Revving by Revora

Church of Our Lady of Victory, Revora, Goa

 

-Brian Mendonca

Today when we hit the road to Raut farm, Dodamarg, we had no idea we would be treated to a glimpse of Revora.  

As we whizzed past Revora church on our left in the early evening, enroute to Porvorim, I was struck by its grandeur. I almost stopped the car to do a photo shoot - but decided on doing it some other time. Dwayne was keen on being in time for his evening play time with his friends at 5. 

Moving out from Raut farm after a refreshing swim and a delicious Goan lunch of prawn curry rice, and chicken Xacuti, I felt something was amiss when, as we hit the main road, Google aunty directed us in the opposite direction from where we had come from. But since the travel time was the same - 45 mins - I did not bother overmuch.

Dhashi lake, Revora, Goa

The mystery was resolved when I hastened home and looked at Google maps again to retrace my steps.  I learnt that there were two routes to Raut farm. The first route that we took on our way to the farm was the more conventional one turning right at Karaswada  via Spice Goa, Vhodekar restaurant, Thivim railway station, Sirsaim,  Assonora, Latambarcem, Dodamarg. (Remember to take the service road to get down from the highway before the junction.) The distance was 32 kms. Estimated time 48 mins.

On the way back we took the road less travelled by. Perhaps Google knew how I love to explore these quiet roads in the Goan outback where there is not a soul in sight - just trees, water bodies, seasonal fruit and large stretches of undeveloped land. Seriously. To top it all, today it was dull and the the sun did not seem so severe.

The return was on the Colvale-Revora-Pirna-Mencurem road. Travelling from Raut farms from Sal, Dodamarg we cruised past all the places in reverse order. It was then that we discovered Revora church which rushes out at you from as far back as the 17th century. The travel time is a wee bit longer than the route via Thivim. You come out at Colvale on to the Mumbai-Goa highway and see Spice Goa on your left. It is 48 mins. 32 kms. 

The Revora church was built in 1673 but was burnt in 1705. It was rebuilt as recently as 1952. It has been administered by the Capuchin friars since 1982. The church is built in the Neo-Gothic style. What stands out are the impressive three steeple-tops in conical design. The feast is celebrated in the second Sunday of May. 

Near the church is the tranquil Dhashi lake. There is also a restaurant overlooking the lake. One must visit it sometime. 
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Pic courtesy: trawell(dot)in