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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!