4.7 / 5

Chapora Fort

📍 Chapora Fort, GoaView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:October to March

⏰ Open Hours:24 hours a day, all week

🎟 Entry Fees:Free

📌 Things To Do:Photography, Sightseeing, Trekking

💰 Budget:No specific budget needed as there is no entry fee

🧳 Traveller Types:Families, Solo Travellers, Couples, Adventure Seekers

🔖 Known For:Historical significance, Breathtaking view of Arabian Sea, Featured in the movie 'Dil Chahta Hai'

📍 Distances:22 km from Thivim Railway Station, 43 km from Goa International Airport, 10 km from Mapusa

👟 Tips:Wear comfortable shoes for the trek, Carry water and sunscreen

📸 Best Spot For Photography:Top of the fort for panoramic views

🚶‍♀️ Accessibility:Walking, Biking, Car

🌳 Environment:Outdoors, Hilltop, Coastal

🌄 Sunrise/Sunset View:Sunset view is especially stunning

🏰 Architecture:Portuguese architectural style

🍽 Nearby Eateries:Gunpowder, Vinayak Family Restaurant, Suzie's

Have questions about Chapora Fort?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
Chapora Fort Goa: A Guide To The Dil Chahta Hai Fort

Have you ever watched the Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai and wondered where the iconic scene of the three friends sitting on a wall overlooking the sea was shot? Well, the answer is Chapora Fort, a historic and scenic fort in Goa that has become a popular tourist attraction ever since the movie was released in 2001.

Chapora Fort is located on a hilltop near Vagator Beach in North Goa. It offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea, Chapora River and nearby beaches. It also has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century, when it was built by the Sultan of Bijapur. The fort changed hands several times between the Portuguese and the Marathas, until it was finally abandoned in 1892.

Today, Chapora Fort is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves history, architecture and nature. It is also a great place to enjoy the sunset and take some amazing photos. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Chapora Fort Goa, including its history, architecture, how to reach, best time to visit, tips for visiting and places to visit near Chapora Fort. Read on to find out why Chapora Fort is also known as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort and why you should add it to your bucket list.

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History of Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort has a long and interesting history that spans over four centuries. Here are some of the major events and periods that shaped the fort's past:

The origin and construction of the fort by Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur

The original fort was built by Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1510 as a defense against the Portuguese invasion. The fort was named after the nearby village of Shahpura, which means "the town of Shah". The fort was made of mud and had a moat around it.

The capture and reconstruction of the fort by the Portuguese

In 1617, the Portuguese conquered the fort and rebuilt it with red laterite stone. They also added bastions, ramparts and gateways to strengthen the fort. The Portuguese used the fort as a military base and a watchtower to guard their territory along the coast.

The repeated attacks and invasions by the Marathas

The fort was attacked several times by the Marathas, who were trying to expand their empire in Goa. The most notable attacks were in 1684 and 1739, when the Maratha leader Sambhaji and his army besieged the fort. The Portuguese managed to repel the attacks with the help of their cannons and secret underground passageways that allowed them to access supplies and reinforcements.

The abandonment and decay of the fort by the Portuguese

In 1741, after losing Pernem province to the Marathas, the Portuguese realized that Chapora Fort was no longer useful for their defense. They decided to abandon the fort and focus on their other forts in Goa. The fort gradually fell into decay and ruin over time.

The revival and restoration of the fort by the Archaeological Survey of India

In 1961, after Goa became part of India, the Archaeological Survey of India took over the responsibility of preserving and restoring Chapora Fort. They cleared the vegetation and debris from the fort and made it accessible to visitors. They also installed signboards and plaques to explain the history and significance of the fort.

The legend of how the Marathas captured the fort using monitor lizards

There is a legend that tells how the Marathas captured Chapora Fort using monitor lizards. According to this legend, Sambhaji's men tied ropes around 15-meter-long monitor lizards and used them to climb up the walls of the fort. The Portuguese general who was in charge of the fort was so astonished by this sight that he surrendered without firing a single shot.

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Architecture of Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort has a unique and impressive architecture that reflects its history and purpose. Here are some of the major components and features of the fort:

The red laterite stone used for building the fort

The fort is made of red laterite stone, which is a type of soil that is rich in iron oxide. The stone gives the fort a reddish hue that contrasts with

the greenery around it. The stone is also durable and resistant to erosion.

