Cabo da Rama Fort, Goa

This fort was taken by the Portuguese over the Raja of Soonda. Portuguese equipped it with 21 guns and military barracks, commandant quarters and a chapel. During its history there was a time it housed a prison. When India invaded Goa, this fort was abandoned and nowadays is, unfortunatelly, in ruins.

Fortunately, at least, the church of Santo António, still in use, which is located inside the fort, is in good conditions.

This fort can be visited easily by local bus from Chaudi. I went there early in the morning and it is worths a visti for the great views over the ocean. Returning back, I had to walk for a while to catch the bus coming from Margão to Chaudi.

Also known as Cape Rama fort, this ancient bastion is steeped in mythological legends. The fort derives its name from Rama, the protagonist of the epic Ramayana, who, accompanied by his wife Sita took refuge here during his exile from Ayodhya.

Unlike many other forts in the state, the Cabo da Rama fort predates the Portuguese invasion of Goa. Possession of the fort changed hands many a time as dynasties fell and rose during the ages. In 1763 the Portuguese claimed the Cabo de Rama fort after defeating the Raja of Sonda and subsequently renovated it. Within its ramparts, the moated fort houses the church of Santo Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still in use. The western side of the fortress, where the cliffs drop sharply to the sea, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

See my Agonda page for more details and photos. You have to hire your own transport to get here - we went by scooter.

Cabo de Rama is an old, mostly destroyed and deserted fort on the peninsula going out to the sea to the north from Agonda. Visiting the fort is free and there is a great view opening from it!

You can also glimpse a few wild monkeys who occupy the fort now.