Goa
Introduction to Goa
A
Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the
river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into
the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard
in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious
blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere
of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to
art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later
when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a
part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting,
windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more
popular water sports, facilities for which are
available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s
towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed
chapels and churches that dot the landscape are
surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.
Panji
Panji -the
capital of Goa feels like a sleepy Portuguese town. Set
along the southern bank of Mandovi River, it provides
linkage to Old Goa and the beaches. Every nook and
corner of the city reflects to its Portuguese heritage
with broad avenues spilling into cobbled squares, grand
public buildings, and old houses with overhanging
balconies and numerous bars and cafes. Margao, an
important town, have private houses and government
buildings that date back to Portuguese times.
Se
Cathedral with its Iberian exterior, Bom Jesus that
enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and
the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint Monica are some
of the collection of Goa’s largest Churches. Mapusa, a
market town, comes alive every Friday with a quaint
pavement bazar.
Altitude : Sea level to 1022 mts, Climate:(deg
C)-Summer- Max. 33, Min. 26; Winter- Max. 31, Min. 20,
Rainfall: June to September (350 cms), Best
Season: October to May (Peak season December to
February).
Excursions:
From Panaji: Dona Paula Bay- 7 kms, Old Goa-10
kms with its Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral,
Archaeological Museum and other churches, Mangueshi
Temple- 22 kms, Shantadura Temple- 33 kms, Calangute-16
kms, and Baga Beach-18 kms.
From Mapusa:
Beaches of Calangute- 8 kms, Baga-10 kms, Arambol/Harmal-
31 kms, Anjuna- 8 kms, Vagator- 9 kms & Mandrem- 30 kms,
Temples of Shri Dutta & Shri Vithal at Sanguelim- 25 kms,
Temple of Sapta Koteshwar at Narve- 24 kms and Temple of
Kalikadevi at Kansarpal-14 kms, Church of Mae de deus at
Saligao-10 kms, Church at Monte de Guiri- 2 kms, Mayem
Lake- 21 kms, Arvalem Waterfalls- 29 kms, Terekhol Fort-
30 kms.
From Margao:
Beaches of Colva- 6 kms, Benaulim- 8 kms, Majorda- 8 kms,
Varca- 10 kms, Cavelossim-15 kms, Mobor-18 kms, Betul-16
kms, Agonda- 40 kms and Palolem-47 kms, Cabo de Rama- 21
kms, Ranchol Seminary- 8 kms, Shree Damodar Temple at
Zambaulim- 22 kms and Shree Shantadurga Temple at
Fatorda-18 kms, Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary- 33 kms,
Dudhsagar Waterfalls- 59 kms by train.
From Vasco:
Margao Harbour-3 kms, Bogmalo Beach- 9 kms, St.Jacinto
Island- 7 kms Velsao Beach- 10 km, Kesarval Springs- 15
km & Pilar Seminary- 19 km.
From Ponda:
Bondla wildlife, Molem wildlife etc, Temple or Tambdi
Surla- 70 kms dating back to the 12th century in Sanguem.
Mayem Lake- 35 km from Panaji, the Molem Wildlife
Sanctuary is en route to Belgaum.
Reach -
By Air: Goa (Dabolim Airport) is well connected
with major towns.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Vasco-da-Gama and
Margoa.
By Road: Bangalore- 598 kms, Belgaum-157 kms,
Bombay- 594 kms, Gokarn-154 kms, Hospet- 315 kms,
Hubli-184 kms, Hubli-184 kms, Karwar-103 kms, Kolhapur-
246 kms, Malwan-150 kms, Mangalore- 371 kms, Mysore- 696
kms, Pune- 458 kms, Ratnagiri- 263 kms, Vengurla-73 kms
etc.
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