Goa had seen the rule of the Portuguese for a long time before other powers took over. One of the most historic places that saw the rise and fall of many such reigns before India became independent and Goa rose to the status it enjoys today is the Chapora Fort. The Chapora Fort is located in Bardez, Goa. Situated on the banks of the Chapora River, the fort has seen takeovers by the Bijapur Sultanate, Portuguese and the Marathas and tells various stories of the past to history lovers. It is visited by history lovers and movie buffs, who may have spotted this fort in Dil Chahta Hai.
About The Chapora Fort
Image Credit: (WT-en) Catchuec for Wikimedia Commons
The Chapora Fort was built in 1617 by Adil Shah under the Adil Shahi dynasty. It was called Shahpura or ‘the town of the Shah’ due to the stronghold of the Sultan of Bijapur, who remained in power until the Portuguese came to Goa and took over the fort. Their pride in the possession of the fort was short-lived, as the Marathas invaded and took over the fort in 1648 in an attempt to overthrow the Portuguese. This battle between the Marathas and the Portuguese persisted as the Portuguese retook control of the fort in 1717 but were again overthrown by the Marathas in 1739. This time, the fort failed to protect the kingdom’s northern borders and was therefore not considered credible anymore. While the Portugues took over again in 1741, they were unable to restore the Chapora Fort’s military grandeur. Since then, the fort has served historical value. However, in 2001, Dil Chahta Hai shot a significant chunk of its shots in the Chapora Fort, giving it a new dimension of value that persists till today.
A lot of the military significance enjoyed by the Chapora Fort in its prime came from its architecture. The fort is located at a higher altitude, making it easy to surveil the surrounding areas. Its outer wall follows the irregular shape of the higher slopes present, adding a defensive element to the fortification. In addition, the placement of bastions and the door size are other elements that contribute to the strategic significance of the Chapora Fort.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Goa With Friends
Tourist Information
Image Credit: Prayash Giria for Wikimedia Commons
The Chapora Fort is easily accessible from any part of Goa by buses, rikshaws, or other private forms of transportation such as two-wheelers. Once visitors reach the base of the hill, Chapora Fort is located at a 10-minute walk uphill, so visitors’ discretion is advised. The fort does not have an entry fee and is open for exploration all days of the week between 9.30 am and 5.30 pm. Visitors are usually advised not to go to the fort premises after dark for safety issues. The best season to visit the fort is the wintertime when Goa’s weather is at its best.
The months between November to February see a lot of tourists, therefore it is advised that visitors plan their visits in and around the fort at times when the crowd is relatively thinner. They are also asked to be mindful of the natural surroundings of the fort and not litter the area to keep Goa neat and clean.
More Interesting Places Near Chapora Fort
There are a multitude of places near Chapora Fort that are worth visiting. Some of the most popular tourist attractions near Chapora Fort are mentioned below:
1. Goa Chitra Museum
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The Goa Chitra Museum near the Chapora Fort is an exciting homage to Goan ethnography. It is a unique collection and display of traditional farming implements and other ancient tools of trade set up against the backdrop of a conventional organic farm. The museum began with 200 privately collected items that have since grown to a vast display of over 4000 objects. The museum nevertheless preserves its universality in its collections of artefacts representing the culture of ancient Goa. The Chitra Museum highlights the Goan philosophy of reusing and repurposing old items as it displays the recycling of materials such as doors, windows and railings in terms of their usage in the modern context.
Timings: 9 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: 300 INR
Suggested Read: Forts In Goa
2. The Basilica of Bom Jesus
Image Credit: Falko Berger for Wikimedia Commons
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a Catholic basilica in Goa and is a site of major religious significance among Catholics across the globe. It has been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, a Catholic missionary. Construction for the basilica started in 1594 and lasted about eleven years until it opened in 1604. The basilica is one of the oldest in the country and boasts incredible interiors and superb exteriors. The interiors are marble and feature many interesting pictures and paintings significant to the Catholic faith. The Basilica of Bom Jesus has been a tourist favourite for years and still boasts unimaginable crowds worldwide, especially during times of religious significance.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry Fee: Free of Cost
Further Read: Offbeat Places In North Goa
Goa is high on every traveller’s list and is highly visited by people across the globe, who look forward to soaking in Goan culture. If you are one of these people, then don’t wait any further and plan your visit today. Book your trip to Goa and have one of the most memorable trips of your life.
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Cover Image Credit : Goaholidayhomes for Wikipedia
Frequently Asked Questions About Chapora Fort
What are some lesser-known facts about Chapora Fort?
Chapora Fort comes with its fun facts. Historically, the fort is known to have been constructed over the remnants of an ancient Muslim structure. The southern slopes of the hills still feature some Muslim tombstones. The fort has been invaded many times by groups of Hindu raiders despite its tough terrain. In 1684, the fort was conquered by Sambhaji’s forces without any bloodshed. His forces believed to have breached the fort walls by clinging on to 1.5 m long monitor lizards. Impressed by Sambhaji’s act, the Portuguese General in charge surrendered before the fearless Maratha ruler.
What are the best small eateries near Chapora Fort?
Goan culture is explored widely through its cuisine. One of the most culturally significant mediums for exploring Goan food is through its small shacks across the region. Chapora Fort is also famous for shacks that rejuvenate your soul and mind, providing mouthwatering food with an amazing view. According to taste and cuisine preferences, shacks are present across the premises of the fort.
Where is Chapora Fort located?
Chapora Fort is located in North Goa, roughly 21 kilometres from Panaji, the state capital. It sits on a small hill overlooking Vagator Beach, where the Chapora River meets the Arabian Sea. The location of the Chapora Fort is very well-known locally, making it accessible from all parts of Goa.
What is the current condition of Chapora Fort?
Chapora Fort is in ruins, having been abandoned in 1892. While some structures, like the ramparts and some escape tunnels, are still visible, the once-grand fort is now overgrown with vegetation and serves as a scenic viewpoint. However, it is its current stage of ruin that attracts lovers of history, nature and movies alike due to its appeal in the said dimensions.
Is there an entry fee to visit Chapora Fort?
No, there is no entry fee to visit Chapora Fort, making it a free attraction for tourists. This encourages more people from various walks of life to consider visiting the fort.
What are some things to keep in mind while visiting Chapora Fort?
As you'll be climbing a hill to reach the fort, comfortable shoes are essential. Since the fort is exposed to the elements, it's also wise to bring sunscreen and a hat, especially during the hotter months.
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