Chapora Fort, Portuguese fort in Bardez, India
Chapora Fort is a Portuguese defensive structure in Bardez taluk, Goa, India, standing on a hill above the Chapora River. The structure consists of thick laterite walls that follow the natural shape of the terrain, with bastions at several corners and a central gateway on the landward side.
The Portuguese erected the structure in 1617 on the ruins of an earlier fortification built by the Sultan of Bijapur. It withstood several attacks by Maratha forces before being finally captured and partially destroyed in 1739.
The name derives from the village of Shahpura, which gradually transformed after Portuguese conquest. Local people often visit at sunset and sit on the old walls to enjoy the view over the river delta.
The climb takes about 20 minutes along an unpaved path that can become slippery in wet weather. Early morning or late afternoon works best for a visit, as midday sun beats down hard on the open ruins.
Underground tunnels run beneath the ruins, originally intended as escape routes to the beach below. Some visitors find Portuguese coats of arms and Christian symbols carved into the remaining walls, weathered over the centuries.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
