Places To See In Goa

Take in the sites and sounds of Goa. There is a lot to enjoy for all age groups from beaches, to churches and to adventure sports Goa has it all.

Centuries of Portuguese rule and of the other dynasties have given Goa a very unique blend of the East and the West. This is reflected in its buildings, their architecture etc. For the adventure enthusiasts, Goa has abundant beaches to enjoy.

Beaches

The sun, the sand and the surf are probably the first things, which come to mind when we think about Goa. In its true tradition Goa has a lot of beaches which welcome tourists round the year.

Goa is dotted with beaches and resorts along the 105 kms stretch of the Konkan coast.

The prominent beaches that one can visit in North Goa include the Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Arambol.

The south side of the beaches begins from Margao, the second most important city in Goa. Some of the breathtaking beaches on this side of Goa include Velsao, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul. All these beaches are interconnected.

Heritage Sites - Forts

With a network of rivers flowing through the state and the sea on its west, forts in Goa assumed a great significance. A symbol of military prowess in the Portuguese time, today they are a mute testimony to the bygone era.

Ruins of the St. Augustine's Tower

Located on Holy Hill in Old Goa, today, the only surviving remnant of this once impressive Church is a 46-metre tower. The Church when intact was one of the biggest in Goa.

Aguada Fort

This is one of the largest and the best-preserved citadel in Goa. Located 18-km from Panaji in Old Goa, the fort acted as a bastion to control entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from enemy attacks. Several springs within the fort provided water supply to the ships that were harbored there and hence its name from Agua or water in Portuguese. One of the distinct features of this monument is a 13-metre high lighthouse. Today, the fort houses the Central Jail.

The Gate of the Palace of Adil Shah

The Palace of Adil Shah was one of the most prominent features of Old Goa with lofty staircases. Later, the Portuguese Governors used the palace as their residence. Today, the gate is the only imposing structure that remains of this monument.

Chapora Fort

This red-laterite bastion built by the Portuguese is in ruins today. The heads of two tunnels that was used a supply route for providing besieged defenders and Muslim tombstones on the southern side are probably the only remnants of this once impressive fort.

Religious Places - Churches

An indelible impression of Portuguese influence can be seen in Goa 's famous churches. Spread of Christianity and controlling the spice route were the main reasons for Vasco da Gama's mission to India. Some of the world famous churches of Goa include :

The Basilica of Bom Jesus

A fine example of Jesuit architecture, this church has emerged as one of the landmarks in the history of Christianity. It is located in Old Goa, 10 kms east of Panaji. The church opens everyday from 9 am - 12:30 pm and then again from 3 pm - 6:30 pm. Entombed within this world famous church is the body of St. Francis Xavier. The remains of the saint are brought out every few years for public display.

Our Lady Of The Immaculate Conception Church

Located South of the Secretariat, this was one of the first churches to be built in Goa. The Portuguese Baroque style of architecture is reflected in its tall twin towers. The backdrop of the main altar inside the church is impressive.

Se Cathedral

Built between 1562-1619, it is one of the largest churches in Old Goa and the largest in Asia with a barrel vaulted ceiling. One of the features of this church is a tower, which houses a huge bell called the Golden Bell.

Temples

One of the interesting features of Goan temples is the lamp tower or the Deepa Stambha. This is regarded as a Maratha influence. On festive days these towers are illuminated. Another distinctive feature of a traditional Goan temple is the Dome that covers the main shrine instead of the traditional Shikara. This is the influence of Mughal architecture.

Sri Mahadev Tambdi Surla Temple

This sacred shrine in West Goa is the state's only reminder of the pre-Portuguese temple architecture. This 12th century temple boasts of some fine relief's on the 'Shikhara' (spire) depicting a number of Gods and Goddesses.

Sri Mangesh Temple

Located at Mardol, this is a revered shrine of Lord Shiva. It has the most famous lamp tower in Goa.

Mosques

Safa Masjid

Located at Ponda, this is among the biggest and the oldest mosque in Goa. It is the last remaining one of the 26 mosques that were built by Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur in Ponda Taluka.

Museums

State Archaeology Museum

Located at the outskirts of Panaji, the museum has seven galleries, a collection of 8000 objects and 645 objects including stone sculptures, wooden objects, paintings, manuscripts, numismatic collections etc.

Naval Aviation Museum

Located just 6 kms from the port city of Vasco-da-Gama is India's only Naval Aviation Museum. The museum is open all days from 10 am - 5 pm.

Wildlife Sanctuaries

The rugged terrains of the Western Ghats have some varied flora and fauna. The widest belt of forests is in Goa and Karnataka. The coastal terrains on the other side provide a tropical climate backdrop, ideal for plantations. Goa boasts of four Wildlife Sanctuaries.

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Named after India's noted ornithologist, this sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao. Mangrove swamps dot the sanctuary. A huge variety of coastal birds visit the sanctuary every year, Apart from the birds one can also spot Flying Foxes, Jackals and Crocodiles.

For Adventure enthusiasts you can go bungee jumping at Anjuna or go clam hunting at Betul. If you are in a mood for angling, then Agonda is a great place. For a quieter trip you can go crocodile watching or else dolphin watching. Windsurfing, Water skiing is great options if you are a water sports enthusiast. To be one with nature opt for trekking. There are various picturesque trekking paths that start from Molem.

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