Places of interests in Goa

(About 37kms. from Margao and 8kms. from Canacona) A small picturesque and secluded beach where a number of nature lovers go for peace of mind.

18 kms.from planji the fort was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612 to command the entry into the river mandovi in order to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attracts.A spring within the fort provides water supply to the ships that called there.The fort houses presently the central Jail.A light house is situated near by.

One of the main sources of Anjuna's enduring popularity as a hippy hang out is its superb beach.Fringed by groves of swaying coconut palms,the curve of soft white sand conforms more closely to the archetypal vision of paradise than any other beach on the north coast.Bathing is generally safer than at most of the nearby resorts,too,especially at the more peaceful southern end,where a rocky headland keeps the sea calm and the undertow to a minimum.

This is the only church in Old Goa,which is not plastered on the outside,the lime plaster having been stripped off by a zealous Portuguese conservationist in 1950.Located at Old Goa,10 Km east of Panaji,the Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument. This magnificent edifice stands as a superb example of Baroque architecture in Goa.The church is called"Bom Jesus"meaning 'good Jesus' or'infant Jesus'to whom it is dedicated.The façade has on it,at the top,the letters,"HIS" which are the first three letters of Jesus in Greek. The imposing facade built out of black granite in an exquisite combination of the Doric,Corinthian and composite styles,is remarkable for its simplicity.It measures 183 ft in length,55 ft in breath,and 61 ft in height.The main altar is 54 ft high and 30 ft broad.The pillars and detail are carved from basalt which was brought from Bassein, some 300 kms away.The interior of the church is built in Mosaico-Corinthian style and is remarkable for its charming simplicity.

Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum,is a sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes of the Western Ghats is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers.It is particularly known for Leopards, Elephants,Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison. Beside flora and fauna there are many important natural geological and historical features in this century.“Devils Canyon”is on of the most beautiful geological spots.

About 13kms. from Vasco town,crossing Dabolim airport,the beach of bogmalo is a popular picnic spot for the people in the vicinity.The beach is clean,the water is reasonably safe for swimming,and there are plenty of places to eat,drink and shop.

Up in the lush foothills of the Western Ghats, Bondla is good place to see Sambhar and Wild Boar.It is smallest of the Goan Wildlife Sanctuaries.Its area is 8-sq-kms but easiest one to reach. Situated 55-km from Panajim and 38-km from Margoa,the sanctuary includes a Botanical Garden,fenced Deer Park and Zoo,which is better than most,with reasonably spacious enclosures. More than a sanctuary it is an ideal jungle resort and a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers.

Colva beach is pride of Salcete and the only rival of calangute in scenic splendor.Here land, sea and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony.

The second largest of the four wild life sanctuaries in Goa.The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary,10-km southeast of Chaudi,was established in 1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka border.Encompassing 86-sq-kms of mixed deciduous woodland,the reserve is certain to inspire tree lovers.Its wildlife comprises mainly bison(gaur)sambur,cheetal,wild-boars,porcupines, langurs and bonnet monkeys,panthers.The flora and -fauna is varied and there are also plenty of snakes and other reptiles.

At the place where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea is the secluded bay of Dona Paula with a fine view of the Marmagao Harbour.7 km from Panjim, nestled on the south side of the rocky,hammer-shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries, this former fishing village is nowadays a commercialized resort.This is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe.Water scootering facilities are also available over here.

The dazzling dudhsagar (ocean of milk) waterfalls-the pride of Goa cascade majestically down the loftly western ghats provide a spectacle of unsurpassed grandeur amidst idyllic surroundings. Situated at about 60kms.from panaji,dudhsagar has been placed on the tourist map of Goa.

The Goa kala academy established in 1969 is the prime institution for promotion of Art and Culture in the State.The Kala Academy complex is situated on the bank of river mandovi,provides facility for art education,performance and development.The complex includes an open air auditorium of capacity 2500,a closed air-conditioned auditorium of capacity 1000,two mini theatres,black box with modern recording facilities,full fledged library of music (tapes and discs) and books,art gallery and workshop, several call and practice rooms,visitors rooms, etc.

26 kms. from Margao,at Sanguem built in the last century,the jama masjid was completely renovated in 1959.The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportions and elegant simplicity.It has four minarets whilst the entrance façade is flanked by two elegant turrets surmounted by pillared kiosks.A domeshapped kiosk rises in the center of the four minarets.Festivals are celebrated here with due solemnity and éclat by rejoining devotees.

Situated in West Goa,the Mahadeva Temple in Tambdi Surla is the state's only prominent reminder of the pre-Portuguese temple architecture.Maintained by the ASI (Archeological Survey of India),this 12th century temple boasts of some fine relief's on the'Shikhara'(spire) depicting a plethora of gods and goddesses. It was built in the Yadava style of architecture with all the necessary parts,like Garbha Griha, Mukhamandapa,Mini-shrines,etc. and presents an extremely grand look.

