Chapora Fort or Dil Chahta Hai Fort at Goa India
Chapora Fort or “Dil Chahta Hai Fort” (named after the famous Hindi movie Dil Chahta Hai) is a prime tourist attraction of Goa, India. Chapora Fort is located at at Barzed Taluk of North Goa. It is at a distance of 10 km from Mapusa Market and 22 km from Panaji. Frequent buses ply from Mapusa to Anjuna and Vagator with stopover near the fort. Chapora River flows to the north of the fort and Arabian Sea is to the west of the fort. Vagator and Anjuna beach is located to the south of the Chapora Fort.
In the due course of history the possession of the Chapora Fort changed hands may times. What you see today is the ruins of the Chapora Fort built by the Portuguese in the year 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure (the name Chapora is the corruption of the word “Shahapura” or “Town of the Shah”). The Portuguese built the fort mainly to counter the Bahamani kings from the north, Maratha soldiers from the east and the local chieftains in the area itself.
Unlike the Aguada fort, this fort did not remain unconquered. In 1684, the Portuguese surrendered to the Maratha ruler, Sambhaji. In 1717, the Marathas withdrew their force and the Portuguese then took over again and rebuilt the fort. The new structure of the fort was equipped with underground tunnels that ensured a safe getaway in case of an emergency. Yet again in 1739 the Marathas captured the Chapora fort. However, two years later, in 1741, the Portuguese regained the fort when the northern taluka of Pednem was handed over to them. In 1892, the Portuguese completely abandoned the fort.
The Chapora Fort has almost ruined. Still you can see the long irregular stone walls (made of red laterite stone), a gate for entrance is still there and heads of two escape tunnels built by the Portuguese, as well as a scattering of Muslim tombstones. on the southern slopes of the hill, believed to be relics of pre-colonial days.
The fort has steep slopes in all direction. Also, you will find small loose red-laterite pebbles all around. Kids and elder people may find the slope a little difficult. So be prepared for some hiking to reach the Chapora Fort. Wear comfortable shoes. Don’t get afraid your pain for climbing the fort will be compensated by the spectacular view of the Arabian Sea and Chapora River. Also you will enjoy the beautiful view of the Anjuna beach and Vagator beach. Watching sunset from Chapora Fort is another remarkable event.
Remember, there is no refreshment or water is available at Chapora Fort so it is advisable to carry your own refreshment and water.
Calangute, Parra, Panaji are nearby cities to the Chapora Fort.
Coordinates: 15°36’21″N 73°44’9″E
