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Panaji
The state capital of Goa, Panaji possesses the distinctive flavor of
Mediterranean rather than that of India. Although the smallest state, Panaji is
one of the most charming cites in India. The old colonial buildings, houses,
shops, small cafes, lining along narrow winding streets provide fascinating
atmosphere to the city. The main attractions within the city are:-
- Idalcao Palace: Once the castle of the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, Idalcao
served as the Vice-regal Palace during the Portuguese domination. In 1843, it
housed the secretariat and now became the Passport Office.
- Church of the Immaculate Conception: Panaji's main place of worship, the
church was built in 1541 and enlarged in 1619. It is modeled on the church at
Reis Magos; the second largest bell in Goa is also housed here.
- Chapel of St. Sebastian: Built in the 1880's, the chapel is relatively a new
structure of the city. It houses a remarkable crucifix that was originally in
the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa.
Old Goa
This is the area where the Portuguese first settle their colony. The area is
teemed with magnificent churches which represented the splendor of colonial
period. But plaqued with cholera and malaria epidemics, the Old Goa has decayed
from the vibrant city to just the ruins of architectural relics. However, Old
Goa is still the spiritual core of Christian Goa and still worth visiting.
Its most outstanding building is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the
tomb St. Francis Xavier, credited with introducing Christianity to much of
Southeast Asia. Another imposing place of worship is the Convent & Church of
St Francis of Assisi, praised for its gilded and carved wood work, mural
painting depicting scene from the saint's life, and a floor made of carved
gravestones. The largest of the churches in Goa is the Se Cathedral, dating from
1562; it houses the so-called "Golden Bell". Also of interest include
Church of St Cajetan which was modeled on St Peter's in Rome and the Royal
Chapel of St Anthony.
Temple
Visit the Temple of Shri Mangesh, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva,
located on a hillock at Priol - 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.
Anjuna Beach
One of the enduring popular beaches in Goa, Anjuna Beach is visited for its
curved stretch of powdery white sand, fringed by the swaying coconut palms. At
the southern end of the beach is ideal for bathing and swimming as the sea is
calm and warm. The beach is also visited for its infamous full moon parties
where people come dancing and having good time. One can also get the lively
market nearby to experience the local coors.
Vagator Beach
Vagator Beach offers quieter and more pristine environs than the nearby Anjuna
beach. The beach is praised for its white fine sand and green with the
iridescent emerald water as well as its magnificent landscapes. A beautiful bay
curves from the headland to the hillock crowned with the Chapora Fort, a
500-year-old Portuguese fort which is a must once visiting the beach. Between
the headland and the hillock, there dotted with wonderful outcrops, rattled by
the white surfs. Lines of palm trees fringing the beach front offer shady space
for relaxing. The scenes of rural life can also be seen here. The fishing
village of Chapora still retains its pace of traditional life, offering the
fascinating cultural facet in Goa.
Aguada Beach
This is the site where the famous and best preserved of all Portuguese coastal
forts, the Fort of Aguada, is located. The Fort was built by the Portuguese to
observe the entry of any enemy into the Mandovi River and to protect Old Goa
from attacks. The beach, itself, is clean and ideal for swimming. On the beach,
restaurants and shops selling various kinds of thing can be found.
Calangute Beach
Formerly sleepy village, the Calangute Beach became the hippies' haven in the
1970s and became now the busiest and the most commercialized beach in Goa.
Extending along the Arabian Sea, the beach itself has nothing special but its
board stretch of sand and a crowd of tourists. If you would like to escape the
tourist cluster, head towards south of the main beachfront area where you can
find villagers hauling in hand nets at high tide or fishermen fixing their tack
under the shade of bamboo shacks.
Miramar Beach(Gaspar Dias)
Surrounded by palm trees, Miramar is a lovely golden beach, lying just 3
kilometers from the capital Panaji. The beach is an ideal place for strolling,
but swimming is not safe as there is a strong undercurrent here. From the beach,
one can get a magnificent view of the Aguada Fort just across the Mandovi River.
The sunset here is also spectacular.
Colva Beach
The most popular beach among the Goans, Colva beach is boasted for its white
powdery sand on the shore of the Arabian Sea. Its broad, 20-kilometer-long is
fringed by palm trees and soaked with the sun, and has a stream coursing through
it. However, its serene beauty is being rotten due to an increasing popularity
which resulting in a parade of visitors both foreign and local. A pack of
hotels, restaurants, and souvenir stalls are concentrated at the beach front.
But the further you go away from the beachfront, the more secluded beach you
will find.
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Goa, India