There are a number of Goa sightseeing options. Be it the beaches, churches or temples of Goa all attract tourists and travellers to the golden holiday destination.

Beaches of Goa are much ahead of other beaches in India in terms of popularity and the facilities that are available here. The beaches here have been accepted as a matter of life, there are exotic cuisine backing the pleasure of have on sun and sand, and water sports facilities that include from water scooters to water gliding. To add on you can shake your legs for some time with a glass of fenny and beer, engaged in shopping on the beachside, or have midnight bonfire on the beach.

Goa, Jewel of India, is studded with temples and churches, which remain as silent but forceful witnesses to the intense religious history of the diverse people who lived here. Hence a pilgrimage to Goa is a unique experience. Amongst the places to visit in Goa are Church of Our Lady of Rosary, The Rachol Seminary, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus

Noroa River, the Arvalem Waterfall, and the Brahma Camandolu or Water Pot of Brahma - the creator, in the old Goa Hills are the main Hindu pilgrimage spots in Goa. One more sacred place is Sidhanath Mountain in Borim Village. Amongst the myriad temples found here, there is a vast representation of the gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon, which testifies to the catholicity of the people's beliefs as well as their mutual tolerance. Indeed, Goa is could be loved just for this rare quality which one feels imperceptibly on even a short visit.

Called Panjim by the Portuguese, Panaji, which means "the land that does not flood" is the state capital of Goa. Unlike many capital cities, Panaji has a distinct unhurried character. It is situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, which makes this town all the more charming.

The European Ambience

Typical of a Goan town, Panaji is built around a church facing a prominent square. The town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas. The riverside, speckled with brightly whitewashed houses with wrought iron balconies, offers a fine view. There are some fine government buildings along the riverside boulevard, and the Passport Office is especially noteworthy. In the 16th century, the edifice was the palace of Adil Shah (the Sultan of Bijapur). The Portuguese took over the palace and constructed the Viceregal Lodge in 1615. In 1843, the structure became the Secretariat, and today it is the Passport Office.

Trudge around town in the cobbled alleys to see quaint old taverns and cafes with some atmosphere, and practically no tourists. They are a good place to meet the local people. The Largo Da Igreja Church Square is a fine illustration of the awesome Portuguese Baroque style. The Church of the Immaculate Conception is easily one of the most elegant and picturesque monuments in Goa. Built in 1541 AD, atop a high, symmetrical, crisscrossing stairway, the church is a white edifice topped with a huge bell that stands in between two delicate Baroque style towers.

The Braganza Institute, houses the tiled frieze, which depicts the 'mythical' representation of the colonisation of Goa by the Portuguese. Fountainhas is a lovely old residential area amidst shady cobbled streets connecting red-tile-roofed houses with overhanging balconies, much like a country town in Spain or Portugal.

PANJIM AND CENTRAL GOA

Take any mid sized Portuguese town add a sprinkling of banana trees and auto-rickshaws, drench annually with torrential tropical rain, and leave to simmer in fierce humid sunshine for at least one hundred and fifty years, and one'll end up with something like Panjim. The Goan capital has a completely different feel from any other Indian city.

Vasco-da-Gama

Vasco da Gama, 29-km by road southwest of Panjim, sits on the narrow western tip of the Marmagoa (also known as Mormugao) peninsula, overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, this strategically important site was formerly among the busiest ports on India's west coast. It remains a key shipping centre, with container vessels and iron ore barges clogging the choppy river mouth, but holds nothing of interest for visitors, particularly since the completion of the Konkan Railway, when Goa's main railhead shifted from here to Margao. The only conceivable reason one might want to come to Vasco is to catch a bus to Dabolim airport, of Bogmalo beach, 8-km southeast.

