Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort is one of the best sunset spots among North Goa attractions, a ruined laterite fort above the Chapora river. Here is its history and how to visit.

Chapora Fort occupies a hill above the mouth of the Chapora river in Bardez, North Goa, looking over Vagator beach to the south and across the river towards Morjim. Goa Tourism explains that its name derives from 'Shahapura', the town of the Shah, recalling an earlier outpost of the Bijapur sultan Adil Shah on the site.

The Portuguese built over those remains; the fort fell to Maratha forces in 1684 and again in 1739, was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1717, and was finally abandoned as a military post in 1892. Little survives inside apart from the laterite walls and bastions, but the ramparts give wide views of the estuary, the coastline and the sea.

The fort became widely known after scenes of the 2001 Hindi film 'Dil Chahta Hai' were shot here, and it is sometimes called the 'Dil Chahta Hai fort'. It is about 10 km from Mapusa, and buses from Mapusa towards Anjuna and Vagator stop nearby; the final approach is a short, steep, uneven walk. Goa Tourism recommends visiting in the evening once the afternoon heat has passed. Entry is reported to be free.

There are no facilities inside the ruins, so carry water and wear sturdy shoes.