Goa

GOA




Places To Visit-:

  1. Beaches of Goa
  2. Churches of Goa
  3. Temples of Goa
  4. Sanctuaries of Goa
  5. Lakes, Spring & Waterfall
  6. Mosques Of Goa
  7. Flea Market Of Goa
  8. Forts Of Goa


  1. Beaches of Goa-:

There are a lot of beaches in Goa which rejuvenates your soul and body.

  1. Querim Beach
  2. Arambol Or Harmal Beach
  3. Mandrem Beach
  4. Morjim Beach
  5. Chapora Beach
  6. Vagator Beach
  7. Anjuna Beach
  8. Baga Beach
  9. Calangute Beach
  10. Candolim Beach
  11. Sinquerim Beach
  12. Miramar Beach
  13. Dona Paula Beach
  14. Cansaulim Beach
  15. Majorda Beach
  16. Betalbatim Beach
  17. Colva Beach
  18. Benaulim Beach
  19. Varca & Cavelossim Beaches
  20. Mobor Beach
  21. Betul Beach
  22. Agonda Beach
  23. Palolem Beach
  24. Galgibaga Beach
  25. Polem Beach


1.) Querim Beach-: This virgin white sand and the foamy beach is fringed with fir trees on its shores. It is located to the north of Arambol and south of the Terekhol river. Querim can be reached from Arambol via a narrow path which leads around the headland from the second bay or by a road along the south bank of Terekhol river. This road winds up through the extremely scenic surroundings of the countryside.


2.) Arambol Or Harmal Beach-: This unique beach is a rocky as well as a sandy beach. There is also a freshwater lagoon, extending right up to the sulfurous mud and hot springs. People can be seen here smearing the mud, which has certain curative properties. Arambol is a perfect picture of a Goan traditional village, with lost of palm trees, fishing boats.


3.) Mandrem Beach-: The secluded beach to the north of Morjim Beach is a fine place for visitors interested in the peaceful holiday.

4.) Morjim Beach-: This quiet beach lies just north of the Chapora river and can be reached by taking a short detour off the coast road from Chapora. It is for 40 km. From Panaji.


5.) Chapora Beach-: Charming Chapora is set amidst dense coconut palms, just north of Vagator. The secluded beach here is dominated by the Chapora Fort.


6.) Vagator Beach-: Vagator, the most photographed beach in Goa, lies to the north of Anjuna and is about 22 km. From Panaji. The northern half of the picturesque beach faces a bay which curves from the headland to the hillock crowned by the Chapora Fort.

Between the headland and the hillock, the waves rush up the sloping silvery beach, while the palms stand far back adoring the beautiful creation of nature. At the tip of the headland are sea-washed rocky outcrops which provide enough privacy for honeymooners and others who want to be left alone. Towards the south of the headland is more rocky outcrops, sandy patches, and interesting tidal pools.


7.) Anjuna Beach-: The most interesting and exciting part of Goa's coastline begins beyond the Baga river from Anjuna onwards. The popular beach resort is endowed with exceptional beauty. The cool waves washing the white sands of the shores, lined with palm trees presents one of the most fascinating views. 

8.) Baga Beach-: Beautiful Baga, is a continuation of Calangute beach towards the north, the two beaches are so much a part of each other that their segregation is not possible. Baga is quieter and located in a picturesque setting as compared to Calanguate. The beach is bounded by a wooded escarpment' in the north and a fresh rivulet also named as Baga, merges into the sea here, making the location quite scenic and interesting.

9.) Calangute Beach-: It is 16 km. From Panaji and is one of the most popular beaches of northern Goa, Calangute was also known as the ‘Queen of Goan Beaches' was a sedate fishing village of the seventies and had a reputation of being the hub of hedonistic hippies. Today, It is Goa's most commercial and busy beach resort. Though heavily developed by Goan standards, Calangute is still quite peaceful as compared to major beach resorts in other parts of India.


10.) Candolim Beach-: The peaceful beach is just north of Sinquerim. The Sinquerim-Candolim beach stretch is dotted with excellent accommodation facilities. The beach is long and straight, backed by scrub-covered dunes. It also has numerous beach café's providing excellent and Water skiing facility, besides other sports, are available here.


11.) Sinquerim Beach-: Scenic Sinquerim is the first beach in the series of North Goa's beaches starting from Fort Aguada. It is 16 km. From Panaji and was among the first places in Goa to be singled out for upmarket tourism and is known for the Taj Group's Fort Aguada Resorts. This resort is probably the first five star resorts to grace the Goan coast. It also has facilities for water sports.


