This Is Why Chapora Fort Is So Famous!

Last Updated on October 7, 2023 by Augustin Fernandes

One of the most famous forts in Goa, famously known as the Chapora Fort is located in Bardez, Goa. The fort overlooks the Chapora River and hence was given the name “Chapora Fort”.

However, many of the Indian tourists that come to Goa, know this fort to be the ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ Fort, after the Bollywood film (Dil Chahta Hai) was shot back here in 2001. 

The Chapora Fort is situated in North Goa, about 21 kilometers from Panaji and just 700 meters from the Vagator beach. It is located on a hill just above Vagator beach, with the Chapora beach on the other side. 

The Chapora River meets the Arabian Sea here. The present Chapora fort was erected by Adil Shah of Bijapur on the exact site of an ancient fort, which existed even before the Portuguese came to Goa in 1510.

History of Chapora Fort

The Chapora fort had been ruled by many rulers over the past decades and centuries. The fort was established by ‘Mohammed Adil Shah’ who ruled the Bijapur dynasty between the years 1627 and 1656.

He built the fort here to prevent attacks by the Hindu raiders. The town at Chapora was called Shahpura or “Town of the Shahs” named after Adil Shah at the time.

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.

During the Portuguese rule, the fort was rebuilt. The Portuguese also imposed some changes to the fort by adding an underground tunnel inside to help escape during a siege. 

The Portuguese rulers also carried out extensive repairs of the fort, adding features like bastions and a tunnel that extended to the seashore and banks of the Chapora River for emergencies. 

It’s due to all the history and exchange of rulers in the past years that makes Chapora Fort stand out. 

The Story that surrounds Chapora Fort

To take you back in time usually results in a few tales and stories that were carried on through the decades. The Chapora Fort has an interesting story of an incident that happened years ago during one particular battle. 

It was strongly believed that since the walls of the fort followed natural terrain, it was not possible to breach them.

It was thought that these walls were impossible to be conquered and surely impossible to be climbed upon. However, the Maratha leader at that time ‘Sambhaji’ broke this belief my doing what others thought was impossible.

He and his army majestically climbed the walls of this fort with unmatched might and unparalleled ease.

The Portuguese general in charge of the fort saw this and was shocked, but was impressed by the might of these men. So without any sort of retaliation, he surrendered the fort to the Marathas. 

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Dil Chahta Hai Fort in Goa  

There are trees and small bushes everywhere. The Chapora fort trail is made of red laterite stones.

It starts from the parking area and ends at the other side, passing through the Dil Chahta Hai corner, the Vagator Hill View, and Vagator Delta View.

You can also reach the fort from Vagator beach by climbing up the hill.

Places to Visit Near Chapora Fort

• Chapora Beach
• Vagator Beach
• Anjuna Beach
• Mae De Deus Church
• Calangute Beach

Timing and Entry Fees

Visiting times to Chapora Fort is from (9:30 am to 5:30 pm) on all days. 

There are no entry fees to the fort however visitors are required to maintain the forts cleanliness by avoiding any form of littering. 

How to reach Chapora Fort

By Road

The fort is about 21 kilometers away from Panaji and can be accessed by taxi or by scooter or car.

By Air

Dabolim Airport is the closest Airport to Chapora Fort, being just a distance of 45 km away. From the airport you can hire a taxi or a car to reach the beach.

By Train

The two closest railway stations to the beach are Thivim 10 km away (which is to the north) and Karmali also 30 km away (which is to the south)

Restaurants Near Chapora Fort

1. The Kitchen Table:

Vagator beach road, Nearly 300 miters from Chapora Fort

2. Comida Caseira:

Nearly 1.5 Km from Chapora Fort.

Vagator Beach Road, Vagator.

3. Spice Trader:

Nearly 2 Km from Chapora Fort.

Vagator Beach, Vagator

4. The Mango Tree:

Nearly 1.4 Km from Chapora Fort.

Near Bethany Inn, Vagator Beach Road, Vagator.

5. Jaws:

Nearly 1.4 Km from Chapora Fort.

Mendonsa Vado, Vagator Beach Road, Vagator.

Conclusion

A very beautiful place to go to see. Click some lovely landscape pictures over here of the beautiful view of Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. Sit out on the grass and admire the history of Goa.

Also, enjoy a walk through the fort, and bring back some memories of the movie “Dil Chahta Hai”. And most important enjoy the sunset here while you stand and admire nature and human creation simultaneously.