Cabo De Rama fort Also known as Cape Rama fort is yet another famous fort in Goa located in the Canacona district of Goa, situated just 25 km south of Margao, 16 km north of Agonda beach on the coast road. Cabo De Rama has a mythological legend, 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 Hindu warriors constructed the fort and around 1763, 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.
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. Besides the chapel is a small grotto with a statue of the Virgin Mary. The fort also used to have a well and two springs from which cold and hot water used to emerge from two different spouts. The fort also houses a large water tank with stone steps descending into it. Also within the fort are ruins of buildings that may have been used are quarters for the troops stationed at the fort. 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. This is the best place for those who want to be away from a stressful life because this place offers peace and serenity. From the fort, one can get a great view of the Arabian sea and the nearby Cabo de Rama beach The fort provides majestic views of the entire length of Colva beach and the Canacona stretch.