12.) Miramar Beach-: The lovely golden beach beyond a small forest is just 3 km. From Panaji. It attracts a large number of locals and tourists but is not ranked among the safe beaches for swimmers.


13.) Dona Paula Beach-: Delightful Dona Paula is located on the scenic headland between the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries., about 9 km. Fort Panaji. It is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, whose tombstone can be seen at the chapel in Cabo. Several stories and legends are associated with Dona Paula de Menezes, some say that she was a daughter of the Viceroy, who threw herself off the nearby cliff when she was not allowed to get married to a local fisherman named ‘Gaspar Dias'. Others believe that she was a virtuous wife of a nobleman, while still others think that she was a lady in waiting to the Viceroy's wife and also that she was a mistress of the Viceroy's. The various myths associated with Dona Paula has earned it the epitaph of ‘Love's Paradise'.


14.) Cansaulim Beach-: This famous beach is 15 km from Margao- near Cansaulim railway station. South Goa is also endowed with a string of beautiful beaches. The beach journey can be commenced from Magao, which is a railway junction.


15.) Majorda Beach-: The tranquil beach on the borders of Mormugao and Salcete talukas, lies to the south of Velsao beach. It has some excellent resort complexes, which mostly caters to package tours. 


16.) Betalbatim Beach-: The Betalbatim beach is to the south of Majorda and closer to the famous Colva beach.


17.) Colva Shoreline-: This well-known shoreline of southern Goa is 6 km. west of Margao. It is the pride of Salcete taluka, which has a string of shiny shorelines lined by coconut palm beginning from Majorda in the north to Mobor shoreline in the south. Simply walk several kilometers in either bearing along the shoreline and you will be in the lap of earth, where sand, ocean, and sky mix in captivating regular agreement.


18.) Benaulim Beach-: If you are looking for a peaceful time at the beach, head towards the beautiful Benaulim beach just 2 km, south of Colva and 4 km, from Margao. It is said to be named after a Sanskrit word "Bann-halli" (the place where the arrow fell) and has an important place in Hindu mythology.


19.) Varca And Cavelossim Beaches-: The fine coastline extending for about 10 km, South of Benaulim beach is dotted with some charming beaches. The important ones are Varca(5 km.) and Cavelossimbeach (7 km.). These beaches have fine resort hotels. Cavelossim is more developed than Varca.


20.) Mobor Beach-: It is located just south of Cavelossim and can be approached by the main road. The Sal estuary meets the sea over here. There are numerous resorts at Mobor.


21.) Betul Beach-: It is 22 km. From Margao and is the southernmost beach of the State. The scenic silvery coastline extending from Bogmalo To Betul offers peaceful holidays.


22.) Agenda Beach-: The picturesque and peaceful beach flanked by lush hills is about 7 km. North-west of Chaud and 14 km South of Cambodia Rama. The tourist flow is quite low, and thus one can relax amidst the serene beauty of the beach.


23.) Palolem Beach-: The secluded palm-fringed beach flanked by hills of the Western Ghats. Is one of the most enchanting spots in Goa. It is about 37 km. From Margao, via bus from Margao. The nearest railhead is Canacona (3 km.) swimming and sunbathing can be enjoyed here in complete isolation.


24.) Galgibaga Beach-: It is located about 16 km. south of Chaudi. The beach towards the south bank of Talpona river is lined by wispy fir trees.


25.) Polem Shoreline: It is the southernmost shoreline of Goa, around 30 km. South of Chaudi, on the fringes of Goa and Karnataka. This single shoreline is a portion of smooth white sand and is perfect. It is visited consistently by dolphins and fish falcons.

B. Churches Of Goa-:

1.) Panaji Church

2.) Old Goa

3.) St. Augustine Tower

4.) Mae De Deus Church, Saligao

5.) Church Of Our Lady Of Mercy, Colva


1.) Panaji Church-: Unique, it was worked in 1540, yet was remade from the establishment in 1619. It is demonstrated on the congregation of Reis Magos and has tall twin towers in Portuguese rococo style. The fundamental special raised area is committed to " Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceicao" and is worked in Renaissance style.


2.) Old Goa-: Old Goa, the previous capital and the main city of the Portuguese eastern domain was known as the "Rome of the East" and the "Pearl of the Orient". Old Goa is studded with glorious houses of prayer and landmarks, mirroring the rich history and brilliance of the past period. 


The noteworthy landmarks of Old Goa are viewed as the best instances of Renaissance design on the planet.