Location: Mormugao taluka, South Goa district Famous for: Export of Iron ores Trivia: Featured in the 1980 Hollywood film, 'The Sea Wolves' One of India's top-notch natural harbours, the Mormugao port is a premier hub of maritime trade in Goa. With its location at the mouth of the Zuari River, the Mormugao port is a crucial component in the flourishing export industry of the state. The origin of the port dates back to the Portuguese era, it being a spin-off of the Treaty of Lisbon in 1878 between the British and the Portuguese Governments. Ever since it was accorded the status of a Major Port in 1963, the Mormugao port has contributed immensely to growth of maritime trade in India. It is the leading iron ore exporting port of India with an annual throughput of around 24.50 million tonnes of iron ore traffic. The Mormugao Port accounts for about 32% of India's iron ore export. The Mormugao harbour is also a major attraction for tourists coming to the Vasco da Gama city. The harbour's claim to fame is the role it played in the 1980 war film, 'The Sea Wolves.' The film, starring Gregory Peck and Roger Moore, is based on a real-life incident where The Calcutta Light Horse, a territorial unit of British expatriates, launches a covert operation to destroy three German ships interned in the Mormugao harbor in Goa.

Just east of Old Goa, the lily-covered Carambolin Lake has an enormous amount of waterfowl, many Egrets and Heron, Bronze-Winged, Pheasant-Tailed Jacana and thousands of exotic species such as Comb Duck and Cotton Pygmy-Goose. Location 35-km From Bicholem, Goa Main Attraction Scenic Surroundings & Boating

Arvalem Caves

These cave are also called the "Pandavas Caves" as folk tales say that the Pandavas stayed here during their exile. This caves were encarved in the 5th or 6th century AD. A mythical background is attached to these caves. Some are of the opinion that these caves have been carved by the traveling Buddhist monks. These caves have 5 compartments among which the middlemost compartment holds the 'Linga', which is till today regarded with great respect. An inscription written in Sanskrit and Brahmi characters of the 7th century is noticed on the Shivalinga with a circular top in cave no. 2. It reads as "Sambalura-vasi Ravih". The caves are situated 100m away from Sri Rudreshwar Temple and Arvalem waterfall one of the most picturesque site of the town of Arvalem

Beaches to see in Goa.

Anjuna Beach

With its fluorescent painted palm trees and infamous full moon parties, ANJUNA, 8-km west of Mapusa, is Goa at its most "alternative". Designer leather and lycra may have superseded cotton Kaftans, but most people's reasons for coming are the same as they were in the 1970s: dancing and lying on the beach slurping tropical fruit. While browsing in the area have a day trip to the famous flea market.

The Beach

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. North of the market ground, the beach broadens, running in an uninterrupted kilometre long stretch of steeply shelving sand to a low red cliff. The village bus park lies on top of this high ground, near a crop of small cafes, bars and Kashmiri handicraft stalls. Every lunch hour, tour parties from Panjim pull in here for a beer, before heading home again, leaving the ragged army of sun weary westerners to enjoy the sunset.

Dona Paula Beach

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 official residence of the Governor of Goa, Known as Cabo Raj Bhavan is situated on the westernmost tip of Dona Paula. Along the road leading to this place lies the ruins of the small military cemetery the British built at their brief occupation of the Cabo, to deter the French from invading Goa.

A Love Story Named after Dona Paula de Menezes, this place is called the Lovers Paradise due to a myth that has been attached to this place. According one legend the Viceroy's daughter after facing objections from her family about her love affair with a poor fisherman jumped of the cliff. Another legend says that punished for captivating Francisco de Tavora, the Count of Alvor with her charm the Viceroy's daughter was pushed off a cliff to drown in the waters below. Her irrepressible spirit still continues to haunt every visitor with legends of her lovers. She is even supposed to have been seen emerging from moonlit waves wearing only a pearl necklace. Water Sports Tranquil and blue, Dona Paula unravel the ultimate in aquatic sport and fun.Dona Paula Sports Club, Dona Paula offers some of the best water sports facilities to the sports enthusiasts including Water-scooter rides, Motor-boat rides, etc.

