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A Journey across India: The call to Adventure

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An easy, practical and in-sequence itinerary planner I have travelled the length and breadth of India, and am truly proud of its rich and varied heritage. I am amazed by the tradition and values, the people, festivals, celebrations and the changing landscape. Have you wondered if it's possible to travel across India completely? Most foreigners arriving in India, land in Delhi and then travel the Golden Triangle route first- which is a good decision incase you have limited time at hand and want to make the most of it. The Golden Triangle- Delhi, Agra and Jaipur includes the much hyped Taj Mahal which invariably is part of a tourist's bucket list. This blog on the other hand- is a sequential strategy and detailed 'been there done that' itinerary plan starting from Mumbai. I am sure as we go through this Journey you will understand India better. My experiences are based from the perspective of a - digital nomad, budget backpacker and from a local standpoint. Each Itinerar
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Rachol Seminary, Fort and Church visit~ turning through a page of history

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Rachol is a quiet village about 9kms from the town of Madgaon. It is known for 3 historical landmarks.

Rachol fort
Rachol Seminary
Seminary church


Rachol fort

Rachol fort is actually a legacy of the pre-Portuguese era, a time in history when the Bahmani Sultanate ruled Goa. It is said to have been built from 1461 to 1481 possibly by Mahmud Gawan.

 A bloddy battle ensued between the muslim Bahamani rulers and the Vijayanagara Hindu kings, who won the battle, and the fort thus came under their control.

The Portuguese were routed in their 1st attempt to capture Goa from the Bahmanis, as the Adil Shahs were tough contenders of the region. The Vijayanagara kings struck a deal with the Portuguese to defeat the Muslim rulers and offered them great support, in exchange for Rachol fort.

It was during their 2nd conquest, that the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque were finally able to defeat Ismail Adil Shah and took control of Goa in 1510. And that is how Rachol fort passed on from the Vijayanagara kings to the Portuguese.

Sadly, not much is left of the fort except this main archway.

The main archway of Rachol fort. Not much is left of the fort
The main archway of Rachol fort. Not much is left of the fort




Rachol Seminary and Seminary church

Rachol church lies within the fort precincts and was first built in 1565. It is dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Neves (Our Lady of Snows). Since the start of Covid (past 2 years) the church is closed for laypeople.


Tip~ There is also another church with the exact same name close by in Raia, and not to be confused.


The church and seminary owes credit to the Jesuits*. The funds on the other hand needed for this building was provided by the King of Portugal, Dom Sebastião. 

*Jesuits, Franciscans, Carmelites etc are different orders of the Roman Catholic Church.

The coat of arms of the King of Portugal at the entrance door of Rachol Seminary, Rachol GOA
The coat of arms of the King of Portugal at the entrance door of Rachol Seminary, Rachol GOA


The Seminary where young men train to join the priesthood, and hence a great part of the Seminary may not be open to visitors.

Rachol Seminary, Goa
Rachol Seminary, Goa




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