3.) St. Augustin Tower-: This lofty tower is the only remnant of the once magnificent Church of St. Augustin, which was built by the Augustinian friars, who arrived in Goa in 1572. The four-storeyed church had eight chapels, four altars and a convent with the number of cells. There was a 46 m., tall tower, which was meant as a belfry and formed part of the façade. The church was abandoned by the Augustinians due to religious persecutions. The Spectacular façade S of the church finally collapse n 1942, but its bell was retrieved and placed at the Church of Immaculate Conception in Panaji.


4.) Mae De Deus Church, Saligao-: This small but beautiful church was built in 1873, amidst picturesque surroundings. The unique church houses a miraculous statue of Mae De Deus  (Mother of Goa).


5.) Church Of Our Lady Of Mercy, Colva-: The Church Of Our Lady Of Mercy (Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Piedade), located on the Margao road. It was originally built in 1630 and the present structure was constructed in the 18th century.



C. Temples of Goa-:

1.) Shri Mangueshi Temple

2.) Shri ShantaDurga Temple

3.) Tambdi Surla Temple

4.) Shri NavDurga Temple

5.) Shri Ramnath Temple


1.) Shri Mangueshi Temple-: This temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most important Hindu shrines in Goa. It is located near the village of Priol and is about 7.5 km. north of Ponda and 22 km. From Panaji. The presiding deity of the temple is the manifestation of Lord Shiva.



2.) Shri Shanta Durga Temple-: It is the largest and most popular temple of Goa, about 3.2 km south-west of Ponda in Kavlem village. The temple was built in 1713 and was dedicated to Shantadurga, a manifestation of Parvati or Durga.


3.) Tambdi Surla Temple-: This beautiful temple dedicated to Shiva-Parvati was built in the thirteenth century and is the only surviving specimen of the glorious Kadamba dynasty in Goa. It is the most ancient temple of Goa and is located at Tambi Surla, about 65 km. From Panaji.

4.) Shri NavDurga Temple-: It is located at Madkai, about 28 km. From Panaji and is known for the annual Jatra festival held in the month of November.


5.) Shri Ramnath Temple-: This is another important temple of the village Bandode or Bandivade, about 22 km. From Panaji and just a few minutes away from Farmagudi, off the main road to Ponda. The temple is noted for opulently decorated silver screen surrounding the door to the sanctum, which is considered to be the most extravagant in Goa. The presiding deity is Shri Ramnath, (an aspect of Lord Vishnu) at Rameshwar before he embarked for the mission of rescuing Sita from the clutches of demon king Ravana. Thus the temple is equally important for the Shaivites and Vaishnavite sects.



D.Sanctuaries of Goa-:

1.) Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

2.) Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Molem

3.) Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

4.) Bondla Sanctuary


1.) Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary-: The amazingly beautiful sanctuary is located just 3 km. From Panaji, on the south-western tip of Chorao Island along Mandovi River. It sprawls over an area of 1.78 square km. And is the smallest sanctuary in Goa.


2.) Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, Molem-: The sanctuary set in the foothills of picturesque Western Ghats is located along the northeast border Goa at Moslem village. It is the largest sanctuary in the State and is spread across 240 square km.


ENTRY->

Adult: Rs. 20/-

   Child : Rs. 5/-

   Bike : Rs. 40/-

   Car : Rs. 120/-

   Camera : Rs. 30/-

   Video : Rs. 150/-

 TIMING->

  09:00 am To 05:30 pm


3.) Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary-:  This is the second largest sanctuary of Goa and was established in 1969. It covers an area of 105 square km., which is the most densely forested part of the State.

ENTRY->

Adult : Rs. 5/- 

   Child : Rs. 2/-

   Bike : Rs. 10/-

   Car : Rs. 50/-

   Camera : Rs. 25/-

   Video : Rs. 100/-

 TIMING->

  07:00 am To 05:30 pm


4.) Bondla Sanctuary-: It is located about 20 km., East of Ponda, on the border of Ponda and Sanguem talukas and 38 km. From Margao. It is ideally a jungle resort covering 8 square km.


ENTRY->

Adult : Rs. 5/- 

   Child : Rs. 2/-

   Bike : Rs. 10/-

   Car : Rs. 50/-

   Bus : Rs. 100/-

   Camera : Rs. 25/-

   Video : Rs. 100/-

 TIMING->

  07:00 am To 05:30 pm ( Thursday Closed)


E.    Lakes, Spring & Waterfall-:


1.) Kesarval Springs

2.) Harvalem Waterfall

 3.) Dudhsagar Waterfall

 4.) Mayem Lake


1.) Kesarval Springs -: The springs are located in the eastern part of the Mormugao Taluka, on the Panaji – Margao highway, about 22 km., from Panaji. The spring water emerges here from hard and compact rocks and visitors bathe here as the water is considered to have medicinal properties. The spring is at its best during the monsoons and can be reached after crossing the bridge on the Zuari river near the village of Cortalim.


