Chapora Fort Goa
About 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.
How To Reach Chapora Fort
Wondering how to reach Chapora Fort from Panaji? The fort’s location on the coast of Goa draws more tourists. Chapora Fort is accessible from the market town of Mapusa, about 10 km away. Local buses that run regularly from Mapusa town to Anjuna Beach and Vagator Beach makes a stop at the fort. Travellers can also hire a taxi from Mapusa or Panaji to reach the fort in Goa. Vagator and Anjuna, two popular beaches in Goa, are located just south of the fort. Tourists can also take a short hike from Vagator Beach to enter the fort.
The distance from Chapora Fort to Anjuna Beach is about 3 km. To the east, the fort overlooks Chapora Beach while Vagator Beach lies just west of the fort. The distance from Panaji to Chapora Fort is about 20 km to the north. Taxis and buses are available to visit Chapora Fort from Panaji.
Entry Fees For Chapora Fort
There is no entry fee for visiting Chapora Fort in Goa. Visitors can take their own time to explore the fort complex.
Timings Of Chapora Fort Goa
Chapora fort timings are from 10 am to 5:30 pm. The fort is open on all days of the week. It remains closed on public holidays for visitation. Make sure to visit at least an hour early before the closing time to explore the complex.
Timings
Monday to Sunday
9:30 am - 6:30 pm
Tips for Chapora Fort
- Do not climb over the walls to take photographs
- Do not litter in the fort complex
- Plan your visit to Chapora Fort in the afternoon to enjoy the sunset views from Vagator Beach afterwards
- Carry drinking water and wear sunscreen while sightseeing in Goa