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Goa is a very attractive place of
visit and tourists from t e length and the breadth of the world
come to visit Goa. Goa has a number of tourist attractions
bearing the testimony of Portuguese rule and their love for
architecture. Goa tour packages involve the gothic churches,
crumbling forts, temples, beaches, coconut groves and villages.
Goa is typically known for its long stretched golden beaches,
swaying coconut palms and delicious seafood. This Portuguese
colony offers you a lilting dreamy atmosphere not just because
of its warm climate but for its feni, a locally brewed drink
made from cashew or coconut complemented with a mando(love song)
and the strains of guitar floating in the coastal breeze
overlapped with the rhythmic sound of waves.
Some of the very famous beaches that attract tourists largely
are the Calangute beach, the Baga beach, Anjuna beach, Dona
Paula beach, Colva beach, Agonda beach, Miramar beach and many
others.
Convent and Church of
St Francis Assisi:
This old church has carved woodwork and old murals depicting the
file of St Francis. The floor is made of gravestones carved with
the coat of arms of families going back to the 16th century.
Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm. The archaeological
museum is open Saturday to Thursday , 10 am to 5 pm.
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
This contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier
who was on a mission to spread Christianity in the Portuguese
colonies of the East. The Professed House is next to the
basilica and is a two-storeyed laterite building covered with
lime plaster. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.
Church of St Cajetan:
This church was built by Italian friars who were sent to the
kingdom of Golconda to preach Christianity. Since they were not
allowed to work in Golconda, they settled in Old Goa in 1640.
Terekhol Fort: This is a beautiful old Portuguese fort at
Terekhol and houses the Hotel Tiracol Fort Heritage.
Fort Aguada
The fort was one of the most important places in Goa and the
most crucial of all forts in Goa. Today it is being used as a
jail.
It was built by the Portuguese government in 1612 in order to
protect Old Goa from enemy attacks. A spring within the fort
supplied water to all the ships that called there.
The Church of Mae de
Deus at Saligao
This church is a fine example of gothic architecture. It is
located amidst picturesque surroundings at Saligao in Bardez
taluka in North Goa. It enshrines the statue of Mae de Deus the
literal translation of which is Mother of God. The statue was
transferred to Saligao church from the convent at Old Goa.
Vagator Beach
Vagator beach with cracked rocks surrounding the beach makes it
an irresistable sight for the visitor. A thick growth of coconut
palms forms an emerald canopy and adds to the beautiful
scenery.This beach has the imposing Chapora Fort as its
backdrop.
Calangute Beach
Calangute Beach, Known as the queen of Goa's beaches lies just a
leisurely 3 minute walk from Hotel Seagull a popular resort
located at Holiday Street. These beach draws thousand of people
every year from all parts of the world. Facilities for water
sports and para gliding are available here.
Anjuna Beach
It is a very popular beach among foreign tourists and among the
important beaches of Goa. Nowadays more popular for its flea
market every wednesday.
South Goa Tour
The South Goa Tour Covers Miramar, Dona Paula, the World
Heritage Churches at Old Goa, Mangueshi and Shantadurga temples
as well as the Colva Beach. It starts at 8:30 AM and ends at
7:30 PM.
Miramar Beach
Located a t Panjim, Goa's capital on the banks of the river
Mandovi this is a regular spot for people of in and around
Panaji. There are very good facilities for children to play
here, the highlight being a giant concrete fish. This beach is
very close to the venue of International Film Festival of India.
The samadhi of late Dayanand Bandodkar the first Chief Minister
of Goa also lies here.
Dona Paula
This beach close to Panjim is well known for its water
scootering facilities. A good view of the Marmagoa harbour can
be had from here. This is a very scenic location and a popular
venue for film shoots.
Colva Beach
Famous as the longest beach in Goa, Colva beach is the most
popular beach in south Goa. The beach provides plenty of
opportunities for shell collectors.
Heritage Monuments at
Old Goa
Casket containing sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier Basilica
of Bom Jesus
The sacred relics of the patron saint of Goa St. Francis Xavier
are kept here. The basilica is one the world heritage monuments
and of the seven heritage monuments in Goa.
Se Cathedral:
The largest of the churches in Old Goa, it is in the
Portuguese-Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian
interior. Its bell is one of the oldest in Goa and is called the
Golden Bell. (Gallery timings: 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30
pm.)
Mangueshi Temple
This temple is a must visit for tourists. This temple is more
than 400 years old. A highlight of this temple is the
multi-storied lamp tower. |