Bogmolo Beach

The sandy beach at the end of the cove would be even more picturesque were it not for the monstrous multi-storey edifice perched above it.

Forts Of Goa

Aguada Fort

A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress. Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea, bringing the seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada Fort, which crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland, is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa. Built in 1612 to protect the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders, it is home to several natural springs, the first source of drinking water available to ships arriving in Goa after the long sea voyage from Lisbon.

Cabo Raj Niwas Or The Cabo Palace

Built in 1540 AD opposite Fort Aguada on the south headland of the river Mandovi, the Cabo (the Portuguese word for cape) Palace fortress housed the Franciscan monastery, which later (1594 AD) became the official residence of the Governor of Goa. Holding the most panoramic view one can witness in Goa with the Indian Ocean towards the west, the Bay of the river Mandovi and Fort Aguada on the north and the busy port of Mormugao. Remaining unhabitated and isolated for centuries, it is believed some human habitation must have been present over here but because of its enclosure in a dense wilderness, no signs of earlier settlements found. The beauty, solitude and uniqueness and well-planned features are some of the main attractions of the Cabo. A small Chapel was constructed at the very end of the mansion dedicated to Our virgin lady of The cape (Nossa Senhora do Cabo). It also served as a landmark for the seafarers. Click here for Forts Tour in Goa The Construction Of The Fortress The exact date about the first construction of the fort is not known but in a recently discovered note dated 30th June 1541, there was a proposal to locate a Franciscan priest at the chapel, which already existed. In 1540, the eighth Governor, D. Estevao de Gama, proposed the idea of constructing some fortifications at the mansion site to guard the entrance to both the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The Cabo was converted into one of the best equipped and important fortresses over the years.

Chapora Fort

Chapora fort was built by the Adil Shah of Bijapur on the southern headland of the Chapora River. It was also known as "Shahpur" and is now mostly ruined. It has a commanding view of the Vagator beach and is near to Anjuna beach. The red laterite bastion, crowning the rocky bluff, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. Deserted in the 19th century, it lies in ruins today, although the views up and down the coast from the weed-infested ramparts are still superb

Mormugao Fort

This fort near the internationally famous Marmagoa Harbour was built to protect the harbour situated near the Vasco da Gama town. Its work started in 1624. It covered an area of six miles in circumference, contained towering bulwarks, three magazines, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the guard. It had 53 guns and a garrison with 4 officers, and was an important fortress on the western coast. Unfortunately, except the chapel and a portion of the boundary wall, little is left of this fort

Teracol Fort

North of Arambol, the sinuous coast road climbs to the top of a rocky, undulating plateau, then winds down through a swathe of thick woodland to join the river Arondem, which it then follows for 4km through a landscape of vivid paddy fields, coconut plantations and temple towers protruding from scruffy red brick villages. The tiny enclave of Terakol, the northernmost tip of Goa, is reached via a clapped-out car ferry from the hamlet of Querim, 42-km from Panjim, The Fort It was a key Portuguese fort for the defense of Goa, on the north side of the estuary of the Teracol River, the most northern boundary of Goa. Hyped as one of the state's most atmospheric historic monuments, it turns out to be little more than a down at heel country house recently converted into a low-key luxury hotel. Decorative turrets and dry moat with commanding views of the estuary and ocean mark the fort. If ones visit coincides with the arrival of a guided tour, one may get a chance to look around the gloomy interior of the chapel of St. Anthony, in the fort's claustrophobic cobbled square; at other times it's kept locked. The Chapel also has a classical late Goan facade.

Corjuem Fort, Goa

This fort is situated 4km north of Pomburpa, alongside the Mapusa river near the village of Aldona. It was built in 1705 by the Portuguese. The fort has a rather interesting story. One Ursula e Lancastre, an ambitious Portuguese woman determined to succeed in a man’s world, dressed like one and traveled the world. Eventually landing up here as a soldier.

