Chapora Fort, Goa

Chapora Fort Goa

  • Famous For History Buffs Nirvana Seekers Photo Fanatics Nature Lovers Adventure Seekers

  • Duration of Visit Visit 2 hours

  • Fee No entry fee

  • Visiting Time 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week

This is yet another popular destination for tourists and is especially a favourite evening haunt for people to chill out. The fort overlooks the Chapora river and hence its name. However, there is a more interesting name given to this fort i.e. ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ Fort. The name literally translates to ‘the heart yearns’ and the reason for this quirky name is that a Bollywood film with this title (Dil Chahta Hai) was shot back here in 2001. When the movie became a blockbuster, a sweeping hit, striking a chord with the young generation, people started indentifying this fort with the name of the movie only.

As highlighted earlier, the best time to visit Chapora Fort is evening time because sunset sky looks spectacular from here. Moreover, when the sky paints everything around, especially the Chapora River and beaches of Chapora, in its sunset colour, ah! the sight is just out of this world.

History of Chapora Fort

Talking of the year, the present structure was built in 1717. Many rulers have held this fort for varied periods of time but main enmity was seen between Marathas and Portuguese to gain control over it. And although it was built to serve as a place of strategic importance for defence purposes, the fort fell very quickly in the test of military prowess. When we see around today, there are very less signs of the barracks and houses which were there in significant number once inside the fort.

Location of Chapora Fort

The fort is located in Bardez, Goa and is just rising above the Chapora river. It is easily approachable from Mapusa which is located at a short distance of 10 kms. You can either take a personal drive or you can take a bus (starting from Mapusa) which will take you to the fort while ferrying to the final destinations of Anjuna and Vagator.

Legend Story

The legend associated with this fort goes like this- It was strongly believed that since the walls of the fort follow natural terrain, it was not possible to breach them. It was thought that these walls were impossible to be conquered, or not possible to be climbed up. But the Maratha leader Sambhaji came and broke this belief majestically as his army men scaled the walls with unmatched might and unparalleled ease.

The Portuguese general in charge of the fort when saw this, was although shocked, but he was in some way impressed also. So without any sort of retaliation he surrendered the fort simply!

Having told you so much about it, we recommend that do visit this fort for an evening at leisure and enjoy the views of Arabian Sea and Chapora beach river from over it under the vast expanse of the sunset sky!

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