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Chapora Fort Goa | Dil Chahta Hai Fort | #Goa Diaries

Chapora Fort: History
Overlooking River Chapora, the fort is one of the most ancient historical structures in Goa. Legend has it that the fort has seen many rulers after the Portuguese captured Bardez. While the structure that exists today was rebuilt in 1717 by the Portuguese colonists, the fort’s history dates to the Adil Shah dynasty. The site, which was then called Shahpura, had a fort built by Sultan Mohammed Adil Shah of Bijapur. The structure served as a watch post for Muslim rulers.

However, after the Adil Shah dynasty fell in Goa, Portuguese colonists took control of the area, rebuilt the existing structure, and named it Chapora Fort. The Portuguese used the fort to defend their territories against Maratha rulers. They also built some underground channels inside the fort that served as escape routes during emergencies.

Chapora Fort was seized by the Marathas many times during the Portuguese rule of 150 years. It was reportedly conquered twice during the reign of Shambhaji Bhosle, the son of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. However, the Portuguese conquered the fort again from the Marathas and ruled over it until 1892, before abandoning it for good. In 1961, when the Portuguese left Goa, Chapora Fort passed into Indian hands.

Chapora Fort: Today
Although the fort is in ruins now, its impressive history, undeniable majestic charm and scenic location near the sea make it one of the most loved tourist attractions in Goa. It is a popular vantage point for nature lovers and is frequented by history and architecture buffs alike. A major part of the fort’s outer walls and ramparts still exist.

Chapora Fort: Architecture
Built using irregular laterite rocks and stones, the fort showcases a unique kind of architecture. The fortification walls along the edge or outline of the higher slopes were kept steep and slanting to prevent enemies from climbing and entering the fort. The main entry gate is also a small and narrow one, again to prevent the enemy army from entering the fort easily.

During the Portuguese rule, the fort also housed a church dedicated to St Anthony, but it has disappeared now. Chapora Fort reportedly had bastions, barracks and quarters for guards as well. However, only the ruins of some of these structures remain today.

Things to See in Chapora Fort
The fort is located on a hilltop, so once you reach the site, you can enjoy breath-taking views of Vagator Beach, Ozran Beach and Morjim Beach.
The fort also offers mesmerising views of River Chapora.
Chapora Fort’s sunset view is beautiful. In fact, the fort is counted among the best places in Goa to witness sunsets.
There are wide walls with ramparts, so you can walk on these ramparts and explore the fort.
History buffs will love to spot murder holes, gun ports and arrow slits on the walls of the fort.
When exploring the ruins, you will also see the entry points of underground tunnels or emergency routes that the Portuguese built to escape enemies.
How to Reach Chapora Fort
Goa enjoys good air, rail and road connectivity, so you can reach the state choosing any suitable mode of transportation. If you are taking a flight, Goa International Airport is about 46 km from Chapora Fort. Thivim Railway Station (19 km away) is the nearest option for those reaching by train. Taxis, buses and auto-rickshaws are commonly used for travelling within the state.

The fort can be easily reached from any part of Goa with the help of taxis, buses and auto-rickshaws. Chapora Fort is about 10 km from Mapusa and local buses running from Mapusa to Vagator Beach stop near the fort as well. Once you are near Chapora Fort, a small path will take you to the base of the hill. The fort is perched on top of this hill, so you need to climb a steep path for about 10 minutes to cover the distance.

Lesser-Known Facts about Chapora Fort
Here are some lesser-known facts about Chapora Fort, Goa:

The fort was constructed over the remnants of an ancient Muslim structure. The southern slopes of the hills still feature some Muslim tombstones.

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