Showing posts with label Chapora Fort. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chapora Fort. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Chapora Fort Goa

About the Chapora Fort in Goa :

The Chapora fort, 10 K.M from Mapusa was built by the Adil Shah of Bijapur on the southern headland of the Chapora River. The red-laterite bastion, crowning the rock bluff, was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617 on the same site. The Chapora Fort has another name – Shahpura, (‘town of Shah’), was intended as a border watch post to see various Hindu raiders during the 17th century. It was finally deserted by the Portuguese in 1892, after the territory's frontiers had been forced further north india and the Novas Conquistas region. The Chapora Fort has a commanding view of the Vagator beach and is near to Anjuna beach.

Though the Portuguese had won their rule in Goa, the threat from the Muslim and rulers went on. To protect themselves from this risk, the Portuguese rebuilt, the Portuguese troops had to surrender to the Maratha ruler, Sambhaj in 1684. But discord boiled over between the locals and the Marathas. Finally in 1717, the Marathas withdrew their force. The Portuguese then took over again and rebuilt the fort. The new structure of the fort was equipped with underground tunnels that ensured a safe getaway in case of an emergency. Even this glory was not for long. Again in 1739 the Marathas captured the Chapora fort. Two years later, in 1741, the Portuguese regained the fort when the northern taluka of Pernem was handed over to them.

It lies in ruins today, although the views up and down the coast from the weed-infested ramparts are still superb. One can still see the heads of the two tunnels that formerly provided supply routes for besieged defenders. Also can be seen a scattering of Muslim tomb stones on the smooth slopes of the hill stations. These tomb-stones are believed to be relics of the pre-colonial days. The main attractions here are the superb views from the bastion's ramparts, which look north to Morgim and Mandarem beaches, and south towards Anjuna.

Location :

The fort of Chapora is 8 miles to the northwest of Aguada and 25 kms from Panaji. Vagator beach is situated at the back of this Fort. Goa Chapora Fort is situated near the Anjuna beach in Goa. Chapora Fort is also called as "Shahapura" built by Adil Shah of Bijapur.

Attraction Of the Fort :

The view from the fort is magnificent and the houses built in dense groves of coconut palms, inhabited by fishing community look very pleasing to the eyes.

How To Reach :

A large number of buses come in from Mapusa and Calangute Beach to Chapora Fort. There are direct buses too from Panjim. You can also hire rented motorcycles or taxis.

Chapora Beach Goa

About the Chapora Beach Goa :

Chapora beach situate din goa stretches about 10 Kms from Mapusa, North Goa. Tourist has tagged this beach to be one of the most intriguing, fascinating beaches of Goa. Apart form this, it is also considered to be one of the most mind blowing parts of the Goan coastline. Chapora Fort which is situated very close to this beach is one of the most famous local attractions among the tourist. It is constructed in a thick wood of coconut palms. Some of the other popular beaches surrounding this place include the Vagator Beach and Anjuna Beach. It is recommended that you visit these beaches anywhere from November to March.

Moreover this beach is also regarded as one of the beaches where you can plan a long stay and plan out visiting some of the best attractions located in goa. There are not many high class luxury hotels nearby but you could always opt for the rented houses and cottages that provide the best view of the beaches. Most of the houses are provide shelter of the tall coconut palms. Very closely a village is set on the estuary of the Chapora River and is outshined by a rocky hill where the Portuguese fort is situated.

This is one of the ideal places to feast on different kind of cuisse. Restaurants and different kind of eateries are available that serve some of the best food items that one can’t resist to drool over. You could choose to catch one of the buses that regularly come in from Mapusa and Calangute Beach to Chapora beach. However, there are direct buses running from Panjim. If it suits your convenience then you could also rent Motorcycles as well as taxis. There are also other types of transportation that charge reasonable fee to move the tourist up and down.

Tourist Attractions :

Some of the tourist attractions which make Chapora beach, an eminent getaway are very many. Primary among them is the Chapora fort, which was built by Portuguese around 500 years ago. Then, some other places are the folk and local market places where one can buy the local trinkets. Then, one can go for the Goan delight of Bebinca, which is found, on the sea shore. The village life along the beaches is a treat for the eyes.

Facitlies of Chapora Beach :

There are guesthouses that take care of budget accommodation at Chapora. There are even some of the local houses that may be hired. The beautiful beaches of Chapora are well connected with the rest of the places. The Dabolim airport is the nearest. The Karmali railway station takes care of the tourists who travel by train. For road transport there are plenty of bus services available. In order to make the most of your holiday at the Chapora beaches keep away from drugs and nudity. Even though swimming is considered safe you must check out with the lifeguards for the strength of the undercurrents.

Best time to Visit :

Any time of the year best for trip to Chapora Beaches but the months from June to October may be avoided owing to the heavy rainfall. Rests of the months are pleasant and it’s a pleasure to be Chapora.

How To Reach :

By Road : Direct buses arrive at Chapora three times daily from Panjim, and every fifteen minutes from Mapusa, with departures until 7.00 pm. Motorcycle taxis hang around the old banyan tree at the far end of the main street, near where the buses pull in.