Reis Magos Fort, Goa

It is situated on the south eastern extremity of the tablel and on the right bank of the Mandovi, in the province of Bardez, about two miles to the northeast of Fort Aguada. It was constructed in 1551by the Portuguese to guard the entrance to Goa at the narrowest part of the Mandovi river, enlarged subsequently on different occasions, and finally re-erected in 1707. Though far inferior in size to the fortress of Mormugao, yet standing on an eminence, its commands, splendid view around. It is in a good state of preservation, and is defended by 33 guns and accommodation for a small garrison. Towards the east, at a little distance from it, flows a spring with abundance of excellent water, while at its base rises the church of the Reis Magos, ascended by a beautiful flight of stairs. This edifice was built on the ruins of a pagoda in 1550 by the Franciscans, with the sum allotted to them by the Government, and bears a crown on its fa ade, and the royal arms on its sanctuary and other places. The pavement is dotted with inscriptions, the most important of which, found in the sanctuary, indicated the spot enclosing the remains of Dom Luis de Ata de, count of Athoughia, who twice held the position of Viceroy of Portuguese India and Goa. This Fort stands on the north bank of the Mandovi at Reis Magos, and is very much visible from the Panaji side of the Mandovi river. It was used as a residence for viceroys and later converted to a fortress. It was occupied briefly between 1798-1813 by the British army. It was subsequently abandoned by the military and served as a prison until recently.

Ruins of the Fortress of Colvale goa

Standing on the northern frontier of Bardez, on the left bank of the Bardez River, this fortress was erected in 1681 by the court of Alvor as a barrier against the inroads of the Marathas and Bhonsles. It was taken by the Marathas in 1739, and later recaptured by the Marquis of Lourical on the 13th of June 1741, and had a small garrison, besides a regiment, posted about the same time in a convenient situation. The regiment was removed to Mapusa in 1841, while the Fortress, which had been abandoned and neglected a few years previously, went to ruin, and now presents only a few traces of its former might.

Festivals of Goa

Bonderam Festival

The feast of Bonderam is celebrated on the fourth Saturday of August every year

Christmas Festival

Like elsewhere in the world, December 25 is celebrated in India too as the nativity of Jesus Christ with traditional joy and gaiety. In fact, it cuts across the limits of the Church to spill over into the streets for all to participate. It is a time for merry-making and exchanging gifts in Goa, for Christmas is also about cakes and puddings Santa Clause Has Come To Town The market places are all embellished with tinsel and buntings and people masquerading as Santa stalk customers, particularly children with gifts in the big cities. Decorated and glittering Christmas trees are all over the place. For the devout, the celebrations begin on Christmas Eve. Carols are sung and various churches organize the midnight Mass. The service on Christmas Day is attended by Christians dressed in new clothes. After the morning congregation is over, people assemble in their homes for the family get-togethers

Diwali (Deepavali)

Location: Throughout Goa Festive Month: October-November Religion: Hindu Festival Dewali (Diwali) is the day when the festive focus has shifted from the city stores and markets to homes and hearths. Everyone greeting everyone else with warmth and affection. Goa wears a festive look with colourful "Akashdive" (skylamps) and festoons A Celebration Of Good's Victory Over Evil In Diwali's symbolic victory of righteousness and the lifting of spiritual darkness, giant effigies of the demon 'Narkasura' are burnt in the early hours of the morning. Before the burning ceremony of these effigies are paraded in the streets of Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and Vasco. Even in villages like Assagao, youngsters put up sizable Narkasuras

