About

Chapora fort also called as "Dil Chahta Hai Fort” (named after the famous Hindi movie Dil Chahta Hai)  is located northern Goa overlooking the Vagator beach at Brazed Taluk of North Goa. It is at a distance of 10 km from Mapusa Market and 22 km from Panaji. This fort is also known as Shahpura, which means 'town of Shah', was intended as a border watch post to oversee various Hindu raiders during the 17th century. The fort was built in 1612 and was besieged twice by Shivaji's son, Sambaji, in 1683 A.D. and Bhonsle in 1739 A.D. It was then occupied by the Portuguese in 1741 A.D. until the independence of Goa.  In 1683, In order to put the end on Portugal’s rule in Goa, Prince Akbar joined the forces of Marathas, who were bitter enemies of his Father Aurangzeb at that time, revolting against his Father; he sought refuge with them and made this place as their base camp. However Portugal had a scary experience with Marathas, after a horrific recovery from Marathas, Portuguese strengthen harder their Northern Defenses, learning from the experience of Maratha they were required to give the shelter for the people of the region, this was not before 1717, that this present fort was built.  An awesome site with all sides having steep slopes. The fort stands above the whole upland area having an irregular outer plan, the outline of the higher slopes, uses the natural contours to add defensive height to the fullest advantage instead of dry ditches being dug.  At the top of the steep approach track on the main gate, which is small and unpretentious for so large fort, is deep and narrow. Depending on their position of the defense requirement, the bastions with their enormous embrasures for cannon are irregularly spaced, each having the cylindrical turret that gives a special character.  Few signs are left inside of the barracks and housing, that once were filled this vast area, even St. Anthony church is disappeared, which was built in his name. Now there are only tumble stones, bushes, and herds of goat in the wide expanse of open space. A sea down a natural valley to the beach has awesome and marvelous natural access because of rocky promontories protections. At its first real test, the fort fell to the Marathas. In 1739 held for 2 years by the old enemy of Portuguese, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi the Hindu ruler of Pernem across the river. By the end of the century, it lost its military significance when Goa’s border moved northwards, with the acquisition of Pernem as part of the New Conquests. The views in all directions are superb, south over Vagator beach, north across the Chapora river to Pernem and of course, far out to the Arabian Sea in the West. A pleasant place to wander.

The Chapora fort is a very popular tourist attraction of Goa, being situated close to the Vagator beach. From the fort, one can get a commanding view of the Vagator beach, Ozran Beach, Morjim Beach and the mouth of Chapora river. The shooting of the Hindi Bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai was at the fort also added to the forts popularity. The fort has wide walls with ramparts over which one can walk and go around the fort. The walls are lined with arrow slits, gun ports and murder holes at regular intervals.  After the Portuguese deserted the fort, it became desolate and barren and has become a place of tourist attraction. The fort has withstood the ravages of time and offers panoramic views of the Anjuna and Vagator beaches.

Address: Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora, Vagator, Goa 403509

All days of the week 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM 

Tips

•  It is a gravelly uphill hike so be careful with elders and kids.
• please avoid any kind of fancy footwear (females especially) since the walk is quite a tough one. The best is to wear sports shoes or normal flip flops. Wear sensible shoes as it gets very slippery to go up and down here. 
• Don't forget to lie on the fort's wall facing the sun with booze in your hands.
• Carry water and food with you as nothing is available in the fort.
  

Timings