Goa : A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields. The evergreen destination of Goa is a holidaymaker's paradise. Breathtakingly beautiful blue beaches, sensuous silvery sands, fabulous flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, captivating churches, and terrific temples, Goa has it all. The feasts and festivals of Goa are the other things not to be missed. The Indian state of Goa Goa beckons you for the time of your life. So, get going to Goa that is on a holiday - twelve months in a year!
Goa Travel
Panji : A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.
Excursions:
From Panaji : Dona Paula Bay- 7 kms, Old Goa-10 kms with its Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Archaeological Museum and other churches, Mangueshi Temple- 22 kms, Shantadura Temple- 33 kms, Calangute-16 kms, and Baga Beach-18 kms.
From Mapusa: Beaches of Calangute- 8 kms, Baga-10 kms, Arambol/Harmal- 31 kms, Anjuna- 8 kms, Vagator- 9 kms & Mandrem- 30 kms, Temples of Shri Dutta & Shri Vithal at Sanguelim- 25 kms, Temple of Sapta Koteshwar at Narve- 24 kms and Temple of Kalikadevi at Kansarpal-14 kms, Church of Mae de deus at Saligao-10 kms, Church at Monte de Guiri- 2 kms, Mayem Lake- 21 kms, Arvalem Waterfalls- 29 kms, Terekhol Fort- 30 kms.
From Margao : Beaches of Colva- 6 kms, Benaulim- 8 kms, Majorda- 8 kms, Varca- 10 kms, Cavelossim-15 kms, Mobor-18 kms, Betul-16 kms, Agonda- 40 kms and Palolem-47 kms, Cabo de Rama- 21 kms, Ranchol Seminary- 8 kms, Shree Damodar Temple at Zambaulim- 22 kms and Shree Shantadurga Temple at Fatorda-18 kms, Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary- 33 kms, Dudhsagar Waterfalls- 59 kms by train.
From Vasco : Margao Harbour-3 kms, Bogmalo Beach- 9 kms, St.Jacinto Island- 7 kms Velsao Beach- 10 km, Kesarval Springs- 15 km & Pilar Seminary- 19 km.
From Ponda : Bondla wildlife, Molem wildlife etc, Temple or Tambdi Surla- 70 kms dating back to the 12th century in Sanguem. Mayem Lake- 35 km from Panaji, the Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is en route to Belgaum.
BEACHES OF GOA
Goa's 105 kms. Coastline is endowed with lovely beaches some of which like Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute, Baga and Harmal in the North of Goa and Colva, Betul and Palolem in the South have already become world famous.
MIRAMAR: (GASPAR DIAS) (3 kms) A lovely golden beach of soft sands girdled with palm trees facing the Arabian Sea.
DONA PAULA:(7 kMS) An idyllic and picturesque picnic spot commands a fine view of the Zuari estuary and Mormugao Harbour.
COLVA BEACH:(about 6 Kms from Margao) Colva beach is the pride of Salcete and the only rival of calangute in scenic splendour. Here land, sea and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony.
CALANGUTE BEACH: (15 kms.) The Queen of Goa Beaches and the most popular holiday resort in Goa for its scenic splendour. Excellent accommodation facilities are available, particularly at the Tourist Resort.
OLD GOA: 10 kms east of Panaji lies the city of Old Goa founded by Adil Shah, in the first decade of the 16th century. It was developed by him with a view to shift his capital from Bijapur. However, Afonso de Albuqurque stormed and took the city in 1510, which then became centre of power of the Portuguese colonies for a few centuries.
Wild Life Sanctuaries
BONDLA: (55 Kms. from Panaji) it is one of the four Wild Life Sanctuary of Goa. More than a sanctuary is an ideal jungle resort and a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Its mini zones, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, its botanical and rose garden attract people throughout the year.
MOLLEM: Situated along with North - East border of Goa, about one and half hours journey from Panaji along Panaji - Belgaum national highway, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary covers about 240 Sq. Kms. of thick forest clad slopes of Western Ghats and its valleys and is the biggest of the four sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in Wild life. It is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flora and fauna thre are may important natural geological and historical features in this sanctuary. "Devils Canyon" is one of the most beautiful geological spots.
COTIGAO: The second largest of the four Wild- life sanctuaries in Goa, admeasures 105 sq. Kms. and is located about 60 kms. from Panaji, in Canacona taluka, South Goa district, nearly 3 Kms. off from the National Panaji - Manglore Highway - 17. Esconsed on the undulating slopes of Western Ghats covered with dense forest, its wild- life comprises mainly bison (gaur) sambur, cheetal, wild -boars, pocupines, langurs and bonnet monkeys, panthers prowl at night. The avi-fauna is varied and there are also plenty of snakes and other reptiles. the ancient Jeevottam Partagal Mut noted for vedic studies lies in the vicinity of the sanctuary. Not far off, a forest cottage caters to visitors and lovers of Nature. The famous Parashurama temple faces the guesthouse.
SALIM ALI BIRD SANCTUARY: Situated on Chorao island near Panaji along Mandovi river the sanctuary 1.78 sq. Kms. in area is fully covered with mangroves. Varieties of local as well as migratory birds frequently visit the area. it is an ideal picnic spot for nature lovers.