The bastions, ramparts and gateways that surround the fort

The fort has four bastions, which are projecting parts of the wall that provide extra protection and support. The bastions are named after the four cardinal directions: North, South, East and West. The fort also has ramparts, which are raised platforms along the wall that allow soldiers to fire cannons and guns. The fort has two gateways, one on the north side and one on the south side. The north gateway leads to the village of Chapora, while the south gateway leads to the beach.

The tunnels, barracks and quarters that are inside the fort

The fort has several tunnels that run under the ground and connect different parts of the fort. The tunnels were used for escaping, storing supplies and transporting soldiers. The fort also has barracks, which are buildings where soldiers lived and slept. The fort also has quarters, which are rooms where officers and commanders stayed.

The views of the Arabian Sea, Chapora River and nearby beaches from the fort

The fort offers spectacular views of the Arabian Sea, Chapora River and nearby beaches from its walls and bastions. The sea is blue and sparkling, the river is calm and serene, and the beaches are white and sandy. The fort also offers mesmerizing views of the sunset from its west bastion. The sky turns into a riot of colors as the sun dips into the horizon.

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How to Reach Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort is located on a hilltop near Vagator Beach in North Goa. It is about 10 km away from Mapusa, 21 km away from Panaji, 18 km away from Thivim railway station and 43 km away from Dabolim airport. Here are some of the ways to reach Chapora Fort by different modes of transport:

By air

The nearest airport is Dabolim airport, which is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Chapora Fort. The taxi fare is around Rs. 1000-1200, while the bus fare is around Rs. 50-100.

By rail

The nearest railway station is Thivim railway station, which is connected to Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore and other cities by trains. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Chapora Fort. The taxi fare is around Rs. 300-400, while the bus fare is around Rs. 20-40.

By road

The nearest town is Mapusa, which is well-connected to Panaji, Margao and other places in Goa by buses and taxis. From there, you can take a taxi, a bus or a bike to reach Chapora Fort. The taxi fare is around Rs. 200-300, while the bus fare is around Rs. 10-20. You can also rent a bike for around Rs. 300-500 per day.

Best Time to Visit Chapora Fort

The best time to visit Chapora Fort is from October to March, which is the winter season in Goa. The weather is pleasant and cool, and the sky is clear and sunny. The fort is less crowded and more peaceful during this time.

The worst time to visit Chapora Fort is from June to September, which is the monsoon season in Goa. The weather is humid and rainy, and the road is slippery and muddy. The fort is more crowded and noisy during this time.

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Tips for Visiting Chapora Fort

Here are some tips and advice for visitors to have a safe and enjoyable experience at Chapora Fort:

1. Carry water and snacks, as there are no shops or vendors near the fort.

2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as there is a steep climb to reach the fort.

3. Avoid visiting during midday, as it can get very hot and sunny at the fort.

4. Respect the historical and cultural significance of the fort, and do not litter or vandalize it.

5. Enjoy the views of the sunset from the fort, as it is one of the most beautiful sights in Goa.

Places to Visit near Chapora Fort

There are many places to visit near Chapora Fort that can be combined with a visit to the fort. Here are some of them:

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Vagator Beach

Vagator Beach is a scenic beach with white sand, black rocks and swaying palms. It is about 1 km away from the fort. It is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing and relaxing. It also has many shacks, cafes and restaurants that serve delicious food and drinks.

Anjuna Beach

Anjuna Beach is a lively beach with flea markets, shacks and parties. It is about 3 km away from the fort. It is a famous spot for shopping, dancing and socializing. It also hosts the famous Anjuna Flea Market every Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm near Anjuna Beach.

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Ozran Beach

Ozran Beach is a secluded beach with rocky cliffs and caves. It is about 2 km away from the fort. It is a quiet spot for meditation, yoga and romance. It also has a carved face of Lord Shiva on one of the rocks.

Morjim Beach

Morjim Beach is a serene beach with olive ridley turtles and dolphins. It is about 12 km away from the fort. It is a protected area for the endangered turtles and their nesting sites. It also has a Russian influence, as many Russian tourists and expats visit and live here.

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Ashvem Beach

Ashvem Beach is a tranquil beach with huts, restaurants and yoga centers. It is about 15 km away from the fort. It is a peaceful spot for relaxation, wellness and rejuvenation. It also has a long stretch of sand that is ideal for walking and jogging.

Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach is a hippie beach with drum circles, paragliding and live music. It is about 20 km away from the fort. It is a vibrant spot for adventure, fun and entertainment. It also has a freshwater lake and a hot spring nearby.

