Cabo De Rama Fort ,Canacona, South Goa

Cabo De Rama Fort ,Canacona, South Goa 

Cabo de Rama is one of many historic forts in Goa, but by no means one of the most interesting. The fort itself is not much more than a ramshackle ruin, and presents no real interest to most tourist. However the view from the tower and landscape that surrounds it makes it a worthwhile daytrip from any of  the Canacona beaches or the Colva bay beaches. You’ll get there by taxi, or on your own rented scooter or motorbike. Close to the fort is a small paradise beach that give you a welcome opportunity for a refreshing dip in the sea after visiting the fort, there’s also a shack on the beach offering cold drinks and basic some basic lunch dishes. You will get a good view of the beach from the tower, and once you know where it is you should have no problems finding it on your way back. The following article from articlesnatch by Pushpitha Wijesinghe will give the ruin romantics among you more info about the history of the fort.

The Cabo De Rama fort located in the Canacona district of Goa is yet another famous fort in India. The fort has an interesting story as to how it derived its name. It is said that Lord Rama of the famous Hindu epic Ramayana took shelter here with his wife Sita. This was during the time when they were banished from the kingdom and were sent on a 14 year long exile in the forests of India. The Cabo De Rama fort of Goa is also known as Cape Rama and is a very old fort which has been located here since ancient times.

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.

The Fort was first occupied by Hindu rulers who spread their empire all over India. The fort has exchanged hands between Hindu, Muslim and Portugal rulers and has seen some of the most gruesome battles fought in history. The Portugal rulers waged battles against the Hindu rulers and established their right over the fort around 1763. 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 a bit ruined but is a popular tourist attraction.

There is a small chapel inside the fort which is still in use. 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. Cabo De Rama fort gives a stunning view of the sea from the western side. You can always visit this fort if you are looking for undisturbed peace and serenity. It is a great place to spend some time with oneself and tranquility.

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.

Attractions

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.

How to Reach

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.

History of Cabo de Rama Fort

“Several romantic ruins and monuments are scattered all over the state and its shores, showcasing a meld of the ancient Oriental legends with those of European occupation. The Cabo De Rama Fort is one such monument found in South Goas Canacona, only 16km northwards from the Agonda beach, near Colva Bay. Legend has it that the Ramayanas Lord Rama and his wife Sita found a refuge here for some time during their 14 year exile from Ayodhya. This is said to be why the fort is named after him; it is also known in local kenning as Cape Rama. This association indicates that the fort is one of the most ancient inhabited sites in India. However, the structure itself is famed primarily as a Portuguese relic; one of the many ruined fortifications attesting to Goas extended occupation by the colonists. Although the fort was originally built by Hindu rulers, changing fortunes saw it pass from them to the invading Mughal lords and finally the Portuguese, in the wake of some of the bloodiest battles in Goas history. Its final renovation was done by the Portuguese in 1763, after having won it from the Marathi ruler of the time. The colonists equipped it with 21 guns and military barracks, as well as commandant quarters and a chapel. The fort was later used as a prison by the government until 1955, until it was finally abandoned.

Standing brooding atop a rock-strewn headland reclaimed by beautiful wilderness, only a shell of its former grandeur can be seen today. The outer wall still holds fast against the ravages of time, but the buildings inside are mostly derelict and destroyed save for a solitary guardhouse and the ancient chapel. This is still in use in the present-day; the white facade of the church of Santo Antonio against the black ruins of the fort making a photogenic study in contrasts. Tourists who climb up to the parapet on the western end of the fort are greeted with a stunning view of the sea coast that stretches out for miles in all directions.”