Inside the transformation of Goa’s historic Aguad Jail, ET TravelWorld

Nestled at the foothills of Sinquerim Hill in Candolim, Goa, amidst swaying coconut palms and crashing waves stands the historic Aguad Port & 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 segment of visitors, including Goa’s own residents. The destination is accessible by both road as well as to-and-fro boat transfers from Panjim.

The Aguad Port and Jail Complex also houses the state-of-the-art digital museum, the Aguad Interactive Museum. The renovated complex seamlessly blends history and culture, celebrating Goa’s vibrant identity and serving as a hub for cultural exchanges amidst picturesque landscapes.

A must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike, the museum provides interactive kiosks equipped with a smart content management system. Visitors can access audio guides via a mobile-friendly web app using QR codes spread throughout the site, ensuring a truly engaging and educational experience.

ET Travel World recently sat down with Naveen Chopra, Group CEO, Waterfront Experiences, to discuss the ambitious transformation of the historic Aguada Jail in Goa into a vibrant cultural destination. Chopra is the man who stands at the helm of this fort, who has helped repurpose this historic site into a cultural center unique to India, helping showcase that Goa has so much more to offer apart from sunny skies and sandy beaches.

Showcasing Goa’s cultural heritage
One of the key highlights of the revamped complex is a digital museum that chronicles Goa’s history, from prehistoric times through the Portuguese colonial period to the present day. “The museum offers a comprehensive understanding of Goa’s legacy, allowing visitors to spend an hour to an hour and a half exploring its rich culture,” says Chopra.

Aguad Goa, the newly repurposed historic site, now transformed into a cultural center, seamlessly harmonising the old and the new, unique destination that has been bringing art and culture alive. This historic site now holds fort as a cultural center unique to India, curated to showcase the cultural richness of India via a plethora of food and beverage options, as well as a bookshop, and a digital museum.

The museum is part of a broader effort to turn the Aguada Jail into a cultural hub. The complex now hosts a variety of events, exhibitions, and dining options that draw both tourists and locals. “We’ve converted former barracks and warehouses into art galleries and inaugurated three exhibitions celebrating India’s civilizational marvels, including ancient manuscripts, traditional jewelry, and the symbolism of the lotus flower,” Chopra notes.

Preserving history while ensuring commercial success
Chopra’s vision for the Aguada Jail complex is as much about preserving history as it is about ensuring commercial success. “This complex is over 400 years old, originally built by the Portuguese as a jail and later evolved into a port, customs house, and cultural hub,” Chopra explains. His team faced the daunting task of revitalising a site rich with history while making it a viable tourist attraction.

“Our overriding concern was to ensure that commercial objectives never overshadowed the rich history and culture that this jail represents for Goa,” Chopra emphasises. The complex has seen a full restoration, bringing back its past glory while accommodating modern needs.

A win-win for all stakeholders
For Chopra, the project is a “win-win” for all involved. “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, which contribute to the local economy and promote Goa’s rich traditions.

However, Chopra is mindful of the challenges that come with managing such a site, especially when it comes to hosting events. “We are cautious about hosting loud weddings at our venue due to safety concerns,” he mentions. The focus is on creating a space that is both respectful of its historical significance and appealing to a modern audience.

Promoting regenerative tourism
Chopra’s efforts align with the broader push towards regenerative tourism in Goa, which seeks to highlight the state’s cultural richness beyond its beaches and nightlife. “Our outreach program 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 footfall while maintaining a quality experience for visitors. “We currently welcome around 500 people a day, but our goal is to responsibly increase that number while ensuring the experience remains top-notch,” Chopra shares.

As Waterfront Experiences continues to develop the Aguada Jail complex, Chopra remains committed to his vision of making it a place where visitors can immerse themselves in Goa’s history and culture. “We’re constantly learning and adapting based on consumer reactions,” he says. The future of the complex will likely include more events, workshops, and collaborations that further enhance its role as a cultural landmark.