The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
4.7 (1987 reviews)
Discover the enigmatic Char Khambe in St. Cruz, Goa, where whitewashed pillars, rich in Portuguese history and haunted legends, stand as a buffer between urban and rural landscapes, attracting bird-watchers and thrill-seekers alike.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Introduction
- Location
- How to Get There
- History and Influence
- Tips for Visitors
- Do’s
- Don’ts
- What People Say
- Nearby Places to Visit
Introduction to The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
Imagine driving down a winding road, the sun dipping below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the marshy lands of the Rio de Ourem, or the 'River of Gold' as the Portuguese called it. You're heading towards a place that's as much a part of Goa's history as it is a whisper in its folklore – The Char Khambe, or the Four Pillars, in St. Cruz. These white-painted pillars stand like sentinels in the khazan lands, a testament to a time when freedom fighters gathered here, their whispers and plans carried away by the breeze.The air is thick with an eerie silence, punctuated by the occasional cry or the sudden sputter of a bike engine. Locals will tell you this place is cursed, but it's this very mystique that draws you in. As night falls, especially on full moon nights, the shadows seem to come alive, and you can almost feel the weight of history and legend swirling around you. This isn't just a landmark; it's a gateway to the rich, complex tapestry of Goa's past, where every stone and every pillar tells a story that's both haunting and captivating.
Location of The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
How to get to The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
History and Influence of The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
Tips for Visitors
Do’s at The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
Dont’s The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
What People Say about The Char Khambe, St. Cruz
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Amazing Service
The four pillars, or 'char khambe', that have existed for over a century on the boundary between the erstwhile village of Calapur (now St Cruz) and the city of Panaji, need scant introduction.
Good Service
These Four Pillars, at all four corners, of this complex have a very unique shape. They are not just square, but are concavely, pyramidic in shape, starting upward from a round platform base, placed about one meter above the ground. The haunting stories of D'Mello House are spine-tingling. Many claim to hear screams and strange noises, making it a place that lingers in your mind long after you leave.
Amazing Service
Many stories, legends & myths revolve around these “Char Khambe’s”. An interesting detail that is conveyed down, as an oral description, is that the Governor General of Portuguese Goa, would take a respite here on the “Sope’s” - masonry seats, between these Four Pillars, when he took his evening stroll, from Panaji to this favourite site.