Monuments In India

Chapora Fort

Location	Goa
Built in	1617
Built by	Portuguese invaders
Main Attraction	view from the top
Current Status	In ruins
Nearest Metro Station	Not available

The Chapora Fort is located at a distance of 12 km from Mapusa. The fort can be accessed from Vagator on the hill that leads to the fort. The famous Hindi movie 'Dil Chahata Hai' had its shooting done there and since then it became more popular.

However the Fort had been lying in ruins because of neglect, but recently some endeavor was seen in the direction of restoring the lost heritage and get back that old magic of Fort's glory. There is a possibility of observing the entry gates of two long tunnels serving the purpose of logistic needs to siege the protectors of the fort. The Chapora fort provides a fabulous bird’s eye view of the ocean along with its surroundings as well as the shoreline.

At present, most part of the fort are found in ruins but still offer a great view of Anjuna beach and the Vagator.

History

The towering fort is found on the top of the rock hill, and was built in the year 1617 by the invaders of Portuguese after demolishing an ancient Muslim structure, in Shahpura, a village meant for a watch post.

In an effort of ending the Portuguese reign in Goa, Prince Akbar joined hands with the enemies of his father, the Marathas in the year 1683 and created his base camp at this place and made it the northern outpost for the Old conquests. When the Portuguese recovered themselves from the frightening experience with the Marathas they realized that they had to empower the northern defense system and give shelter to the people, until 1717 when this fort came into being.

Architecture

There is a brilliant site having steep slopes on all the sides. The fort consists of the outline of high slopes, standing above the entire upland area which has an irregular shaped outer plan and utilizes the natural form adding defensive height to its maximum advantage rather than dry ditches dug out. Atop of the steep track, the major gate is small as well as unpretentious for this kind of large fort however deep and narrow. The fort was constructed in a great style and also comprised of underground tunnels for the purpose of aiding to escaping in case of any emergency. When the Portuguese had left, this fort remained abandoned and was never occupied again.

How to Reach

Chapora fort is easily reachable through the local transport available from Panaji or Mapusa. Panaji lies at a distance of 18 km from here.

Nearby Places to Visit

Vagator Beach

Vagator Beach lies in the northernmost part of Bardez Taluka beach, Goa. It is situated on the opposite embankment of the river Chapora from Morjim in Pernem. In the southern part of the Vagator lies Anjuna, one of the premier hippy haunts in the state of Goa.

Vagator Beach comprises of the dramatic red cliffs which look down on the shore and there are 2 fresh springs of water within a stone's throw of sea. But Vagator has small by way of accommodation on the seaside.

Vagator beach is divided into two major beaches along the seaside headland which have the car parking and several stalls which sell trinkets, soft drinks, snacks and clothes. When one faces the sea on the right direction, there lies the North Vagator Beach and on the left Ozran Beach, also known as Little Vagator Beach.

There are many places playing to dance & trance crowd during times of the tourist season.

Anjuna

Anjuna is a village in Goa, one of the twelve Brahmin comunidades of Bardez.

The St. Michael's Church of Anjuna, was found in 1595, and is in dedication of S. Miguel, and celebrates the treat of S. Miguel and Nossa Senhora Advogada. There are 3 big chapels in the parish, one towards S. Antonio (Praias), one towards Nossa Senhora de Saude (Mazalvaddo), while the other towards Nossa Senhora de Piedade (Grande Chinvar). In the 12th century, the chapel of Vagator had become a church of Vagator's new parish, dedicated to S. Antonio. Anjuna beach lies to the west of the village having many bars and restaurants. Actually the most amazing beach seen in Goa, is the Anjunna beach. Anjuna Flea market is there on Wednesdays and is accessible from morning to evening. The market provides everything and anything one can think of.

Things to Do

- Beautiful views of Anjuna and Vagator beaches seen from the southern ramparts, and that of Morjim Beach from ramparts in the northern side.

- one can take a group photograph at a shooting point of 'Dil Chahta Hai' at the Chapora fort's northern rampart, that faces Morjim beach.

- the spectacular views of the sea can be enjoyed, swaying palm and coconut trees, sand, sun and greenery from different ramparts of fort of Chapora Fort.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Goa has a pleasant climate and people can visit there throughout the year. But still the best time for visiting is from month of October to June.

• Summer season (March to May) is hot in Goa however the sea breeze provides relief to the heat. The highest temperature goes to 40°C.
• Winter season (November to February) has pleasant weather and is the peak season for tourists. It is the best time for honeymoons and holidays. The lowest temperature lowers down to 15°C. The Sea beaches, water sports and sightseeing may be enjoyed at this time.
• Monsoon season (June to September) has heavy or medium rainfalls. The place becomes charming during the monsoons, there is lush greenery seen everywhere.

he months from March to May is warm, and has only few people found in this period and it is best for those looking for a quiet, calm and peaceful moments away from the busy life of the city. It is also good time for a budget holiday. The season of tourists begin from October, and the place has very pleasant climate.

During the end of the year, one enjoys the occasions related to main religious festivals like Christmas as well as New Year. During this period Goa is entirely lit up and there are various parties to celebrate the occasions. The carnival in the month of February and Sao Joan festival held in mid-June are celebrated with zeal and enthusiasm.

Accomodation

Vivanta by Taj Panaji Hotel

Off D. B. Bandodkar Road,
Panjim / Panaji, Goa, India

Cochichos Resort

Small Vagator Beach Road,
Vagator / Assagao - North Goa,
Goa, India 403509

Alila Diwa Hotel

48/10 Village Majorda Adao Waddo
Near Martins Corner Salcete,
Majorda - South Goa, Goa, India

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