Goa Carnival

Location: Throughout Goa Following Festival After Two Days: Easter Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of color, song and music, providing a healthy entertainment for all, young and old. The soothing climate, full of fun- 'n' -frolic, which the Carnival generates, is much longed for. It does not matter whether one enjoys or see others enjoying. There is enthusiasm and happiness all around Street Plays, songs, dances, and unrehearsed farces mocking the establishment are performed before an enthusiastic, responsive audience. Floats depicting popular lullabies and nursery rhymes make a whimsical and colorful sight on the streets. In the three days of celebrations, cultural functions and competitions abound, and are judged by specially selected people. King Momo distributes the prizes to the winners. The contestants wear colorful costumes and elaborate masks. Amidst the outrageous dresses seen on the street are some made of sheer, transparent polythene. In the fun-filled ambience, people smear color on each other, instead of the flour, eggs, fruit and water that used to be used in earlier times. In Goan villages, however, the festivities have a more indigenous flavor. Though celebrated by the Christian population of Goa, the carnival's only relevance to Christianity is that it is celebrated before Lent. The festival today has no religious undertones and has come to be a cultural highlight of the state, rather than of the religion.

Feast Of Three Kings

Location: Old Goa, Panjim, Goa Centre Of Celebration: The Church Of Our Lady Of The Mount Also Known As: Festa Dos Reis Or The Epiphany Day Celebrated On: 6th January A Festivity For Both Christians And Hindus The Lady of the Mount is famous for her wondrous protection and miracles and is also reputed to be the giver of children to sterile mothers. On the day of the festivity She is covered with jewellery as tokens of gratitude by Catholics and Hindus alike for favors and blessings received. The chapel as well as the image are very ancient and are steeped in historical associations, traditions, and legends. Every year thousands of devotees congregate at the stone chapel of Nossa Senhora dos Reis to offer prayers of thanksgiving to Our Lady of Immaculate Conception - a lighthouse of faith and courage to its people. High mass is offered on the day of Epiphany and it is a time to rejoice and partying. The Festivities It is on the Festa dos Reis or the Epiphany on January 6 that the isolated Hill of Remedios and chapel suddenly spring to life and activity. After staying almost whole year in isolation, just nine days before the Feast of the Novena starts, the hill revives and resounds to human voices and feet. Come early dawn, kettledrums and the blare of trumpets, announce to the sleepy little neighboring villages that the day of rejoicing and festivity has arrived. The tolling bells call the faithful to prayer and devotees visit the shrine in a non-stop stream. There's now an excellent road winding its way up the steep hill right to the door of the chapel, making the ascent possible by car. Still, most of the devotees prefer to climb up hill. Even the very old and infirm make their way up for nine consecutive days to hear Mass and recite the Rosary before the Lady of the Blue Mantle. Many come to offer their thanks for fulfilling their wishes. The devotees are always lead by a drummer-boy with his kettledrum who, by the loud beat of his drum, announces of another favor having being granted by the Lady of Remedios

Food & Cultural Festival Of Goa

Location: Goa Duration: 5 Days This 5-day festival is planned to give special focus on Goa with reference to Seafood and is an annual feature. Goan food is as famous as the Goans' endeavour for poetry, painting and music. Goans' have elevated cooking to a delicate art, thereby evolving a unique cuisine, which is an inspired blend of the Western and Indian variety. However, the pride of the place goes to seafood with a host of fresh varieties. Goan seafood is sure to satisfy the most discerning gourmet. A number of stalls run by reputed caterers both from the best hotels as well as restaurants and even housewives offer one a rich experience of Goan cuisine. There are also stalls catering to aerated drinks, alcoholic beverages, ice-creams and snacks. Cultural programmes and fire works display are also presented, which also concludes the food celebration

