The Goa Diaries - Chapora Fort

A has this instinct for motivating people like me to action. So an early morning walk to the beach with her transformed into an outing where she created some sand art while I headed left to explore the beach a little. 

A little distance to the left I noticed some old shacks, not the posh variety, but some local ones. The beach quickly ended after about 20 minutes - I had passed foreign tourists or influencers recording their fitness routines right at the edge, some joggers, apart from regular swimmers. Across the river was Chapora fort which according to A, was to be seen later in the afternoon. 

I headed back, and then we headed out to Blue Turtle, on the suggestion of niece, which turned out to be pretty good. Oh, by the way, I got the hang of these scooters by now. 

Post lunch was the ride to Chapora Fort which takes us 30 mts by scooter. Off we went, across the bridge over Chapora river, past the St Anthony's church, quaint old Goan buildings, until we reached Chapora fort. It was a bit of a climb so it was just me and A going up in the sun. 

 

One vendor lady said it was some 120 steps and that put off many climbers. The main gate to the fort was under renovation and we walked in alongwith a whole bunch of people. The main attraction of the fort is the far wall, fully occupied by people, which is where Amir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Khanna sat while shooting for 'Dil Chahta Hai'. 

We walked along the wall, a really battered wall, small, along which hundreds were climbing up, at the danger of falling right off and into the glorious Vagator beach which we could see from up here. The restoration work was also working on some new age bastions. 

Having moved on from there we went near 'the wall' where every inch was taken up. From this wall one can see the Arabian Sea, to the right Morjim beach, to the left Vagator (and if you walk further South you go to Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Candolim). 

Every single person on the wall did not want to get off perhaps hoping that someone from 'Dil Chahta Hai' would show up or that something would rub off on them. Anyway, we got tired of the place, the people, the heat and decided to head back. 

On the way back i noticed something which looked interesting and took a pic. Further down the fort wall looked interesting but it was too hot. 

As I walked down I could see many more walking up in the hope of some magic. I personally found it to be a small, dilapidated fort, certainly with great views, which would be nice if there are some 10 people there, not 500.

Down below, headed back after treating myself to coconut water, a new luxury I allowed myself.