Tuesday, January 12, 2010

GOA




















Panaji
Location: On the banks of the Mandovi River, Tiswadi Island, North Goa
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Highlights: Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach, Ruins of St. Augustine's Tower, Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount in Goa, Archaeological Museum
Main Languages: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
Main Religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
STD Code: 0832

Panaji is the capital city of Goa and is the third largest city in Goa. The city of Panaji was known by the name of Panjim during the Portugal rule. The official name now is Panaji, though it is known as Panjim among locals even today. Though it is a small city, people travel to Panaji just to relax and watch time go by slowly. This city still has an old world charm about it which is what boosts tourism here. While on one hand, it looks like time has left this place untouched and urbanization is a word unheard of, you will find some of the most well known educational institutes and commercial complexes here.

Panaji city is out an out an entertaining city that will keep you fascinated for days at end. You will not find skyscrapers, fast cars and sleek buildings here; instead you will find some of the most beautiful churches and Portuguese style houses that have hanging balconies, red tiled roofs and perfect gardens with tall Gulmohar trees. It is known for its historical monuments and beaches that are a must visit for all those who want to see the better things that a city has to offer. You may find plush malls, showrooms, etc. in every urban metro, but Panaji offers you unadulterated legacy that is rich in beauty, culture and tradition. The people of Panaji sure know how to take it easy and are extremely warm people. They know how to enjoy life and will go to any lengths to make a guest feel at home.

Panaji Tourist Attractions

Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum of Goa is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is a popular tourist attraction of Goa. It is one of its kind in Asia and was set up around the year 1994 in a joint collaboration between Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage and Calouste Gulbentian of Portugal. Also known as the Christian Art Museum, the museum displays the priceless collection of Goa's rich art and craft, objects made of gold and precious stones, ivory images, image of St. Francis Xavier in a silver casket, etc. A major attraction of this museum is the depiction of Christ as a symbolic shepherd watching over his flock.

Adilshahi Palace
The Adilshahi Palace is a prime tourist attraction of Panaji. Built by Yusuf Adil Shah in 1500, this palace was built for recreational purposes and for relaxing. Later, as time passed, it was fortified and served as an important defense location for the Portuguese to check on external attacks and threats. It was also the first custom check point where the cargo ships were checked. The Palace served as an official residence for most Portuguese viceroys who stayed here for sometime before leaving for Portugal. Also known as Idalcao, it is now preserved beautifully with perfectly manicured gardens adding to its splendor.

Mahalakshmi Temple
The Mahalaxmi temple at Panaji is considered to be the dwelling place of the actual Goddess of the Shakti sect. It is a beautiful temple and the image of the Goddess bears a striking resemblance to the Goddess that is at Kolhapur, the main center of worship. The temple is one of those very few temples in India that has a gallery of wooden images of Lord Vishnu. The image of the Goddess is said to have a "Linga" on her head and is considered to be a very peaceful form of the Devi.

How to Reach
By Air: Panaji can be easily reached by flights from major cities like Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Cochin, Trivandrum, Mangalore, Bangalore, etc. The Dabolim airport is at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Panaji.

By Rail: The main railway station of Goa is at Margao and is at a distance of around 33 kilometers from Panaji. Regular trains ply from places like Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Secunderabad, Pune, etc.

By Road: Panaji can be easily reached by roads as highways have been built that link it to neighboring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Inter state transport is prevalent from Maharashtra and Karnataka to Goa. Other private tour operators also run their buses regularly.

Vasco Da Gama
Location: Marmagoa Taluka, South Goa
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Highlights: Bogmalo beach, Naval Aviation Museum, Japanese Garden, Pilot Point, Mormugoa Port, St. Andrews Church
Main Languages: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
Main Religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
STD Code: 0832

Vasco Da Gama is an important town that is located in south Goa district in the Marmagoa Taluka. It is located at a distance of around 30 kilometers from Panaji, the capital city of Goa. The location of Vasco Da Gama is such that it overlooks the Zuari River. It was one of the busiest ports on the west coast of the Indian sub continent when the Portuguese acquired it in 1543. Today, Vasco De Gama is a busy shipping center where huge container vessels come to deposit raw materials and other items.

Tourists travel to Vasco da Gama to explore the famous Bogmalo beach, the ports, Naval Aviation Center, etc. Tourism in Vasco Da Gama has not really caught up because it is mainly a busy commercial hub and an important trade center. But still, it has its own popular tourist attractions that show a different aspect of Goa. Vasco Da Gama has quite good hotels and provide decent lodging and accommodation.

Vasco Da Gama Tourist Attractions

Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo beach is a popular attraction of Vasco Da Gama and tourists visit this beach since it is less commercialized than other beaches. The local shacks there provide excellent food and you can try out different Goan dishes. Here you can try your hand at open water diving as the water is quite safe for swimming.

Naval Aviation Center
The Naval Aviation Center was set up in Vasco around the year 1998. It is one of its kind in India and is a major tourist attraction in Goa. The place has a museum that showcases the rich history and the development of the Indian naval aircrafts, different aircrafts that are used, weapons, arms, etc.

Marmagao Port
The Marmagao port is a natural harbor where giant vessels come and deposit the raw materials and other items of import and export. There are also cruise ships over here that take tourists on a short cruise along the coast of Goa.

How to Reach
By Air: The Dabolim airport is located at a distance of just 4 kilometers from Vasco Da Gama and has flights plying from major metros of India regularly.

By Rail: Vasco Da Gama has a railway station at the southern end where trains from nearby places in south and central India come here on a regular basis.

By Road: Vasco Da Gama is well connected by a wide network of roads and this place can be reached easily by hiring local transport. Inter state buses also ply here from nearby states.

