Things To Do at Chapora Fort
Tourists flock to the Chapora fort in large numbers every year to enjoy the scenic views that it offers. Not only are sunrises and sunsets at the fort wonderful, but it also provides magnificent views of the surrounding Anjuna beach, Chapora beach and Vagator beach. The fort also has broad walls with ramparts, over which one can walk and explore the entire fortress. The walls in themselves are quite impressive since they are lined with gun ports, arrow slits and murder holes at frequent intervals. Tourists can also witness the heads of the two tunnels that were used as an escape route, as well as the dispersed Muslim tombstones situated on the southern slopes of the hill, which are believed to belong to the pre-colonial days.
Legend of Chapora Fort
In those times, it was firmly believed that since the walls of the fort followed the natural terrain, it was impossible to breach them. It was also resolutely concluded that these walls could never be conquered, or climbed up on. However, the valiant Maratha leader managed to clear away all these misconceptions, since his army scaled the walls quite easily. The Portuguese general, who was in charge of the fort, was naturally shocked when he saw this. At the same time, however, he was also very impressed. Thus, he surrendered the fort without any vengeance or fight back.
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 of Chapora Fort
Before the arrival of the Portuguese in Goa, the spot where the 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 the year 1617 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. The Portuguese succeeded in gaining control over the fort, and in 1892, the fort was finally abandoned since the frontier had now expanded further north.
Best time to visit Chapora Fort
The best time to visit the Chapora Fort is in the evenings since the weather becomes pleasant and the sunsets, when viewed from the fort, look extra artistic.
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.
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