Chapora Fort is an ancient citadel with a commanding view of the Arabian Sea. While it is usually attributed to the Portuguese and their conquests in India, historical records confirm that the fort is much older. It was built by Mohammed Adil Shah of the Bijapur Dynasty (1489 - 1686). Chapora Fort had great strategic importance being located on a hill above Chapora River, and yet it fell to the enemy a number of times. Today, the slopes are still steep, and the walls are already crumbling, but the structure’s defensive aspirations are evident in many places. Embrasures, gunports, and arrow slits endure, and traces of olden turrets that used to grace the stronghold can be seen. Take a brief journey into the past and start your history lesson with a guide to Chapora Fort, Goa.
Things to do / Highlights
From Shahpura to Chapora
A fort has many uses, including controlling sea passage and entry into a territory and preventing the enemy from breaching through. Mohammed Adil Shah commanded the fort to be built in 1510 to protect his rule from Hindu raiders. He was known as Shahpura. The Moslem builder used laterite rock, which is reddish in color and known to be rich in aluminum and iron. In 1683, the fort did not stand a chance against the forces of Sambaji in the reign of Adil Shah’s grandson. The fort’s rulers changed hands many times even after the Portuguese arrived in the 18th century. During the years the Portuguese flag flew above the fort, the colonizers added a tunnel from the hillock to the banks of the river and another tunnel to the seashore for a hasty retreat. The Portuguese named the fort Chapora. It was abandoned by the Europeans in 1892 and soon after altogether lost its military significance to the region.
Dil Chahta Hai
Chapora Fort is known to avid Bollywood fans by another name—Dil Chahta Hai Fort. If you are a supporter of Hindi cinema, you may have heard about a 2001 coming-of-age blockbuster hit by Farhan Akhtar, Dil Chahta Hai (The Heart Yearns). It was a recipient of the 2001 National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Hindi. The movie was shot in part in the fort’s wide, open spaces. Movie fans arrive in droves to see for themselves the astounding views of the sea, the city of Pernem in North Goa, and Chapora River. Look for the Dil Chahta Hai corner within the fort and have your photo taken there.
Travelers tips
Free entry
Once you reach the fort, you don’t have to shell out money. You and your friends can explore the fort for free and walk on the ramparts that form part of the defensive perimeter. Time your arrival between 10am to 5:30pm daily and bring plenty of water and snacks with you. The fort is open every day rain or shine.
Chapora Fort Trail
The fort is constructed using laterite stone. Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for the hike. If you don’t want to climb up the hill from Vagator Beach, then start out from the parking area for a less challenging trail. You’d hear from locals that there are certain points of interest along the way. Most of the visitors dawdle for a few snapshots at Dil Chahta Hai corner. When you are ready to move on from there, sit down to rest at Vagator Hill View and Vagator Delta View. Wherever you end up sitting down, the view will always be stunning.
Awesome sunsets
Since the fort offers a commanding vista of the sea, you must stay until late afternoon to see the sunset. Many people linger until twilight and early evening to witness nature’s breathtaking display on the western horizon. Awesome sunsets are an everyday occurrence at Chapora Fort. Best of all, you get to see the best sunset of your life for free.
Historical remains
A church dedicated to Saint Anthony was built at the fort, but there is no trace of it left in the ruins of Chapora. Do not be too disappointed because other significant structures persist. You will still see the mouths of the escape tunnels that lead to the river and the sea, along with the stones where the barracks used to stand. When you come across Muslim tombstones, be respectful and acknowledge their inviolability.
How to get there
Bus from Mapusa
Chapora River marks the northern border of Bardez (Bardes), Goa. A bus from Mapusa (Mapuça) serves a route that will take you directly to the fort. The ride should take no more than 30 minutes. Scroll down possible options online and book your ticket with time to spare. Choose wisely and don’t worry. Chapora Fort will still be standing there even if it takes you a while to find a ride.
Rent a car
If you prefer the convenience of sitting back in a taxi or a car, then book a deal with a reliable local rent-a-car service. A well-tuned engine will bring you to the fort in less than 20 minutes if you are setting out from Mapusa. Using a car service is a reasonable option if you can spare the expense.
Chapora Fort information
Chapora Fort
Address: Bardez, Goa,
Department of tourism: Goa Tourism
On a Fort Trail in Goa with an Archaeologist
Duration: 7 hours
History
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