Goa traces its history to a very ancient period when it was known as Gavapuri, Govarashtra, or Gomantaka. Conquered by various neighboring states in different periods, its first local kings were of the kadamba dynasty. Goa was later ruled by the Muslims and the Portuguese till it became part of independent India in 1961.
WHAT TO SEE:
BEACHES:
In Goa, you should be on the golden beaches. Calangute, the queen of Goa’s
beaches is 16 km north of Panaji and to south colva. Closer to the Panaji, how ever, are the Gaspen Dias (also called Miramar) and Dona Paula, both southwest of the city. The sunset at Dona Paula don’t miss it!
Not so touristy beaches in north are Baga, Anjuma, Vagator and Chopora. The southwest coast beach Benanlim, near Margao, attracts a lot of young Europeans.
PANAJI:
The capital city’s oldest building is the secretariat, once a Muslim Palace and later a Portuguese fort. Nearby is the statue of Abbe Faria, a priest hypnotizing a woman. Climb the steps of the marble church, om Lady of Pilar, for a panoramic view of the country. Next to the police headquarters is Menzes Braganga Hall, an entryway dome in tiles and paintings depicting oceans from Vasco-de-Gama’s stormy voyage from Portugal to India.
EXCURSION:
OLD GOA:
The most well-known monument of the Goa is the Bom Jesus Basilica. It dates to the 16th century and this is where the remains of St. Francis are interned-less by two toes supposedly stolen by fanatics and an Arm that was sent to an early pope on special request. The upper portion of the shrine depicts scenes from the saint’s life in varicoloured marble, and more scenes are carved in the bronze covering of the elaborate three-tiered marble and silver monuments and casket. Adjoining is a small museum containing sacred relics.
TEMPLES:
About 26 km from Panaji are eight Hindu temples, constructed here after the Portuguese destroyed the ones in the coastal region. Finest among them is the Manquesh Temple. Nearby is the Mahaba Temple which is dedicated to Vishnu in the from of Mohini. At Farmagudi, Ponda a stone image of Gopal Ganpati was said to be discovered by herdsmen in the hills. The temple was constructed later. Among the other popular temple are Mahalaxmi, Shantadurga, Chandranath, Malikarjuna and the Mahadev temple at Tambdi Sunla.
MARGAO:
This town, about 35 km from Panaji is the industrial heart of the Goa. Intrepid shoppers and browsers will appreciate Margao’s wonderful covered market.
FORT AGUADA:
About 18 km from Panaji is this Portuguese fort built in 1609-1612 to guard entry into the Mandovi River in order to protect Old Goa. A spring within the fort provide water supply to ships which sailed there.
STANDARD SIGHTSEEING TOURS:
Hale day sightseeing tour visiting Calangute Beach extending along the Arabian Sea in an inward arch of 7 km. it can be well called the “Queen of Goa Beaches” for its popularity with the visitors. Also visit the Mapuca City.
Half day sightseeing tour of the Temple of Shri Mangesh, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on a hillock at Proil-in Ponda Taluka. Though small, the temple has an air of distinct elegance and its lofty white tower is a landmark of the countryside. Also visit the Shantadurga temple and Shri Ramnath Temple.
Half day tour of Old Goa visiting the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in the 16th century, wherein is enshrined in an ornate silver casket, the body of St. Francis Xavier, most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. St. Cathedral, the biggest in Goa-Church of st.Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan Church, built in the style of St. Peters Basilica in Rome, Church of Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica.
