I am a mountain lover, I have always been one. There is nothing that makes me more happy than being in the mountains. They calm me down and make me happy from inside. Those of you who follow me already are well aware of my love for the mountains but what you might not know is that, I also have a thing about historic places and ruins. And when it comes to forts, they are even more special. So let me tell you about one. One which has stood for centuries by the Arabian-sea, has seen different rulers rule it — from the Portuguese to emperor Akbar to the Marathas.

Given the fact that I am not much of a beach-person unlike most who visit Goa for its beautiful and happening beaches, I wanted to try to see the historical Goa. So, a visit to the Chapora fort was one of the highlights of my solo trip to Goa.

I started on my way up towards the Chapora fort after spending a good couple of hours on one of the many rocks of the Vagator beach, hiding from the bright rays of the sun and waiting for it to start painting the sky golden. A small ride on my rented two-wheels and then a short up-hill walk through an unpretentious gate later, a found myself inside the fort compound. It definitely looked much less impressive than I had expected it to be. The almost 360-degree uninterrupted view from the fort however was a different altogether.

Perched on top of a hill, one with a steep approach, the Chapora fort offers clear views on all directions. I sat on the wall over-looking the Vagator beach while people young and old kept coming. Some found themselves a seat on the same wall I was sitting on, expecting to witness a glorious sunset while others hurriedly left after a few customary selfies.

Tiny motor-boats sped away from the beach and then back with colorful parachutes tied to them. The parachutes went higher as the boats sped over the waves and descended as the boats slowed down. They would  speed-up again as soon the tourist tied to the parachute takes a dip in the salty waters of the Arabian sea.

Lost in the beauty of the place, I sat there watching the sun paint the sky with a thousand shades of yellow. In between the ooohss and aaaahs and awww how beautifuls of those there, I thought of capturing a few frames but soon decided against it. I would rather just soak-in the beauty of the moment without bothering about clicking photos. It was without doubt one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen.

The sunset from the Chapora fort no doubt was breath-taking but other aspects of the fort were no less impressive. In between waiting for the sunset and on my way back out of the fort compound, I criss-crossed it and was pleasantly surprised more than once. Even though the St. Anthony church was no more standing tall like it used to once, there were many other reminders of the past scattered all around.

Not many here come here for the views below or for the beautiful sunset that one can witness here. Many come to just relax, unwind, take a walk or just sit may-be, with your loved one by your side. Whatever your reasons might be, the century-old fort seems to have something for everybody.

As I walked balk out of the fort, somehow managing not to slip on the graveled slope, I couldn’t help but smile. What a beautiful evening it had been, truly!

Have you ever been to a fort? How did you like it? Leave me a comment below, I would love to hear from you.