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Anjuna Flea Market

Anjuna Flea Market is a famous market with stalls selling clothes, jewelry, handicrafts and souvenirs. It is open every Wednesday from 9 am to 6 pm near Anjuna Beach. It is a great place to bargain, shop and mingle with locals and foreigners.

St. Anthony's Church

St. Anthony's Church is a quaint church with a white facade and a blue dome. It is located near Vagator Beach. It is a sacred place for Christians and a beautiful place for visitors. It also has a cemetery and a school nearby.

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St. Michael's Church

St. Michael's Church is a historic church with a red facade and a white cross. It is located near Anjuna Beach. It is one of the oldest churches in Goa and a heritage site for visitors. It also has a feast day on September 29, when it attracts many devotees and pilgrims.

You may also like to read: Chapora, Goa – The fort Sambhaji scaled on giant lizards

Conclusion

Chapora Fort Goa is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves history, architecture and nature. It is also known as the Dil Chahta Hai Fort, as it was featured in the Bollywood movie of the same name. It has a rich and fascinating history that spans over four centuries, an impressive architecture that reflects its history and purpose, and stunning views of the Arabian Sea, Chapora River and nearby beaches.

If you are planning to visit Goa, you should definitely add Chapora Fort to your itinerary. You can also explore the nearby attractions and activities that can make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Chapora Fort Goa is a place where you can experience the past, present and future of Goa in one place.

You may also like to read: This Dil Chata Hai Fort in Goa is a must visit place

We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Chapora Fort Goa. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. We would love to hear from you.

Happy travels!