Ganesh Chaturthi in Goa

Location: Throughout Goa Duration: 10 Days Also Known As: Vinayak Chaturthi The Ganesh festival is one packed with fun and frolic, a time for prayer as well as pageantry. Its an occasion to clean and decorate the house, to prepare to receive the divine guest Lord Ganesh (also spelt as Ganesha), to get together with family and friends, to exchange gifts, and to rejoice the birth of the Lord with new attire, dance and music. As year after year, Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations in the Goa culminates with the harvesting season. Ganesh's in various sizes and forms usually adorn street corners in gaily decorated Pandals, which are put up by local associations/ merchant groups in the city areas. Preparations normally begin several days in advance The festival of Ganesh or Vinayak Chaturthi, is the day on which Lord Ganesh was born. It is the most joyous event of the year. Throughout India the festival is celebrated with much enthusiasm and devotion. In Goa, like Maharashtra, the festival is celebrated for upto ten days. It is said that Ganesh was the creation of Goddess Parvati, who breathed life into a doll, which she made out of the dough she was using for her bath. The Celebrations Elaborate arrangements are made for lighting and decoration and Ganesh is fervently worshipped for about 7-10 days. On the day of the Chaturthi, i.e. the last of the days dedicated to the god, shrines are erected, firecrackers let off, huge images of Ganesh are carried in grand procession for 'Ganesh Visarjan' accompanied by the sound of devotional songs and drums

Good Friday / Easter in Goa

Location: Throughout Goa Following Festival After Two Days: Easter Good Friday is a day of sincere reverence among Goan Catholics. It is the culmination of Lent, an important observance in the lives of devout Catholics. Lent is observed for 40 days from February to March, beginning with Ash Wednesday and ending on Good Friday followed by Easter Sunday The Celebrations The Celebrations In Panjim, hundreds of devout Goan Catholics gather in the Panjim Church of Mary Immaculate Conception to listen to mass and participate in the Way of the Cross. During the afternoon sermon, the priests narrate the sufferings that Jesus Christ took upon himself for the sake of humanity. The mass is in Konkani, Goa's state language, attracts a crowd too large for the church itself, and people stand in the doorways and in the premises, dressed in formal clothes with somber countenance The Ceremony After the mass, the crucifix, which until this time has been kept from view, is now uncovered before the crowd for veneration. A very somber ceremony, "the Way of the Cross" is a reenactment of the path Jesus took on Mount Calvary before the Crucifixion. In Panjim, which draws the largest crowd, a large wooden cross carried by an image of Jesus is taken from the church, down the steps, and through the streets of the town. It is carried by the clergymen while the crowd follows in two parallel lines in front of and in back of the statue, some weeping and all with very solemn faces. Those not participating in the actual procession look on from the roadsides, both Hindus and Christians alike. Somber music played by a band accompanies the procession, which slowly winds its way through the main streets in Panjim before returning to the church. The mass and procession occur in every church in Goa, but the one in Panjim draws the largest crowd

Sao Joao Festival in Goa

Location: Throughout Goa Celebration Day: 24th June Sao Joao is the feast of St. John the Baptist observed all over Goa on 24th June. Newly wed sons-in-law celebrate at their mothers-in-law's house. On this occasion the mother presents the daughter a basket full of fruits like jackfruits, mangoes, pineapples, etc. to be taken home. A procession of village youth wearing crowns of leaves, carrying bottles of Feni advances through the village, ultimately arriving at a well of pond into which they jump along with the sons-in-law  

Shigmoutsav in Goa

Location: Throughout Goa Centre Of Celebration: The Church Of Bom Jesus Day Of Celebration: 3rd December Shigmo in Goa is esentially a festival of the masses. Though it is celebrated under different names and in different ways in various parts of the country. It is the festival of farewell to winter celebrated on the full moon day in the month of Phalguna (March), the last month of the Hindu calendar The Celebrations In Goa, which has always been land of temples, Shigmo begins with Naman or collective obeisance of villagers from 9th moon day to full-moon day. During all these days, they are to 'Shun' non-vegetarian food and all intoxicants. From the 11th Moon day to the 15th moon day, various village groups clad in their most colorful dresses set out with festive mood with multi-colored cloths, torans, flags and column-like red spoted "Dwajas", beating drums and blowing flutes to gather at the village temples, and dance in the temple court yard singing various folk songs to the beat of the drums. On the 5th day comes the real day of rejoicing. It is called "Rang Panchami" - it is practised differently at different places. The main function of the day, however, is the profuse use of 'Gulal' or red-powder. It's a symbol of rejoicing, when people throw it on each other as a sign of full-hearted greeting. A spectacular display of Goan Hindu ethnicity and mythology was on show as the annual Shigmo parade held centerstage on Panjim's 18th June Road on 21st March 2000. Attired in traditional costumes, 13 folk groups consisting of women dancers gave vibrant performances of various "Divli" dances. These were interspersed by 3 Romtamell groups that moved along the route in their traditional Goan drums. The grand finale was provided by nine artistically designed and it up the floats.

