Goa having a costal line of 120 Kms is
famed for its beautiful beaches, Portuguese Churches and its cuisine.
Beaches like Anjuna, Baga, Baina, Betul, Bogamalo, Calangute, Colva,
Dona Paula, Harmal, Mandrem, Mirmar, Morgim, Palolem, Siridao and
Vagator are secluded and unspoiled spots. Parasailing, speed boating,
water skiing, yachting, windsurfing and deep-sea diving hold out
pursuance of adventure on the sea. Ancient and historic temples,
cathedrals, palaces, forts, beautiful gardens etc are some of the other
attractions.
Its situated on the west coast of India, is a land of
swaying palms, miles of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible
cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments and a
unique cultural synthesis of the east and the west.
Goa is connected by Well connected by air with all major domestic
airlines having daily flights to Goa. Goa is well connected by train
and by bus also. |
| North Goa |
| Arambol |
One of the northern Goa's most remote and beautiful
beaches, Arambol is distinctive for its freshwater lake which almost reaches
the sea and its dramatic rocky headlands. Many people come here to do yoga,
meditate or paraglide from the cliffs. Reached by a madcap ferry ride from
the town of Siolim. |
| Baga to Fort Aguada |
From Baga Beach, north Goa's entertainment hub, the coast
stretches southwards in a string of uninterrupted beaches via Calangute,
Candolim and Sinquerim. Most tourist facilities are located here, and the
interpid can walk the length for a taste of Goan beach life at its most
vibrant. |
| Fiesta Cruises |
From Baga Jetty, board the Fiesta Yacht for morning or
sunset dolphin - spotting cruises or diving trips to the nearby islands. The
yacht can also be chartered for private trips with catering. Book at The
Fiesta Restaurant. |
| Fort Aguada |
Built by the Portugese in 1612 to defend Goa from maruding
invaders, Fort Aguada is today home to the Taj Fort Aguade Beach Resort
which has been built into its ramparts. Superb views of the coast from
Sinquerim beach up to Baga can be seen from the Jetty, while up on the
hilltop the fort's citadel and the 1864 lighthouse are worth a visit. |
| Solita Cruises |
Board the Solita at the Santa Monica Jetty at Panjim. |
| Panjim (Panaji) |
Goa's Capital, built on the banks of the Mandovi River,
relocated here from Old Goa in 1843. Visit the old quarter of Fountanhas and
San Tome, take a cruise down the river from the Santa Monica Jetty, and
visit the 1541 church OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, which Portuguese
sailors would visit to pray for a safe crossing. |
| OLD Goa |
Once the seat of the Portuguese eastern empire and a rival
to the magnificence of Lisbon, all that remains of Old Goa's former glory
are its imposing churches and cathedrals. The Portuguese - Gothic Se
Cathedral, built in 1562, is of vast proportions; inside, birds swoop eerily
around. Its bellfry holds the Golden Bell, said to have been heard all over
Goa. The Basilica of Bom Jesu, otherwise known as the Church of St. Francis
Xavier, houses the mortal and visible - remains of the Goa's patron saint.
The interior of the church is lavishly ornate, with huge glided pillars
stretching from cieling to floor. |
| SOUTH GOA |
| The temples of Ponda |
Goa's Ornate and magical Hindu temples are a reminder that
you are, after all, in India. Etiquette requires visitors to remove shoes
before entering and offer flowers or incense as a gift to the temple's god.
Built in 1567, the Shri Mangueshi temple at Priol, dedicated to Lord Shiva,
is a colourful mixture of Hindu, Muslim and Christian architechture.
Outside, its seven stage tower lamp is magical sight when lit during
festivals. The Shri Mahalsa temple at Mardoi dates back to the 14th Century.
Walking around its exterior is belived to ride the body of negative
energies. |
| Savoi - Verem Spice Plantation |
This tranquil spice plantation is close to Ponda and
reached via a staggeringly beautiful ascent. Have lunch on the verandah
overlooking a natural lake festooned by waterlillies and fringed by palm
trees, then wander through the plantation, crushing spice leaves and
watching monkey - men gather betel nuts in the trees. |
| Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Sanguem |
Head south west to India's highest waterfalls, accessed by
an Indiana - Jones style trek through the Jungle where you can spot wild
bison, ox and 300 species of birds. At the foot of this ocean of milk is a
freshwater pool. |
| Menezes Braganza House, Chandor |
A 17th century Portuguese house whose west wing has been
lovingly preserved by 86 year old AIDA MENEZES BRAGANZA. Incredibly grand
rooms, including a breath taking ballroom, retain original hand - stenciling
on the walls and are crammed with precious antiques and artifacts from the
Portuguese colonial era. |
| Betul |
The river Sal and its palm fringed inlets meet the sea at
the picturesque fishing village of Betul. A sandbar in the middle of the
river can be reached by boat at low tide where you can paddle among the
fish. Take a hike up to the church overlooking the village, where the
panoramic views are best seen at sunset. |
| Colva Beach |
If the indolent nature of South Goa leaves you in need of
some action, head to Colva, where you will find an endless string of stalls,
shacks, bars and the nightclub splash. |
| St. Josh the Baptist Church Benaulim |
A picturesque church built in 1596 by Jesuit priests,
which retains its original, ornate gold leaf pulpit. Padre Jose vaz, soon to
be canonised, was baptised here. |
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