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See fabulous views of Vagator Beach and Morjim Beach from the ramparts of 390-year old red laterite bastion of Chapora located 24-km from Panaji. Chapora Fort is a 10-minute drive from Vagator Beach and provides lovely views of Vagator and Anjuna beaches on one side and Morjim beach on the other.

History of Chapora Fort:

Chapora Fort was built by the Muslim ruler Adil Shah of the Bahamani kingdom of Bijapur (now in modern day Karnataka) as a border post to protect against invasions by Hindu rulers in the 17th century. It was known as 'Shahapura' during those times.

The Portuguese took control of Goa and re-built the fort in 1617. They lost the bastion of Chapora to the Maratha army under Prince Sambhaji in 1684. The 18th century saw battles between the Portuguese and Marathas for the supremacy of Chapora Fort.

The Marathas withdrew from Chapora Fort in 1717; the Portuguese re-gained control and re-built the fort with underground tunnels for safe passage during battles and emergencies. The Marathas re-captured Chapora from the Portuguese after 22 years in 1739, only to lose again after two years in 1741. The Portuguese controlled Chapora Fort for more than 150 years from 1741 until they deserted it in 1892.

Chapora Timeline:
Built by Adil Shah of Bijapur in early 17th century. Portuguese 1617-1684, Marathas 1684-1717, Portuguese 1717-1739, Marathas 1739-1741, Portuguese 1741-1892.

Views from Chapora:

- Fabulous views of Vagator and Anjuna beaches from the southern ramparts, and of Morjim Beach from the Northern ramparts.

Things to do at Chapora Fort:

- Take a group photograph at 'Dil Chahta Hai' point at the Northern rampart of Chapora fort, facing Morjim beach. The place of a scene from the superhit Bollywood film 'Dil Chahta Hai'.

- Enjoy spectacular views of the sea, swaying coconut and palm trees, sun, sand, and greenery from the ramparts of Chapora Fort. Chapora is pronounced as 'Shapora'.

- A visit to Chapora Fort is worth it for the lovely views of the beaches and countryside.

Tips:

- Don't forget water bottles. Take hats and sun glasses.
- There may or may not be a vendor selling soft drinks or beer.
- Take adequte protection against sun burns.
- Be careful of the slippery red soil while climbing down the fort.
- Avoid climbing the red laterite walls during monsoons; they have the weight of centuries on them.

View of Vagator and Anjuna from the southern ramparts of Chapora Fort, Goa.

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View from Chapora Fort.

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View from the ramparts of Chapora Fort in Goa.

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View of Vagator Beach from Chapora Fort in Goa.

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View from the red laterite walls of Chapora Fort near Vagator beach in Goa.

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View of Morjim Beach from the ramparts of Chapora Fort, Goa.

The Arabian Sea and Morjim Beach on an afternoon in Goa, as seen from the red laterite ramparts of Chapora Fort.

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View of Morjim Beach on an afternoon spent watching the waves of the Arabian Sea from the top of the red laterite ramparts of Chapora Fort. This photo was taken from the 'Dil Chahta Hai' point at Chapora Fort.

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