Chapora Fort Reviews

Day 3:- Goa Today’s plan was to explore goa.Muntazir couldn’t take a day off so he said he will join us in the evening .so i and mateen went ahead. I had already seen the most of the popular beaches of goa like baga,calangute,anjuna,vagator,etc several times, so decided to skip all these and see the places which i had not seen. So we decided to see a port nearby where we were staying. We went there as there was many ships which come for minor repair work, clicked few photos and started towards chapora fort. The one which was seen in dil chata hai movie. Meanwhile i got a call from a school friend who was holidaying in goa. So we decided to meet for lunch after visiting chapora fort. It didn’t take much time to reach the fort. We had to park the bike at a distance and walk till the fort. The way to the fort was accent it was a sunny day which took a considerable amount of energy. Once inside the fort which has only the walls. We tried to take a photo in dil chata hai style. But there was two problem we were 2 people instead of 3 in the movie and other obstacle was crowd. For the first time we took few pics using Dslr after which i never used it in the whole trip. We started to descend. I heard someone calling by my name from behind but mateen was ahead of me. So i continued to walk. I heard someone calling again, i didn’t pay heed and continued. For the third time i heard my name. This time i was sure someone is really calling me. When i turned back it was my school friend kiran who had come to goa with his friends for partying. We chatted for sometime and took a pic and left for lunch as my other school friend were already waiting for me at a restaurant at baga. We met there had lunch and they had to leave for airport to catch a flight for mumbai. So they left and we called muntasir to check where he is, as he told us he would join in the evening. He asked us to wait in baga beach and he came there in an hour. We then explored few places and private resorts and sat down at a beach side resturant called curliez near anjuna. We spent around 2 hours there. It was a good feeling to sit in beach and stare at the sea. From there we left by the evening 8pm and he took us to a spot in dona paula where a fight scene in singham movie was shot. It was already 9pm so we had our dinner at a khau galli on the way. Before we head towards home which was 40km from there i wanted to go to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church. Though i know it would be closed i just wanted to take a pic of my machine in front of it. Luckily it was on the way so we went there took some pic and now finally left for the room.
History : Chapora Fort, located in Bardez, Goa, rises high above the Chapora River. Before the Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, this location was the site of another fort. The fort changed hand several times after Portuguese acquired Bardez. Trying to end the Portuguese rule in Goa, Prince Akbar joined his father’s enemies, the Marathas in 1683 and made this place his base camp. It became the northern outpost of the Old Conquests. After the Portuguese recovered from an encounter with the Marathas, they strengthened their northern defences and provided shelter to the people there. The present fort was built in 1717, replacing the older fortifications. Across the Chapora river, the Hindu ruler of Pernem, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi who was an old enemy of the Portuguese held the fort for two years after it fell to the Marathas in 1739 in its first test. When Goa's border moved northwards with the acquisition of Pernem as part of the New Conquests, the fort lost its military significance towards the end of the century. It is a pleasant place to wander that offers fantastic views north across the Chapora river to Pernem, south over Vagator and also far out to the Arabian Sea in the West. The fort sits on a prominent position which commands views in all directions. It also has steep slopes on all sides. The fort follows the outline of the higher slopes. This forms an irregular outer wall that uses the natural form to add defensive height to the fortifications. This offers an advantage over dry ditches being dug. At the top of the steep approach track, the main gate is small and unpretentious, but narrow and deep. Depending on defence requirements, the positions of bastions are irregularly spaced with enormous embrasures for cannon. Each bastion has a cylindrical turret offering a special character to the fort. Vagator Beach with Fort Chapora in the background Inside the fort, the church, once dedicated to St. Anthony, has disappeared and inside only a few signs exist of the barracks and housing that once filled this vast area. The wide expanse of open space is only a tumble of stones, where a few herds of goats graze and cashew bushes grow. A natural valley to the beach protected by rocky promontories provides an excellent natural access to the sea. State : Goa (Source : Wikipedia)
So, monuments were the only things we were up for? Well! Not really. We set off early on our motor bikes and set our GPS to Chapora fort. It’s in North Goa, placed 21.7 km from Panjim and just 700 meters from Vagator beach. The fort sits on a prominent position, commanding views in all directions. It is nestled on a small hill above the Vagator beach. It is popularly known as the “Dil Chahta Hai” fort as the movie was filmed there. The best time to hike up the hill is early morning and late afternoon; you wouldn’t like to miss watching the amazing sunset, would you? What adds to its glory is the blue water and the huge expansion of greenery. Subsequently, we rode downhill to take a glimpse of the Vagator beach. It was quite calm when we reached. During the peak seasons, the beach hosts numerous rave parties, whereby the party goers go bonkers. All the same, it goes cold turkey during monsoon. The much talked about Thalassa is rested here. It’s a Greek restaurant famous for fresh, crispy salads, mezes, starters, and gyras. White table cloths alongside white curtains doll up the restaurant and the spectacular views of Vagator beach are to die for. Our next attraction in the itinerary was neither a fort nor a beach. It was a pristine narrow road called Parra road. The road is guarded by tall coconut trees, lined up on both the sides. Adding glam and glitz to the location are the lust green fields like carpets, rolled on both sides of the roads. The wed series,” Four more shots” and “Dear Zindagi” were shot here. The best time to visit is around the monsoons, when this rural fraction of Goa bathes in natural shower and looks as fresh as dew drops. How to locate Parra road? Simply, google St. Anne’s Church at Parra and you’ll find it. With this we returned to Panjim and wrapped up our North Goa spree. Goa is not just the land of beaches or city of churches; it’s a feeling that unbridles thrill in the most incredible way. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and get going.
Chapora fort is one of the most underrated forts in Goa. It has one of the best views. People also come here for Pre-wedding shoots. This fort can be covered in 1-2hours depending on the amount of time you want to spend on top of the fort. History This fort was built by Adil Shah and had named it Shahpura which was later named a Chapora by the Portuguese . Location It is located in Bardez , North Goa. Expense The fort does not have any entry fee. However if you have a car or bike it might get charged if you park it inside Transportation You can take your car or bike till the fort entrance. Be prepared to walk a few steps as it has a little hike. Time It is advisable to go early in the morning or in the evening. It gets really hot in the day and if you have kids along with you , then it can get quite tideous to climb the fort. Facilities It has few small restaurants around it . You might come across few local vendors selling coconut water, green mango , local fruits etc. Have fun buying it from the local vendors. There are also a few gift shops if you want to buy local Goan magnets , hats etc. Most importantly , have fun watching the sunset or sunrise whenever you get there! Comment down below if you have any doubts.
Food is not an issue here as everywhere you go you will find some excellent food joints. The same day could be clubbed to visit the Dil Chahta hai Fame Fort. The road to the place is very smooth and you can reach here without any one's help. The beauty of the place is in its location situate at the edge of cliff overlooking the arabian sea the place is neatly maintained and has a great view of the places all around. While coming down saw a beautiful building with a huge statue of Lion at the passageway. Assuming to be the a view point as we moved towards it, a tall serious looking guy told us to elsewhere as it turns out it was the prized possession of kingfisher baron Mr. Mallya. These are the moments that makes me realise we are the peanuts in the world of riches. If you follow the Google Map you can detour and also visit the Jail at the end of the road which is guarded by Sea and cliff from three sides making any escape attempt really futile. Ironical if at all Mr Mallya is sent to serve his sentence here.
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