Chapora Fort

Chapora Fort

Chapora fort is located northern Goa overlooking the Vagator beach and lies at a distance of about 10kms.from Mapusa. This fort is also known as Shahpura, which means 'town of shah', was intended as a border watch post to oversee various Hindu raiders during the 17th century. The fort was built in 1612 and was besieged twice by Shivaji's son, Sambaji,in 1683 A.D. and Bhonsle in 1739 A.D. until the independence of Goa. During the Portugal rule, the fort was rebuilt and also had underground tunnels in order to help in an escape during a siege.

The Chapora fort is a very popular tourist attraction of Goa, being situated close to the Vagator beach. From the fort one can get a commanding view of the Vagator beach, Ozran Beach,Morjim Beach and mouth of Chapora river. The shooting of the Hindi bolleywood movie Dil Chahata Hai was at the fort also added to the forts popularity. The fort has wide walls with ramparts over which one can walk and go around the fort. The walls are lined with arrow slits, gun ports and murder holes at reular intervals.