| Cabo de Rama Fort | |
|
View from Cabo de Rama fort.
|
|
| Location: | Goa, India |
| Coordinates: | |
| Type: | Cultural |
| State Party: | India |
| Region: | |
|
Location in Goa, India
|
|
The popular Goan beach fort Cabo De Rama Fort is named after Lord Rama. Also known as Cape Rama fort, this ancient fortress is located in the Canacona district of Goa, India just 25 km south of Margao. This is one of the oldest forts in Goa, build here before the arrival of the Portuguese. With the historic significance related with its name, Cabo De Rama has a mythological legend. Lord Rama accompanied by his wife Sita took refuge here during his exile from Ayodhya for 14 years.
Contents |
The Hindu warriors constructed the fort and around 1763, Portuguese claimed the Cabo de Rama fort after defeating the Raja (King) of Soonda and renovated it subsequently. In the past, the fort has switched hands between Hindu, Muslim and Portugal monarchs and witnessed many battles in history. The present rickety structure with turrets and rusty cannons is a leftover of the Portuguese. The colonists equipped it with 21 guns and military barracks, as well as commandant quarters and a chapel. It was abandoned when the Portuguese left this place. Later, this fort housed a government prison till 1955 and was abandoned again. Today, this fort is in ruins, but is a popular tourist attraction of Goa.
Inside the Cabo De Rama Fort, there is the church of Santo Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still used by devotees. The white church and the black fort provide a photographic picture of stark contrast. People come here to pray and just enjoy the mystical atmosphere of the fort. Cliffs drop steeply to the sea provide a panoramic outlook of the surrounding areas, at the western side of the fortress. The fort provides majestic views of the entire length of Colva beach and the Canacona stretch.
One can visit the Cabo De Rama fort by hiring a taxi from any nearby location in south Goa. Regular bus service is also available from Margao to Cabo De Rama fort daily.