2.) Harvalem Waterfall-: The falls are located near Harvalem village at about 45 km., From Panaji. Harvalem is known for its rock cut caves and the temple of Rudreshwar. The falls plunge down from a  height of about 50 meters. A sizeable lake is formed at the bottom of the falls.


3.) Dudhsagar Waterfall-: The breathtaking tumbles toward the southeast of Molem are the second most astounding falls in the nation. A tributary of the Mandovi, waterway dives down from a stature of 603 meters and makes a frothing downpour that parts into three streams and falls down a close vertical bluff face into a dark green pool loaded with lavish foliage. It gets the name Dudhsagar, From a Konkani word which signifies "sea of milk ", as the smooth fog is made by the falls.


4.) Mayem Lake-: This charming and the most famous lake of Goa is situated 3 km., south of Bicholim town. It is nestled

amidst lush green hills is an ideal picnic spot. The lake is worth spending a day at the lake is at its scenic best White at dusk the lake is simply enchanting. The Mayem village located nearby is known for preparing terracotta Ganesha idols.



F. Mosques Of Goa-:

1.) Safa Masjid, Ponda

2.) Namazah

3.) Jama Masjid, Sanguem


1.) Safa Masjid, Ponda-: Safa or Shahouri was built in 1560, by Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur. It is best preserved Muslim monument of Goa and the biggest mosque in Ponda. The mosque is located just 2 km., West of the city center on the Panaji road. 

Originally, it was surrounded by extensive gardens and fountains, but little remains of the former grandeur, as it was destroyed by the Portuguese. Today, the mosque is a simple white building with a rectangular prayer hall, a top with high plinth. The walls of the hall are decorated with elegant Islamic arches. In front of the mosque is an ancient water tank.


2.) Namazah-: It is located in the Bicholim taluka and is one of the most ancient and famous mosques of Goa. The mosque was built by Prince Murad, the son of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, while he was camping in Bicholim with Sambhaji, the Maratha ruler, during their joint attack on the Portuguese in 1683.  


3.) Jama Masjid, Sanguem-: Sanguem is about 26 km., From Margao and 64 km., From Panaji and is famous for this excellent mosque built during the 19th century. It was completely renovated in 1959. The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportion and elegant simplicity. It has four minarets and the entrance façade is flanked by two elegant towers surmounted by pillared kiosk’s. A dome-shaped kiosk rises in the center of the minaret.


G.     Flea Market Of Goa-:


1.)    Baga Flea Market

2.)    Anjuna Flea Market



1.)    Baga Flea Market-: Baga is also known for its Saturday Flea Market. It is held beyond the box bridge on the various articles are sold which include handicraft items, jewelry, clothing’s, eatables and other items of use. 

Local artists perform stage shows and play melodious music in the fair. Baga is about 18 km., From Panaji and 10 km., West of Mapusa. Buses and taxis from Calangute, Mapusa, and Panjim come regularly over here. 


2.)    Anjuna Flea Market-: Anjuna is also famous for its Flea, Market, held on Wednesday afternoon during the tourist season. It started as a congregation of European travelers commonly known as the “hippies”. Here one can buy handicraft items, eatables and other items of daily use. But one has to bargain smartly to get the best prices. The vibrant fair is worth visiting and will certainly make your day. The secluded Ozrant Beach, located between Anjuna and Vagator, was once a ‘hippie heaven’. There is also a spring with a sitting Buddha carved with psychedelic art from the sixties. Anjuna is 18 km., From Panaji. Buses connect the nearly Chapora Fort and Mapusa.


 

H.  Forts Of Goa-:

1.)    Reis Magos Fort

2.)    Arvalem (Harvalem) Cave

3.)    Cabo De Rama Fort

4.)    Aguada Fort & Light House


1.)   Reis Magos Fort-: Situated on the banks of river Mandovi the fort built in 1543 by the Portuguese was effectively the first line of defense against enemy ships entering Old Goa the capital of Goa. Today, the fort has been beautifully renovated under the guidance of noted architect Gerald De Cunha and supported by Helen Trust, INTACT and Govt. of Goa. Presently this heritage structure is also used as a cultural center. This gallery houses an extensive collection of Mario Miranda’s works.