Margao
Location: Salcete Taluka, south Goa
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Highlights: Colva beach, Church of Holy Spirit, Sat Burzam Ghor
Main Languages: Konkani, Hindi and English
Main Religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
STD Code: 0832

Margao is an important city in Goa and is also the second largest. It is a major commercial center of Goa. Margao is also the administrative capital of south Goa and is the capital of Salcete Taluka. When you travel to Margao, you will definitely feel the old world charm that still lingers in this place. Margao is well known for its rich historical past and diverse cultural heritage. It is also a major tourism center of Goa.

Margao was the center of a fish market which was very famous in Goa. The market used to assemble near the Municipal Office Building, which was a very amusing and entertaining sight. Lots of fisherwomen used to assemble and set up their stalls and would attract customers by announcing it on top of their voices. These fisherwomen used to be dressed in some of the brightest colors and would look very pretty in those clothes.

Margao Tourist Attractions

Sat Burzam Ghor
The Sat Burzam Ghor is one of the most popular tourist attractions of Margao. This magnificent mansion, also known as the "House of Seven Roofs" looks wonderful even today though it is mostly in ruins. There are only three gables left out of the original seven but it sure gives an idea as to how magnificent it must have been. It is a wonderful specimen of the grand Portugal architecture.

Colva Beach
The Colva beach is a popular tourist attraction of Margao. This lovely beach flourishes in natural beauty and completely relaxes people who come here to soak in its beauty. There are many hotels and resorts near this place that have helped develop tourism at this beach. Try out the local Goan cuisine at the shacks lined up along the beach and taste some really lip smacking dishes.

Church of Holy Spirit
This beautiful church is located in a colonial enclave that is surrounded with picturesque landscapes. Built in 1675 by the Portuguese, the Church of Holy Spirit is an excellent example of Baroque architecture in India. The church has a sparkling white front elevation and the interiors are decorated with crystal and stucco.

How to Reach
By Air: Margao can be easily reached by flights as the Dabolim airport in Goa is very near this place.

By Rail: The railway station at Margao is an important station and is just 2 kilometers from the city center.

By Road: Margao can be also reached via roads since the place is well connected by a wide network of roads to nearby states.
Ponda
Location: Ponda Taluka, North Goa
Best Time to Visit: October to April
Highlights: Sri Shantadurga Temple, Sri Mangueshi Temple, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary, Dudhsagar Falls
Main Languages: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
Main Religions: Hinduism, Christianity and Islam
STD Code: 0832

Ponda city in Goa is the place where Hinduism is at its maximum. It can be easily tagged as the heart of Hinduism in Goa. During the Portugal rule, many Hindus abandoned their houses located near the coasts and proceeded towards the interiors of Goa. A large number of them went to Ponda and settled there. The population grew in size and today Ponda has the maximum number of Hindus dwelling in Goa. This is the reason why Ponda is also known as the "Temple Town of Goa". When you travel to Ponda, make sure you visit all the temples which give a boost to tourism in Ponda.

Apart from temples and other places of worship, you can visit the two important wildlife sanctuaries that are located here. They are Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The sanctuaries make the perfect getaway for all you nature enthusiasts. Explore the wild side of Goa and spend quiet moments with untouched nature. The sanctuaries have a rich variety of flora and fauna and are the perfect place for you to indulge in some soul searching. Also, do visit the Dudhsagar Waterfalls that are ranked as one of the highest waterfalls in the world.

Ponda Tourist Attractions

Sri Shantadurga Temple
Sri Shantadurga Temple of Ponda is a very important and famous temple in Goa. It is said that the Goddess who is worshipped over here is the Goddess of Peace and settles quarrels amicably. Legends say that she amicably solved a major dispute between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Sri Mangueshi Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Sri Mangueshi Temple located in Ponda is a major Hindu temple visited by many devotees. This temple is said to have been built during the 18th century and its white tower a popular landmark. It is located on top of a hill and looks stunning amidst serene locales.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Goa and is also the smallest one. It is spread over an area of merely 8 square kilometers. Though it is very small in area, it boasts of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Many tourists come and visit this sanctuary to explore the exotic wildlife here.

Other Important Temples of Ponda
Ponda also has other temples that may not be as famous as others but are still worth the visit. These include Sri Mahalsa temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Sri Chandreshwar Temple and Sri Mallikarjuna Temple, which are located further down south.

How to Reach
By Air: The Dabolim airport is nearest to Ponda city in Goa. From the airport you can hire a cab to reach the required destination.

By Rail: The nearest railway station is at Margao at a distance of 17 kilometers from Ponda.

By Road: Ponda is well connected to all major places in Goa by a wide network of roads. One can reach Ponda from neighboring state of Karnataka by taking the National highway 4A.


Goa » Goa Beaches


Goa Beaches
The ideal combination of sun, sand, sea and surf is enough to send a person packing his bags and go on a short holiday. It becomes even better when that holiday is in one of the popular Goan beaches. Goa has a long coastline that makes it the ideal state to have beaches. The beaches of Goa are the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and holiday in India. Right from lazing around to enjoying water sports and relishing the exotic sea food of Goa, the beaches have everything that goes into making your vacation the perfect one. In case you want more information regarding the beaches in Goa, you can always check our related sections that cover each and every beach in Goa and get the necessary details.

Arambol Beach | Anjuna Beach | Agonda Beach | Baga Beach | Bambolim Beach | Benaulim Beach | Bogmalo Beach | Calangute Beach | Candolim Beach | Cavelossim Beach | Chapora Beach | Colva Beach | Dona Paula Beach | Majorda Beach | Miramar Beach | Palolem Beach | Vagator Beach | Varca Beach

Courtesy : Goa Tourism Dept.

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