St. Francis day in Goa

Location: Throughout Goa Centre Of Celebration: The Church Of Bom Jesus Day Of Celebration: 3rd December The body of St Francis Xavier lies in a silver casket in the Church of Bom Jesus in Goa. Ceremonies to honor his death are performed on December 3, the day he was buried. St Xavier was a great Catholic missionary, who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of Asia. Born in Spain on April 7, 1506, he came to India with the Portuguese Viceroy of Goa in 1543, and immediately undertook the task of influencing the Goan people. He went from street to street with a hired town crier, asking people to attend his meetings and listen to his sermons. Though he did not master the local language, he took the help of Goan scholars and translated the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the Ten Commandments, and the Ave Maria. He baptized the inhabitants of 30 villages. Xavier commanded awesome political power. He was able to secure pensions, even for the petty princes who converted to Christianity, from the King of Portugal. To spread the message of Christ, he sailed to the Spice Islands in 1545, and then went on to Japan in 1549 for a year. His greatest success is recorded in Japan, where he converted hundreds to Christianity. After returning to India for a brief 15months, he proceeded to China, against the wishes of the Portuguese viceroy. It was in the Sancian Island, about 10-km from the mainland of China that he died of fever on December 2, 1552

Waterfalls in Goa

Arvalam Waterfalls in Goa

While leaving the temple of Rudreshwar, one can descend the staircase to look at a majestic waterfall shedding its exuberant silvery showers. The beautiful Arvalem fall, with a head of about 24 feet high, forms a sizeable lake at the bottom, which offers a sizeable temptation to seasoned swimmers. The best time to visit this site is just after the copious monsoon when it presents a rapturous, ravishing and riotous aspect. The ancient caves in the vicinity adds a touch of antiquity to this picturesque place, which finds a major attraction for the film makers as a favourite shooting spot

Dudsagar Waterfall in Goa

On the border of Karnataka and Goa, the Dudhsagar Falls drop to a spectacular 600m. Believed to be amongst the highest falls in the country, these magnificent falls are located in a blissful tropical jungle with crisscrossing streams. After pouring across the Deccan plateau, the headwaters of the Mandovi River form a foaming torrent that fans into three streams, then cascades down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool. Jewel Of Konkan The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means "sea of milk", derives from clouds of foam kicked up at the bottom when the water levels are at their highest. Overlooking a steep, crescent-shaped head of a valley carpeted with pristine tropical forest, Dudhsagar is set amid breath taking scenery that is only accessible on foot or by jeep. The old Vasco Castle Rock Railway actually passes over the falls on an old stone viaduct, but has been closed for the past three years while track conversion work is carried out.

