To See & Do
Goa has a bit of everything from beautiful old style Goan homes with beautiful antique furniture, churches, temples, beaches, and historic places to a lot of fun places. Then there's also that lazy laid back lifestyle that is a must to see, plus if you are up to it, Goa has its fair amount of late night entertainment spots. Catching all of that on one trip is impossible, but try and enjoy as many flavours of Goa as possible.
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Wildlife Sanctuaries &
Adventure |
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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary:
Is one the smallest preserves in India, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is 10 kms northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north Goa. It houses animals such as the black-faced langurs, Indian bison, jackal and wild boar are commonly found here. Various species of deer can also be spotted. Besides being home to animals, this preserve is also a treat for bird watchers and butterfly spotters. It also has a tiny zoo. You can go for elephant rides in this park.
For Adventure Freaks:
Goa offers various distractions for those who seek. You can go to Betul or Agonda for angling, but if you prefer to be a lounger, go to Betul where divers will bring back clams for you from the sea. All you need is a good camera and some imagination to take your 'clam-hunting' or 'angling at sea' photographs to show back at home. At Anjuna you can bungee jump from a 25-meter crane. You can at least pump all the adrenalin back to your brains for later use. If you feel there are too many people around you, go on one of the crocodile trips or the dolphin-watching trip. You can take a half-day cruise and watch them from the deck or swim with them. Your trip to Goa will not be complete without a hike along nature's own course. There are quite a few trek routes that start from Molem. Enjoy the peace and tranquility as you hum to the bird's tune or admire the greenery. Windsurfing is a unique blend of surfing and sailing, which requires the surfer to adjust his strength and balance to the changing patterns of wind and water try it out at Dona Paula jetty. Most places that offer windsurfing also offer services of water scooter, another fun sport if you do not venture to far into the sea. Water skiing is a new sport that's taking shape in Goa, you can ski anywhere across the northern beach belt in Goa. And for those who want a different high, there's also paragliding that's offered right across all beaches of Goa, the rates vary depending on where you take your trip from, anywhere close to a five star property and you will end up paying at least 200 more.
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Museums and Memorials |
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Archeological museum at the Convent of St Francis of Assisi:
This was established in the convent in 1964. What's interesting is the eclectic collection of 60 portraits of Portuguese viceroys and governor's of Goa. What it also now houses is the statue of St Catherine from the Viceroy's arch. What's worth a view here are sati scones, coins and wooden Christian iconography not to forget the stones with Marathi and Persian inscriptions on them. The best parts of the museum are the grey basalt stone statues of Vishnu and a standing Surya both from the Kadamba period.
Then there is Goa State Museum was opened in 1973 and has on exhibit a rich collection of arts and artifacts divided into various sections. The museum is open Monday to Friday, 9.30 am to 5.30 pm.
At the Convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa, there is the Museum of Christian Art, the first of its kind in Asia. Many times there are classical music concerts in the garden of the Museum.
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Religious Places |
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Goa has a bit of everything from churches to temples and mosques and even a well known gurudwara.
The Reis Magos Church
built in AD 1555, was once a mission centre of the Franciscan Order of Monks. It's better known as the Church of the three kings.
The Church of Mae de Dens or Mother of God.
This ones' in Saligao, and stands amongst picturesque surroundings. The statue after whom this church was named once occupied a convent, which no longer exists, and was known for its miraculous powers. This church is a fine instance of Gothic architecture.
The Church of St. Anne
at Talaulin Iltias, affectionately called Santana by the people, is dedicated to the Mother of Mary. It is situated on the right bank of the Siridao River. While these Catholic institutions have survived the ravages of time, a visit to the ruins of lost churches, of which there are many, would help to discover further the truths of a remarkable period of religious activity on the shores of our country.
Church of Immaculate Conception
stands bang in the centre of Panjim city. Apart from the church, the largo da Igreja. The Largo da Igreja - (Church Square) is an impressive dazzling white-balustraded stairway.
The Cathedral in Old Goa also known as Se (Holy See)
is a mighty 16th century monument to the Roman Catholic rule of Goa under the Portuguese. Its huge Golden Bell is amongst the biggest in the world. It has 14 side chapels; the last chapel, in Mauresque style, preserves a cross upon which a vision of Christ is said to have appeared in 1919.
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
One of the largest churches of Old Goa, it houses a respected relic. The relic is mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who in 1541 was entrusted with the task of spreading Christianity within the Portuguese colonies in the East. The remains are entombed in this basilica. Every 10 years the relics are exposed and its known as 'the Exposition'. Normally begins from 23rd November till 3rd December. The remains of St Francis are brought out for public display every few years.
Tambdi Surla Temple: It is the oldest temple in the whole of Goa and is located at a place called Tambi Surla, which is approximately 65 kms from the Panaji. The temple itself was built in Jain style in the twelfth century.