2.)   Arvalem (Harvalem) Cave-: (9 km from Bicholim) the 6th-century caves are the main attraction here. Four caves, all Brahmanical, were probably carved by the Bhojas of Chandor-Goa or the Chalukyas Of Badami. But as there are no inscriptions to go by, only a guess can be hazarded. Each cave has and Ardhamandapa with four pillars and the shrines have lingams (phallic symbols of Shiva) as the main objects of worship. The cave at the southern end was used as a residential chamber.



3.)  Cabo De Rama Fort-:  The name means Cape Of Rama. It is not known how this fort got its name. The honor is shared by Rama of Ramayana epic and Parashurama, another figure from Hindu myth.


Cabo De Rama in South Goa occupies the elongated headland jutting out into the sea. High above the sea level, the fort provides a huge panorama of the ocean on three sides. On the fourth side is the narrow attachment to the mainland. 

The fort changed hands many times between Adil Shahis of Bijapur, The Marathas of Pune and Hyder Ali of Mysore. The sea off Canacona was notorious for smugglers and pirates, and the fort became a base for patrolling the seas. The fort once served as a sanatorium and finally as a jail in the last decades of the Portuguese rule.


4.)  Aguada Fort & Light House-: The Dutch(country of Holland) was the early competitors of the Portuguese in the sea trade. In 1604, with seven ships, they closed the sea traffic at the mouth of the river Mandovi, for one whole month.

The Portuguese, till then operated from the fort of Reis Magos on the north bank and fort of Gaspar Dias on the south bank of river Mandovi. Both these forts were further inland. Their cannons had a limited range.

The Dutch ships, anchored far on the mouth of the river Mandovi, were beyond the range of the cannons of both these forts. The Portuguese could not dislodge them.

Shocked at this gap in their defenses, they took to building two more forts, the Marmagao fort at the mouth of river Zuari and Aguada fort at the mouth of river Mandovi. Aguada Fort is mainly divided into 2 parts:

(i).    AGUADA UPPER PART

(ii).    AGUADA LOWER PART


(i).   AGUADA UPPER PART -> Stronghold Aguada finished in 1606 CE, is one of only a handful couple of unblemished Portuguese fortifications in the subcontinent, and an incredible case of the seventeenth-century military engineering. The post has a beacon, sanctuary and underground water stockpiling tank. 


Aguada implies a watering place. This site on the northern shore of the stream Mandovi has numerous common springs. Water, redirected from characteristic springs was put away in the enormous underground tank, inside the post. Boats gathered water from here before continuing on long voyages.


(ii).  AGUADA LOWER PART-> The fortress at Aguada had a lower fortification wall built of laterite with a moat running from east to west following the contour on the hill overlooking the Arabian Sea. This was completed in 1612 by Portuguese.

It served as a place for watering to the Portuguese Armadas and a point for keeping watch on intruders entering into the estuary of Mandovi River. It has one bastion protruding towards the sea named the Queen Marina Bastion and four smaller bastions at different intervals.


4.1) Aguada Lighthouse-: The rocky headland, with the Aguada Fort on top, known as Aguada Point, is 80 meters above the sea level. It had an ancient lighthouse, presently standing inside the fort, once had a light beacon, operating every seven minutes, later increased to every 30 seconds interval. This lighthouse stopped operation in 1976.


The modern Lighthouse can be Seen to the north of the Aguada Fort.       

FORTS -  DECLINE IN THEIR STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE

    

By the end 19th century the strategic importance of the forts was declining due to rapid advances in the technology of warfare, like long-range cannons and an introduction of aircraft.

The Cabo fort at Dona Paula had long been remodeled into a Portuguese Viceroys palace ( Now Cabo Raj Niwas- Residence of the Governor-visible from Upper Aguada Fort).

Fort of Gaspar Dias (presently the area of Miramar in Panjim) was dismantled. Fort of Marmagao was overrun by the city of Vasco Da Gama. Cabo De Rama is in a state of ruin. St. Estevan fort is in a much better condition due to modern restorations.

Only Aguada, and Reis Magos, in the city limits of Panjim, are in good condition. The Archaeological Survey of India, Goa Circle has been carrying out conservation at the Aguada Fort and work at Reis Magos Fort, now open to the public as a fort museum, was taken up by The Hamlyn Trust, London under the direction of the well-known architect of Goa, Gerrard Da Cunha.

Innumerable forts like Rachel, Teracol, Chapora, Thivim, Colvale, Sanquelim, Alorna, Nanez, Corjuem along with their bastions, ramparts, watchtowers, and walls have disappeared due to the local need for building materials.


-By Aayush Raje Choudhary

(Content Creator, Go4Explore)

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