A Guide To Cabo De Rama Fort, Goa

Things to do / Highlights

Pray in the quietude of Santo Antonio Church

The church of Santo Antonio is still present inside Cabo De Rama Fort and continues to be used by worshippers. The white church, against the stark fort exterior, makes for a striking contrast that is worth photographing. The sheer drop over the cliffs to the water below and the fresh smell of sea and salt is rejuvenating - the perfect backdrop for prayers and reflective meditation within the church.

Climb up the rocks

Surrounding the fort and forming a barrier between it and the sea is a rocky terrain that will make for quite an adventurous climb. It is lush with coconut trees and other tropical plants, making it quite the secluded getaway. You won’t run the risk of getting entangled with hordes of tourists, either!

Experience the great outdoors

Goa leaves travellers spoilt for choice when it comes to natural beauty and opportunities for adventure. For the thrill-obsessed, there are chances to take part in abseiling, trekking, hiking, cliff-diving, swimming and walking through river gorges while checking out Cabo De Rama Fort. Canyoning is a great chance to get up close with the great outdoors while also being guided by professionals in the field. You’ll also leave with some fantastic memories!

Kick back and relax on Cabo De Rama Beach

Widely regarded as one of the hidden gems of Goa, Cabo De Rama Beach in south Goa is just a stone’s throw away from the fort. It’s perfect for a romantic or family getaway since it remains largely secluded throughout the year. If you want to escape the crowds after checking out Cabo De Rama Fort, then head down to this beach where you can sink your toes in the sand and enjoy stunning views of Goan sunsets.

Travellers tips

Don’t dismiss the views from the fort

The fort itself may not seem like much - just the remains of an old wall, a gate and a dry moat still stand. However, the real draw of Cabo De Rama Fort is the stunning views of South Goa it offers. Be sure to reach it in time for sunrise or sunset to be mesmerised by the view of the sun rising from or sinking into the horizon.

Read up on it

There aren’t many tourist information boards available about Cabo De Rama Fort and also next to no tour guides. To be able to appreciate the structure for what it is and its place in Indian history, it’s highly recommended that you read up about it in advance. This way, you can also familiarise yourself with the area and avoid missing out on hidden gems.

Parking space is available

While you have to cover the last leg of the trip to the top of the fort on foot, there is parking available for rented vehicles and motorcycles if you come with one. A couple of nearby ad hoc restaurants turn the area into a rest spot once you’ve finished climbing up and down the fort and taking in all the views it has to offer.

Entrance is free, but exercise caution

As of when this article was written, entrance to the main fort is free and accessible to all. However, locals and tourists alike claim that it is not well-maintained, so visitors would do well to exercise caution and watch out for sheer drops, loose rocks and uneven pathways. There is also no lifeguard on duty, so take a dip in the sea only at your own risk.

How to get there

Car

Drive down to Cabo De Rama Beach and Fort or take a taxi to the area. Travellers can use the NH66 highway.

Bus

Buses run regularly, making it a budget-friendly option for travellers looking to get from major hubs to the quieter area of the fort. From Canacona, take bus KTCL, which stops at Palolem, to Cabo de Rama.

Bike or motorcycle

Whether you’re renting a bike in Goa or have travelled from another part of the country on one, you can take it all the way up to the foot of the fort by using NH66 highway.

Cabo De Rama Fort information

Cabo De Rama Fort

Address: Taluka Cabo da Rama, Canacona, Goa 403702

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Cost: Free

Department of tourism: Goa Tourism