Chapora Fort Goa - Dil Chahta Hai Fort

"Dil Chahta Hai Fort"

Ways to Experience this attraction

4.6

Candolim: Heritage Walk of Fort Aguada Port and Jail Complex

1.0 hour

Deals start ₹700

VIEW DEAL

3.0

North Goa: Private Day Tour

8.0 hour

Deals start ₹6,700

VIEW DEAL

4.8

From North Goa: Full Day North Goa Tour with Transportation

1.0 day

Deals start ₹3,350

VIEW DEAL

4.0

North Goa: Private Full-Day Tour with Pickup and Drop-Off

1.0 day

Deals start ₹5,000

VIEW DEAL

2.0

Goa: Backwater Kayaking Tour

2.0 hour

Deals start ₹1,800

VIEW DEAL

3.8

From Panaji: North Goa Guided Sightseeing Tour

8.0 hour

Deals start ₹10,568

VIEW DEAL

Chapora Fort, Goa Overview

Chapora Fort, located 10 km away from Mapusa, is undeniably one of the most famous forts in Goa. Built by the Portuguese in 1717, Chapora Fort has a long and fascinating history attached to it. More popularly known as the 'Dil Chahta Hai Fort', its claim to fame was the 2001 Bollywood blockbuster shot here. A scintillating escape, it offers beautiful views of the sea and Chapora River.

The fortifications around the current location of Chapora Fort existed long before the Portuguese even landed in Goa. It was originally built by Muslim ruler Adil Shah and was called Shahpura. The fort was later reconstructed by the Portuguese who named it Chapora, after the Chapora River that flows right alongside it. The highlight of the fort is the breathtaking view of the adjoining Vagator beach overlooking the Arabian Sea, especially at sunset. However, reaching the top of the now-ruined fort requires a steep 10-minute climb.

Chapora Fort has passed through the possession of numerous rulers over a long period of time, right from the Portuguese to the Marathas and the ruins tell a story of their own! You can still see the entry points of the two tunnels that were built by the Portuguese to use as an escape in times of emergency.

Structure of Chapora Fort

The Chapora fort has been constructed in such a fashion that it has steep slopes on all its sides, and offers views of all four directions. Since the structure follows the outline of the higher slopes, it forms an irregular outer wall, which adds defensive height to the fortifications and also offers an advantage over dry ditches being dug. The main gate of the fort is quite tiny but is narrow and deep. A church dedicated to St. Anthony was once situated inside the fort but has now disappeared.

History and Legend of Chapora Fort

Before the arrival of the Portuguese in Goa, the spot where the Chapora Fort is located was the site of some other fort. The Adil Shah rulers of Bijapur had built a fort in the area, and the Portuguese constructed the existing structure in 1717 to defend their territories from the attack of the Marathas. Underground channels were also built inside the fort to use as an escape route in the face of dire emergencies.

The Portuguese ruled over the Chapora Fort for more than 150 years. However, the Marathas under Sambhaji managed to conquer the fort twice. Nonetheless, the Portuguese succeeded in gaining control over the fort, and in 1892, the fort was finally abandoned since the frontier of the colony had now expanded further north.

Legend also has it that the walls of the fort were thought to be impossible to breach as they followed the landscape almost exactly. However, a Maratha ruler called Sambhaji and his men scaled the walls with effortless ease, winning the hearts of the Portuguese generals guarding the bastion. This eventually led them to surrender the fort through respect and admiration of the Maratha army.

How to Reach Chapora Fort

The Chapora Fort is quite accessible and can be reached easily from any part of Goa. The fort is just 10 kilometres away from Mapusa, and can also be reached by climbing the hill from the Vagator Beach. To the reach the fort, one has to take the road that forks towards the right, just 2 kilometres before the Vagator Beach. From there, a small path will lead you to the base of the hill, on top of which the fort is located.