Chapora Fort in Goa

The commanding view of vast Arabian Sea from the ruins of Chapora Fort in Goa captivates visitors. It’s the spot where the gang of Dil Chahta Hai spends a few moments contemplating about their lives.

Located in the taluka of Bardez, the current structure of Chapora Fort in North Goa was built by the Portuguese on the same site of an older fort. Built in the year 1717, the fort is held by different rulers and kingdoms over the years. In the late 17th century, Chapora Fort was a stronghold of the Marathas while it served as a military outpost for the Portuguese a few decades later. It eventually fell to the Marathas in 1739 but lost its military significance over time.

Today, Chapora Fort in Goa overlooks a quiet stretch of Chapora Beach where families, backpackers, and honeymooners can be seen enjoying. Being perched on a hill, Chapora Fort has a beautiful location that attracts scores of visitors every day. This ancient laterite fort overlooks the mouth of the Chapora River. This enduring historical monument offers spectacular views of the Arabian coastline and sunset views.

The wall fortification follows the natural slope of the hill and its bastions are large enough to put cannons. The main entrance of Chapora Fort is small and narrow so that the enemy wouldn’t be able to enter easily.

The fort came into the limelight as it was one of the shooting locations in Goa for the 2001 Bollywood movie Dil Chahta Hai. The number of visitors to Chapora Fort certainly increased after the film. It is often called as ‘Dil Chahta Hai Fort’, by avid movie fans.