Many of us must have visited Goa. We may have splashed on the beaches, enjoyed the Casinos and the flee markets. Relaxing at a beach shack, cold beer in hand, and bare feet facing the open ocean is an oft repeated scene from Goa. But very few must have explored the Fort of Cabo de Rama.
This ancient fort has a rich history and a panoramic view of the Arabian Ocean. Fort Cabo de Rama is the largest and one of the oldest forts of Goa. The fortress occupies an impressive area of nearly 180,000 square meters.
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Located in South Goa, its history enmeshes Goa with the kingdoms of ancient Karnataka. The Soonda rulers named it Ram Killa after a local folklore. The Portuguese named it Cabo De Rama after the name the Soonda rulers had given it. Cabo means cape in Portuguese.
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The fort has a clear view of the whole Arabian Sea and the Goan coast. The bridge at the entrance of the fort stand rock solid even after 300 years. At the entrance to the fort is a deep valley, proof that sea water once flowed from this valley, which is why the bridge was built. While entering the fort you will see a heart-shaped wooden altar. Laterite stones have been used to build this fort.
At the entrance, on the left side of the fort, is the beautiful St Antonio Chapel, where the local Catholics still carry out service and once a year a feast is celebrated. Behind the chapel is the unused Portuguese jail.
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To the right of the fort is the watch tower, behind which hides a pretty lake. Below the fort lies the azure sea along the beach, named after the fort. The beach is so well secluded from the frequent inflow of tourists to North Goa, that it may feel like a private beach when you are the lone traveller to it.
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A narrow strip of sand lies sandwiched between the queue of palm trees and the blue sea water. A rivulet runs into a ford at the northern end of the beach. Behind the beach elevates a steep rock with a flat top. Steep rough steps lead down to the beach from the fort.
You can arrive at Cabo de Rama from the nearest city of Margao by driving on NH66. Dabolim is the nearest airport to the fort.
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