Mangueshi temple:
No visit to Goa is complete without a visit to this famed temple. This is one of the best places to spot Lord Shiva's beard! India's famous singing Mangeshkar sisters come here often. This temple has a large courtyard and the largest ablution tank Goa has seen. What's beautiful here is the seven-storey deepmala that's lit up on Dussehra and Diwali days. Not everyone can enter right up to the lingam here, you need to be of a particular caste.
Laxmi Narsihma temple at Velinga
is a temple that's not really as yet on the tourist map, but it is beautiful, in the midst of woody settings this is an 18th century temple. Set to the hill side is a beautiful gateway that's fringed with palms, there's also the gaily painted mandapam that has stout carved pillars with elephants and tigers riding on it. That's an interesting feature of all temples in Goa, the ceilings of each of these are beautifully coloured and carved.
Shree Damodar Temple
on the banks of the river Kushavati is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus and Christians alike. The waters of the river near the temple precincts are a cure for all ailments. Shree Damodar is known simply as Danubab by the faithful and he is, till today, the patron deity of Margao.
Safa Masjid at Ponda:
Yet another relic from the bygone days, the Safa Shahouri Masjid located at Ponda is among the biggest and the oldest mosque in Goa. It is the only remaining one in Ponda Taluka among the 26 mosques that were built by Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur in 1560.
Gurudwara at Betim:
Situated just opposite the fishing village is this lovely gurudwara that has a magnificent view of Panjim across the river.
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Beaches |
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Warning: please do not try to get into the water on any of these beaches during the monsoons. The waves, soft spots and underwater currents are very unpredictable.
Arambol:
Arambol's best beach is the tiny Paliem beach at the foot of the Waghcolomb hill, about 200 mts from here is a fresh water lake that could meet all your fishing requirements. Arambol itself has a long beach stretch, both rocky and sandy. Its main attractions are the nearby hot water springs, paragliding and relative serenity.
Mandrem:
Head here to stay in one of the stilt homes. It's a great way to see the waves come in. Another beach close by is the Junas beach, access to this however might be difficult as a creek runs close to it, but its great if you do not mind walking through at low tide.
Vagator:
This beach is split into two halves, one the north Vagator beach and the other the Ozrant beach, also called as mini-vagator beach. Head here to go to the fresh water spring that's at the foot of the hill 100 metres from the beach. It's also a stones' throw away from Charpora fort. A lot of good Israeli food joints dot the area here.
Anjuna:
One of the better travelled to beaches, this one got famous because of the Wednesday day flea market. The beach itself is beautiful, but can be quite deserted on any other day of the week.
Calangute:
Calangute is a vast sandy beach that stretches to Baga on one side and Candolim on the other. The sea can be very rough. This is Goa's most crowded and most commercialised beach. This beach is always completely packed with shacks in the season time and the sands are dotted with loungers full of people tanning themselves brown.
Candolim:
A quiet beach to come to watch the sun sink into the water. This is where you will also see River Princess a sinking ship that's been in shallow waters for the last few years. There are many inroads from the main road that lead to the beach, find your own way here.
Miramar:
This is Chowpatty of Goa, you have fast food racks right across the main road towards the beach. A lot of locals frequent this beach. During the IFFI (film festival, end Nov) open-air movie screenings are carried out on this beach.
Bogmalo:
This is one of Goa's most picturesque beaches, you can see planes take off and land from here, it is bounded by green hills on three sides, and you can see the Grande island a few metres away from you into the sea. It is a small and almost deserted beach though about 8 km south from Vasco Da Gama, and 4 km from Goa's airport.
Colva:
This is one of the bigger beaches in South Goa, second to Utorda beach where the famous Zeebop stands. This beach is practically a shopper's paradise; it is South Goa's equivalent to north Goa's Calangute, only a quieter version.
Palolem:
The far end of Goa, this is the most peaceful beach Goa has, the waters are not rough at all, and swimming here can be quite relaxing. This beach has quite become a tourists paradise, the food, people, living accommodation that are close to the beach too have been created keeping their clientele in mind. It is sometimes referred to as the Goa's 'Lost Paradise'. Don't forget to walk on this beach at night.
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Forts |
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Tiracol fort:
At the extreme north tip of Goa stands Fort Tiracol. This has now become a historic fort hotel, but has retained its old structure and looks. The statue of Jesus in the church square inside the fort is a great one to see.
Chapora Fort:
This one's been made famous by the Hindi blockbuster Dil Chahta Hai. It's a great fort to go too if you do not mind climbing up to the high walls - no cars, bikes go up to the fort. But the view from this fort is simply beautiful, you can see the long stretch of the sea and the entire neckline of Goa's beaches from here.
Aguada Fort:
This is one fort that is divided into two halves, there is a lower Aguada and an upper Aguada, both ends about 500 meters apart. The Portuguese built the fort in 1609-1612. It was built to protect the city from potential attacks. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there. The fort presently houses the Central Jail.
Cabo Fort (Raj Bhavan):
About 9 km from Panaji, the Cabo Fort lies on the peninsula at Dona Paula, and is now the Governor's residence. Years ago this fort used to be a Franciscan Convent, but was later attached to the fort. This is one fort you really can't get into! Other forts to visit are Reis Magos fort at Reis Magos, about 5 km from Betim ferry point, and the Corjuem Fort at Corjuem near Aldona in Bardez Taluka.
