by creating new historical routes to attract more domestic and international tourists. The ‘Tourist Ring of the Golden Valley’ covers the eastern regions, while the ‘Ring of Forts’ highlights ancient western forts. In 2023, the country received 6.6 million foreign tourists, of which 42.5 thousand were from China.
