Since many years I had been planning to
visit this fort, and finally I visited it, last week.
Though the fort is in ruins, it is a
popular tourist attraction attributed more to its scenic location.
Here are 10 facts about the
erstwhile Cabo de Rama fort:
1)
It is said that Lord Rama, the
Hindu deity and his wife lived here during their 14 years of exile from Ayodhya,
thus named Cabo de Rama in Portuguese, which translated to Cave of Rama in
English.
2)
Situated in Canacona taluka, it is
located at a distance of 14 kilometres from Agonda beach, and 30 kilometres
from Margao.
3)
It is one of the largest and oldest
forts in Goa and occupies an area of
18,000 square meters!
4)
It was built by the Maratha king,
Sambhaji Raj.
5)
It was invaded and captured from the
Hindu ruler, Raja Sonda, by the Portuguese in 1763.
6)
The fort was invaded by many armies
and has witnessed many battles.
7)
It houses a small chapel of Saint
Antonio, which is, renovated and still used by devotees. Next to it is a statue
of Mother Mary.
8)
The fort had elaborate defence
system including a moat and several bastions.
9)
The western side of the fort renders
beautiful view of the Arabian Sea and Cabo de Rama beach.
10) From 1935 until 1955, this for was used as a prison.
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| Entry to the fort |
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| The ramparts |
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| Picturesque view! |
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| Resplendent greenery |
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| The moat |
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| Deeper down... |
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| Remains of ammunition |
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| Saint Anthony's church |