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Historical |
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Viceroy's Arch:
The original structure was built by Francis Ad Gama (the great grandson of Vasco ad Gama). This structure has been built in two phases, the second phase included the addition of two tiers with a statue of St Catherine on top and one of Vasco Da Gama on the granite facade facing the river. However, the facade on the riverside is faceted with greenish granite.
Gateway of Adil Shah's Palace:
There's not much left of the gateway apart from the basalt pillars and a lintel. This was the entrance to the main palace of the King that also housed a prison in one of its wings. Visit this place to check out the beautiful doorway and the grillwork, a gorgeous example of the Indo-Muslim influence. The grill has a Muslim look to it whereas the architrave a Hindu influence.
The tower of St Augustine:
This tall-dilapidated structure overpowers visitors with its dynamism. Even if in ruins it retains its original height of 46 meters (150 feet) and overlooks the entire city of old Goa. What we now see is a mere skeleton of the old square tower and the impressive church. The place has as tall a story as the tower itself, during construction; the high vault fell down twice. But, when completed the Italian architect and his son stood under the vault and asked for a heavy cannon to be fired to test the stability of the structure. A must visit.
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Festivals |
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The Goa Carnival is a grand affair heralding the coming of spring. Another Goan favorite is the Feast of the Three Kings. Church bells across Goa break out in a peel of merriment with the local boys enacting how the three wise men came in search of Jesus Christ, bearing him gifts. Shigmotsav is the Goan version of Holi. People go around throwing color on everyone around. Generally known as Holi, the month of Phagun signifies the onset of what in Goa is known as Shigmo.
Color in vivid vibrancy hues the festivities that bedeck every area that is celebrating Shigmo."Gulal" and "Neel" are abundantly used to color the very atmosphere in celebration of what is heralding the onset of the most colorful season, Spring. Mahashivratri, a celebration in honor of Lord Shiva is held at all the principal Shiva temples, such as the Rudreshwar, Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Sri Mahadev - Bhumika and other temples. Come monsoon and Goa celebrates its arrival with Sao Jaon where locals get all dressed up and plunge into the water - all dressed - it is quite a sight. Novidade is yet another village festival wherein the first paddy offering is made to the church.
No farmer, whether Hindu or Christian, will harvest his rice crop before it is offered in this ceremony. It is a true feast day for all. Women folk of Goa's earliest tribal settlers perform a dance called Bhandup in the second half of the month. In Goa Diwali is actually celebrate a day earlier, Goans put up huge effigies of Narkasur, and the burning of this is what signifies the essence of Diwali here. And of course there's Christmas, when all of Goa comes alive, and it all lit up. Most churches however offer service in Konkani save a few, that is should one wish to attend service.
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Braganza House
(significant house)
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The best known of Chandor's superb colonial mansions is Braganza House, which takes up one complete side of Chandor's village square and dates back to the 17th century. It's now divided into east and west wings - two separate houses - which stretch outwards from a common front entrance. The exterior façade of the mansion, with 24 windows, is the longest in Goa. Ongoing restoration is returning Braganza House to its Portuguese-era glory. Wandering through the ballrooms with their Italian marble floors, Belgian glass chandeliers and carved rosewood furniture, it's not hard to imagine the kinds of parties that were thrown here.
The east wing is owned by the Braganza Pereira family, and includes a small family chapel containing a carefully hidden relic of St Francis Xavier - a fingernail. The west wing is crammed with beautiful furniture and Chinese porcelain from Macau.
The two large rooms behind the entrance halls contain Dr Menezes Braganza's extensive library - Luís de Menezes Braganza was a journalist and a leader in the Goan Independence movement.
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Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
(wildlife)
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Named after the late Dr Salim Moizzudin Abdul Ali, India's best-known ornithologist, this sanctuary on Chorao Island was proclaimed by the Forest Department in 1988 to protect the birdlife that thrives here and the mangroves that had grown around reclaimed marshland. Apart from the ubiquitous white egrets and purple herons, you can expect to see colourful kingfishers, eagles, cormorants, kites, woodpeckers, sandpipers, curlews, drongos and mynahs, to name a few. Marsh crocodiles and otters have also been spotted by some visitors, along with the mudskipper fish that skim across the water's surface at low tide. There's a bird-watching tower in the sanctuary that can be reached by boat when the water level is not too low.
The best time to visit is either in the early morning (about 08:00) or in the evening (a couple of hours before sunset). Definitely the best way to cruise the waterways is in a dugout canoe with a local boatman.
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Fort Aguada
(fortress)
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Standing on the headland overlooking the mouth of the Mandovi River, Fort Aguada occupies a magnificent position, its strategic value confirmed by the fact that it was never taken by force. This is a very popular spot to watch the sunset, with uninterrupted views north and south. Today the main point of interest is the bastion that stands on the hilltop itself.
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