An important commercial Town in North Goa,is situated in Bardez Taluka on the National Highway 17.It has a beautiful layout with gardens and a church.Weekly Friday bazaar is held at modern streamlined market and attended by large crowds.

It is located in Salcete Taluka. An important commercial and cultural center of Goa,Noted for its old mansion influenced by Western architecture,it is the head quarters of South Goa District.

(30kms.from panaji)Four kms.from vasco da gama, one of the finest natural harbours on the westcoast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity.Passengers and cargo ships call here from all over the World.

Located about 5kms. from Bicholim,lake is surrounded by green hills and is an ideal picnic spot which attracts many tourist.

Situated on a good location for evening walks, the coast is spread upto 2-km,having a fine silvery sand beach girdled with palm trees facing the Ariabian Sea.From here one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the Mandovi River.

Built like a fortress,it is significant of its massive walls and buttresses.It is the only Nunnery in Goa.

At old Goa,about 15kms. from Panaji,rises a complex of ancient churches,monasteries and convents renowned for their unique architectural style and loftiness.The most famous are the Bisilica of Bom jesus built in 16th centaury, where the mortal remains of St. francis Xavier are enshrined,the Se Cathedral,which is the most imposing of all churches at A Old Goa.Its valuated interior overwhelms the visitor by its sheer grandeur.The Cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell,the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world. The church of St. Francis of Assisi,the only of its kind in the East.Interior is decorated with exquisite paintings.Santa Monica convent (once the first nunnery in Asia).St. Cajetan’s church and convent which alone with several other at the same locality have been declared national monuments.Much of rich decorative work inside the church was done by local artisans in Se. Cathedral,a painting of St. Christopher carrying the Infant jesus shows the saint wearing dhoti.

(About 37kms. from margao) Just West of chandi one of the most enchanting beach in Goa and relatively deserted with backdoop of Western ghats situated in Southern most taluka of Canacona.Its crescent shaped bay lined with a swaying curtain of coconut palms,is irresistibly photogenic.Hemmed in by a pair of wooded headlands,a perfect curve of white sand arcs north from a pile of hug boulders to the spur of Sahyadri Ghat,which here tapers into the sea.

The capital city of the state is located in Tiswadi Taluka on the left bank of the river mandovi.It can boost of having the oldest municipality in Asia.It is a city of fine Gardens and Statues.Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill top)posh residential area.

The monastery of Pilar stands on a Hillock at Goa velha,which was once the capital of the famous kadamba dynasty known as gopakapattam.The building of the monastery was built around about 1613 A.D.It commands magnificent panoramic view of the countryside as well as mormugao harbour and the zuari river.The walls of the monastery are covered with frescoes depicting religious episodes and other objects of religions interest.

The Safa Shahouri Masjid,the biggest and most famous of the 27 mosques in Ponda Taluka was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. Adjacent of the mosque is a well constructed masonry tank with small chambers with‘meharab’ designs.

Situated on the western tip to the island of Chorao along River Mandovi,near Panaji,mangrove swamps cover this bird-watchers'paradise. Varieties of local as well as migratory birds frequently visit the area.It is an ideal picnic spot for nature lovers.

The temple dedicated to lord Shivais is situated on the top of 350 meters high hill of chandranath at Paroda,Quepem,45 kms.from Panaji.“Shivaling” is in the carved out form.The rock oozes water whenever rays of moon falls on it. The temple is so designed that the linga receives moonlight on every full moon day.

22 kms. from Margao at Zambaulim - Sanguem.Shree Damodar temple is situated in the picturesque surroundings on the bank of the Kushavati river, popularly known as Panti.The river is regarded particularly holy and is said to have medicinal properties.The deity is worshipped by the Hindus and Christians alike.

37 kms. from Panaji the century old temple of Trimurti (hindu triad) at the Sankhali has backdrop of a beautiful hillock covered with dense groves of areca palms.The most important festival which is attended by devotees from all over Goa is Datta Jayanti which falls in December.The deity is believed to have cured many people of unsound mind.

24 kms. from Panaji at Farmagudi,Ponda,the temple is situated on the slope of the hillock known farmagudi amidst beautiful natural surroundings near Bandora.The stone image of Gopal Ganapati was discovered by herdsmen while grazing cattle near the hill and was later installed in a small shrine.

This deity hails from village Raia in Salcete Taluka.She was shifted to Shiroda between 1564 and 1668 A.D. to save destruction.Navaratra and Dussehra are the main festivals of the deity.

