SOUTH
GOA TOUR:
Shri Shantadurga Temple, Ponda:
Goa’s largest and most famous temple. The interior is decorated
with marble and glass chandeliers along with an exquisite silver
screen. Shiva’s consort, Durga, resolved a violent dispute
between her husband and rival god, Vishnu, hence her position between
them in the shrines the prefix Shanta meaning peace.
Shri Manguesh Temple Ponda:
One of the largest, wealthiest and most frequently visted temples
in Goa. Its principal deity, a stone Shivalingam, was forst brought
here in the 16th century although the present building was erected
over 200 years later. The countryard is dominated by a 7-storey
deepmal, the most impressive lamp tower in Goa.
Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Old Goa:
Basilica of Bom Jesus, where St. Francis Xavier, the renowed 16th
century missionary’s body lies in a glass and silver casket.
This church was built by the Jesuits and consecrated to the Holy
Name of Jesus on 15th May 1605. The imposing façade built
of black granite in an exquisite combination of the Doric. Corinthian
and Composite styles, is remarkable for its simplicity.
Se Cathedral Church, Old Goa:
Dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The exterior is built
in half – Tuscan, half-Doric style, and the side is Mosaic
– Corinthian. The octagonal baptism basin to the right of
the entrance was carved out of one single block of granite, in which
St. Francis Xavier is said to have baptized thousands of Goan converts.
St Assisi Church, Old Goa:
The church of St. Assisi, which is next to the Se Cathedral founded
in 1517 by eight Franciscan monks and originally built only as a
small chapel with three altars and choir chancels. After this building
was demolished, the church, which stands today, was built in its
place in 1762. The old frescoes; painted in the European tradition,
shows scenes from the life of St. Francis; the ornamentation of
the arches and walls are purely Hindu in origin.
Panjim:
Tours of Goa’s capital city of Panjim are best routed along
the esplanade from the typically colonial Secretariat building which
was previously known as the summer palace of Goa’s 06th century
ruler the Adi! Shah. Today it is the home of the Goan State Legislature
which explains the presence of the armed guards at the doors prohibiting
a closer look. Just past the Secretarial, you will see Panjim’s
most striking statue – the Abade Faria-priest, revolutionary,
and the founding father of modern hypnotism glaring down with outstretched
arms over the body of an unconscious woman at his feet seemingly
under his hypnotic spell. Then on to the Menezes Braganza Institute,
now the town’s central Library, for quick look at the panels
of blue and yellow painted ceramic tiles known as ‘azulejos’
lining the lobby of the Malacca Road entrance. Proceed on to the
heart of Panjim known as Church Square and the most distinctive
and photogenic Church of Our lady of the Immaculate Conception.
The enormous bell that hangs from the central gable is the second
largest in the state and was salvaged from the ruins of the Monastery
of St. Augustus on Holy Hill. Then drive through Panjim’s
oldest and most interesting Portuguese district known as Fontainhas
with its stately old mansions and snow-white chapel. Stop for a
look at the chapel of St. Sebastian to see the eerily lifelike crucifix
beside the chapel which used to hang in the Palace of the Inquisition
in Old Goa unusual because Christ’s eyes are open allegedly
to inspire fear in those being interrogated by the inquisitiors.
Drive through altinho Hill to see the grandest of Panjim’s
old colonial houses where the elite of Goa reside. Have a look at
the Bishop’s Palace, where the pope stayed during his 1989
visit to Goa.
Dona Paula:
Dona Paula is situated on the northern bank of the river Zuari,
a little away to the south east of Cabo, lies a large escarpment
with a bay and two small beaches.
NORTH GOA TOUR:
Fort Aguada:
18 Kms from Panjim built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to command
the entry into river Mandovi, in order to protect Old Goa from potential
enemy attacks spring within the fort provided water supply to the
ships that calles there. The fort houses presently the central jail.
A light house is situated nearby the visiting hours for its being
1600 hrs to 1700hrs.
Calangute and Baga:
The twin beach delight is situated 16 Kms from Panjim and are the
most popular holiday resort in Goa. The church of St. Alex with
its false dome stands tall and white at the entrance of Calangute
there is plenty to do and see for the energetic.
Anjuna:
It is situated 18 Kms from Panjim and is very popular beach are
adjacent to Chapora Fort in Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque
mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and Mangalore
tiled roof. It’s a place to be on Wednesday in Goa., ( Flea
Market) operating only in season.
Panjim:
Panjim is the capital of Goa since 1843, the town is worth a visit
as it has lot to offer new as well as old. In the oldest part of
the town the Portuguese heritage has survived remarkably well. Old
houses with over looking balconies and red titled roofs. Interesting
places to shop in and around Panjim.
Combined tour of above mentioned
places of North Goa and South Goa. |
