» Colva Beach - Just 39 km from Panaji, it is
stretched on a 20 km long virgin white sands on the shores of the
Arabian sea. The sun drenched beach is the most loved one by the locals.
The enchanting beauty of the surroundings accompanied by coconut trees
to its sides makes it a real paradise on the land. The silver-grey,
powder-fine sand of the beach has been the inspiration for many folk
tales and songs.
» The Chapel of St Catherine - The Church
built of laterite blocks has a tower on each side of the facade and one
altar. It was created by Governor Afonso de Albuqueque to commemorate
his entry in to the city of St Catherine in the year 1510. Afonso de
Albuquerque, on that important day took the city from the Mohammedans.
Thus, the chapel was erected on the place where stood the entrance gate
of this city under the Muslim rule. It was reconstructed in 1552.
» The Church of the Cross of Miracle -
Towards
the outskirt of the old city, above a hill stands the convent and the
church built of laterite mortar and lime mortar. The plain looking
church was created in 1619 to house the Cross of Miracles. The convent
treasures the congregation of the Oratory of Philip Neri of Goa.
» Caves of Khandepur& Arvalem - These
caves were carved out in the 12th century and lie 36 km from Panaji in a
village called Khandepar. The 4 caves are in close proximity to each
other and were used for meditation and prayers. The 4th cave holds a
pedestral to hold a linga in it.
The other caves are known as the Pandavas caves as it is believed that
the Pandavas stayed there during their exiled years. The lingum in the
middle is held in great respect even today. The caves are situated at a
distance of 100 meters from Sri Rudheswar Temple and the Arvalem
waterfall.
Shopping
The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are the most popular souvenir
items to be possessed. Precious things include the brassware,
terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work,
paper-mache, etc. These are available at shops and stalls near the
popular tourist spots.
Another item which is on the mind of every traveller to Goa is a pack
of famed cashew nuts. These are available practically everywhere.
Accommodation
Some excellent hotel provide a comfortable stay to the tourists in
different locations of Goa. The major ones includes the 5 stars like the
Taj Exotica, Goa Marrriott, Citadel De Goa Resort, Holiday Inn, while
the budgeted one are the Sun Village Resort and the Varca Beach Resort.
How to Reach
» By Air - Goa's international airport is
situated at Dabolim, 29 km from the capital, Panaji, on the coast near
Vasco da Gama.
» By Rail - There are many trains to Goa from
Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. Goa's two main stations are at Margao and
Vasco da Gama.
» By Road - Goa state transport corporations
operate from Panaji's Kadamba bus stand and is well connected to other
states like Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Goa,
the abode of pleasure and exquisite sceneries is full of churches and
temples scattered all over the town. Tourists come here to enjoy the
beautiful location and refresh themselves from the busy schedule of the city
life. The sensuous beaches and the forts tell stories of history and legacy
of the Portuguese in Goa. The town squeezed between the seas and the swaying
hills offers its visitors a warm welcome with its glistering sands, swaying
coconut palms and fresh sea foods.
The
beach enveloped by the area of Arpora and Nagoa with Condolim in the Bardez
district is at a distance of 15 km from Panaji. Its main attraction lies in
the narrow roads leading to the Medicinal Springs at Mottant. It also houses
the Baga Retreat House dedicated to St Francis Xaviour, better known as Casa
de Retiros. Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing are common at the
beach that goes on till sunset.
North
India States
