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Goa Travel Guide
Goa is a paradise for water sport lovers. The long
coastal area offers a wonderful opportunity to indulge
in all sorts of water sport activities. A number of
government and private organizations including hotels
and tour operators conduct regular water sport
activities including training courses at a very nominal
rate for tourists.
Cities of Goa
The scenic capital of Goa, Panaji is located along the
river Mandovi. Tiers of white washed red tile - roofed
buildings rising up the hillside give it a Mediterranean
flavour. Panaji is noted for its fine buildings. Once
the Governor's residence, the present Government
Secretariat is located along the river and was built at
the site of the palace of Adil Shah, the ruler of
Bijapur. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
dominates the City Square and its steps zigzag ups the
hill. The Old Latin Quarter of Fontainahas has immense
Old World charm. It’s little lanes and stairways going
up the hill are lined with quaint street houses with
wrought iron balconies. The little Chapel of San
Sebastian blends into these surroundings. The Kala
Academy, the focus of all cultural activities in Goa, is
a beautifully designed modern complex along the river
and close by is the Miramar beach. Margao to the south
of Panaji is a major commercial center. It also has some
beautiful old houses and churches. The towns of Vasco Da
Gama and the Mormugao port are close by. Mapusa is
another town with great charm that comes alive each
Friday when a local market springs up.
SIGHT SEEING OF 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.)
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.
Church of St Augustine Ruins:
This church, constructed by Augustinian friars, was
abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the
Portuguese government. Other buildings of interest in
Old Goa are the Chapel of St Anthony, the Chapel of St
Catherine and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception:
This is Panaji’s main church where Portuguese sailors
gave thanks to Our Lady for a safe voyage.
Goa State Museum:
This is near the bus stand in Panaji. (Open from 9 am to
1.15 pm and 2 to 5.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays). It has a
collection of Christian art and Hindu and Jain sculpture
and Indian paintings of different styles.
Chapel of St Sebastian, Fontainhas:
This is famous for its striking crucifix which was
originally in the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa.
Molem & Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries:
These are larger than Bondla Sanctuary but you will need
your own transport to get there. Accommodation is
available at Molem but not in the Cotigao Sanctuary.
Dudhsagar Falls:
A one-day trip from Margao, you can get to the Falls and
back to Margao by late afternoon.
Shri Shantadurga Temple:
This temple, dedicated to the goddess of peace, has a
pagoda-like structure and a roof made of long slabs of
stone. The annual carnival held here is well worth
attending to see the blend of Christian and Hindu
cultures.
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