Kesarval Springs

Situated 22-km from Panaji on Verna plateau just off the Panaji -Margao highway, the spring emerges from hard compact rocks and people bathe in its water with strong belief that it has medicinal properties

Goa Museums

The museums of Goa embody an effort to preserve the unique culture and heritage of the state. The chequered history of the state marked by invasions and occupations finds an expression through the artifacts preserved in the Goa museums. Besides a plethora of archeological relics, the museums in Goa also house exquisite art and crafts and both traditional and modern paintings. Given below are some famous museums in Goa

Archaeological Museum

Location: Old Goa, North Goa district Highlights: Antiques, sculptures, portraits, armory belonging to the Portuguese rule; sculpture of Hindu deities, sati and hero stones. Timings: From 10.00 am to 5.00 pm; Open daily except on Fridays The Archaeological Museum of Goa was set up in 1964 under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, which was lying in a state of dereliction since it was closed by the Portuguese government in 1835, was chosen as the museum venue. The museum underwent an extensive renovation regime in 1981-82. The 8 galleries of the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa display portraits and sculptures from the prehistoric to the late mediaeval period. Apart from these relics, the museum houses a plethora of artifacts belonging to the Portuguese period in Goa. The statue of Portuguese visionary Alfonse Albuquerque and portraits of the governors resplendent in their official insignia are major attractions of the Archeological Museum. Among the priceless collection of paintings in the museum, the portrait of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who reached India in 1498, is noteworthy. Besides there are antiques from Hindu period, sculpture of Hindu deities, and many sati and hero stones. The Archaeological Museum also boasts of an impressive collection of Portuguese arms like rifle, swords and daggers, etc. How to Reach the Old Goa Archaeological Museum The archaeological museum can be reached by the local transport (buses, taxis) available in the Old Goa town.

Goa Daman & Diu

The Museum of Goa concentrates on archaeological and archival material. Consequently the sculpture collection displays antiquities from the various Hindu dynasties that once ruled Goa. Also on view are important inscriptions and manuscripts, coins and textiles. The furniture, art objects, especially ivory statues, pertain to Christian-Portuguese influences. Museum of Goa, Daman and Diu Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museum Ashirvad Building St. Inez, Panaji, Goa 403 001 Timings: 10.00 am to 1.00 pm 2.00 pm to 5.30 pm Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Institute Menezes Braganza

On view at the Institute Menezes Braganza are stone sculpture, bronzes and terracotta artefacts. There are coins, stamps and paintings which include drawings and etchings. Institute Menezes Braganza PO Box 221 Panaji, Goa 403 00 Timing: 10.00 am to 5.30 pm Closed on Sundays and government holidays.

Goa Velha

Goa Velha is one of the oldest conquests of the Portugese whose history began long before the arrival of the Portuguese. The Portugese captured Goa Velha in 1510. Today the town of Goa Velha and surrounding villages has many churches worth visiting. The Chapel of St. Catherine erected by Albuquerque after his defeat in 1510. The Church of St Francis of Assisi was built around 1661 featuring contemporary architectural styles and a roof with wooden panels that were painted with flower patterns. The Pilar Seminary built in 1613, as a monastery remains a center of religious education. Our Lady of the Pilar Church has some intriguing old statues and the chapel has lovely paintings. The famous Procession of the Saints begins at St. Andrew's Church in Goa Velha on the first Monday of Easter week. The procession began in the 17th C by the Franciscan Order in an attempt to boost the moral values of the community.

Fontainhas

Fontainhas is an interesting quarter in Panaji, it is one of the old Portuguese districts located west of the Ourem River. The terra cotta tiled houses with neoclassical facades have retained their colored exteriors. The yellow, ochre, blue and green paint is from the period when the Portugese insisted that only churches could be painted white. The narrow cobbled streets of Fontainhas, named for the natural spring Fonte Phoenix, is reminiscent of the Mediterranean. The whitewashed Chapel of St. Sebastian contains a number of interesting features including a crucifix that hung in the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa and the Viceregal Palace. Fontainhas and San Tomé, another old quarter, provide great atmosphere and scenery for a step back in time.

The Naval Aviation Museum

The first naval museum in Asia was inaugurated at Dabolim, Vasco in 1998 and opened for public from the 19th October 1998. The museum showcases the history of Indian Naval Aviation, various aircrafts, weapons, sensors, safety equipment, rare photographs depicting Goa's liberation and artifacts.