Also situated in the village of bandora, the temple is considered the abode of the original Goddess of the shakti cult.The sabhamandap has a gallery of 18 images out of emanatory aspects of Bhagvata sect and this gallery is considered one of the rare galleries of wooden images of Vishnu in India.The images of Mahalakshmi at Kolhapur, the main center worship.Her special feature is that she wears a linga on her head.She is considered a peaceful Satvika form of Devi.The Goddess Mahalakshmi was worshiped by the Shilahara rulers (750-1030 A.D.) and the early king of Goa.

Situated at Cancona 40 kms. from Margao,the temple is believed to have been constructed during the middle of the 16th century by Kshtriyas.It was renovated in the year 1778.The temple has massive wooden pillars with intricate carvings.There are 60 deities around the temple.

20 kms. from panaji,at mangueshim in Ponda Taluka.It is located on a hillock surrounded by rolling green hills.Though small it has an air of distinctive elegance.Its lofty white tower at the entrance is a landmark in the countryside.This is a temple dedicated to lord shiva.

The temple dedicated to God Shiva is situated in the Village of Bandora about 4 kms.to the east of Ponda.The temple sabhamandap has a gallery on both sides that contains exquisite specimens of intricate wood carvings of the events of ramayan on one side and the wooden images of Astadikapal and Gandharva on the other.

4 kms. fom Ponda in Borim village is beautiful temple of Mahishasurmardini Navdurga.There is unique features of spacious Sabhamandap joining two temples face to face,Kamleshwar of Kadamba Times and Navdurga.

The Temple is 33 kms. away from Panaji in Ponda Taluka.Beside the main temple of Ramnath,the Complex has four small temples dedicated to Shree Laxminarayan,Shree Santadurga,Shree Sateri,Shree Betal and Shree Sidhanath.The five together constitute Shree Ramnath Panchayatan.

Situated at Narva Bicholim 37 kms. from Panaji, it was a favored deity of the Kadamba kings.Its original temple was situated on the island of Divar.It was destroyed by the Portuguese and the idols was shifted to its present site at Norva Bicholim.Many years after 1668 A.D. Chhatrapati Shivaji ordered renovation of this temple at the present site,during one of the campaigns to oust the Portuguese.The linga worshipped in the temple has facetes and is known as Dharlinga.

33 kms. from Panaji sumptuously built at kavlem dedicated to santadurga the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva.It has a rich Garbhakuda where the deity is kept

Close to the Nunnery is a lofty tower defying the torrential rains.The tower is one of the four of the Augustinian churches that once stood there. The church when intact was perhaps the biggest in goa.

It is one of the oldest churches in Goa,built in 1597 on the side of hindu Shrine,by name Ravalnath,the remains of which are visible even today.

The church was one of the first to be built in Goa,certainly being there by 1541.The early church was completely re-built from its foundations in 1619.The interior of the church is relatively simple by the standards of the time although the backdrop to the main altar, dedicated to Mary Immaculate,is impressive enough. However,it is the two flanking altars that catch the eye,that on the left dedicated to Jesus Crucified and that on the right to Our Lady of the Rosary.Each is a riot of heavily gilded, deeply carved ornamentation,yet compact and controlled, a fine example of the period. At the side of each is a marble statue, one of St Peter and one of St Paul.The bell at the top of the church which weights about 2,250 kgs. Is the second largest in Goa.

This church was built in 1873. It is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The Shrine of the miraculous statue of mae de Deus (Mother of God) was brought from the ruins of the convent of Mae De Deus at Old Goa. This beautiful church is the finest piece of Gothic style.

Situated on the right bank of river mandovi the church was built in 1555 dedicated to three markings. This was once the residence of all dignitaries and also a mission of the Franciscan order.

The church dedicated to St. Ana,The grandmother of Jesus Christ is a remarkable piece of ancient Christian architecture in the country.It was built in 1695 on the right bank of Siridao river and has picturesque surrounding.The Unique feature of this church is this that it has hollow walls through which people could walk in secrecy for the purpose of confession.

To the west of the Se Cathedral is the former palace of the Archbishop that connects the Se Cathedral to the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi.The structure is built of laterite blocks and is lime-plastered. The church faces west and has a nave with three chapels on either side,a choir,two altars in the transept and a main altar.To the north of the main altar is a belfry and a sacristy.The convent,which forms an annexure to the church, now houses the Archaeological Museum.

It is a lovely palm fringed beach with chapora fort in back ground situated on the Kalsua along the chapora river basin.

It is the port city across the river Zuari about 30kms.from Panaji.Its roads have a geometric layout with imposing multistoryed buildings. Close by is the Dabolim Airport and the Internationally famous natural port of Marmugao.

One of the gates of Adil Shah’s fort.It was renovated by the Portuguese and was the Gateway to Goa for Portuguese governors.Every incoming viceroy used to disembark at this place.