You can indulge yourself into several leisurely activates in Goa. Saunter along the long stretch of balmy beaches, listen to the whispering winds, watch the sunrays perforating through the tree shades and making patterns on the sand, let the licking waves welcome your presence or simply enjoy the Goan drink- Feni.
Goa – the tiny spot of beauty and vivacity – lies in the West Coast of India and covers an area of 3,702 sq. kms. Goa has a coastline of 105 along the Arabian Sea. Goa’s irresistible attractions are an eclectic merge of serenity and scenic beauty, a mosaic of diverse landscape, wide, sandy, palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear blue expanse, delectable delights and amicable people with a rich cultural milieu and mélange.
Goan culture is a mirror to confluence of diverse religions and traditions in a seamless blend. People of various faiths live here in absolute harmony and celebrate every religious festival with equal fervor. Due to Portuguese invasion, many temples and mosques were ravaged. So, most of the temples have a relatively new structure and only a few are 400 years old.
When it comes to sea food, Goa presents a perfect flavor. Due to its far-stretching shoreline, numerous ponds and streams, you can have a variety of mouth-watering sea foods. Yummy tiger prawns, shellfish, oysters, sea prawns, mussels and black river crabs on your daily palate are enough to tease your trite taste buds. King fish, tuna, shark, rock fish and sardines are a few varieties of sea fishes. And then there is famous and fabulous Feni – the signature of Goa. It is an alcohol and made from the cashew and coconut tree.
Goan churches are heavenly abode for theists and atheists alike. Beautiful design and calm ambience are the main attractions for the visitors. The Church of St Francis of Assisi is a favorite draw for the tourists. With its carved and ornate woodwork, murals and grave-stones made floor, it is one of the most imposing structures of Goa. The Church of St Monica is a 17th century building. The largest church of Old Goa is Se Cathedral. It was built for the Dominicans in 1562 and still retains its glory.
Places to visit:
Basilica of Bom Jesus – This church of Bom Jesus, “Good” or “Menino Jesus” houses the tomb of St Francis Xavier. It is the first church in India which was granted the status of Minor Basilica in 1946. On the west, the three-storey Renaissance facade represents a perfect combination of Corinthian, Ionic, Doric, and Composite styles. The visitors can enter into the church from beneath the choir, which is supported by columns. On its northern wall and in the centre of the nave, stands a cenotaph of gilded bronze to Dom Jeronimo Mascaranhas, the Captain of Cochin and the church’s benefactor. The main altar is aesthetically engraved in gold and shows the infant Jesus under the peaceful shade of protection of St Ignatius Loyola.
Church Goa Old Goa – Situated 9 km east of Panajim, this place is a popular draw for its cathedrals and churches. Old Goa still retains its Christian spirituality and is justifiably honored as the World Heritage Status because of majestic presence of convent and churches. Due to the initiatives by Archaeological Survey of India, some of the old buildings have been converted into the well-maintained museums.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls – These famous waterfalls can be spotted at Dudhsagar on the Goa-Karnataka border and measure 600m from head to foot. They offer a fantastic view and are some of the highest waterfalls in India. This wonderful site attracts a heavy rush of the tourists from the coastal regions to the craggy Western Ghats. After flowing across the Deccan plateau, the Mandovi River begets a foaming torrent and finally cascades down a near-vertical precipice into a deep green pool. The Konkani name for the falls – literally meaning “sea of milk” – has its relevance to the clouds of foam produced by the highest water level at the bottom. Dudhsagar is nestled amid picturesque scenery and can be reached on foot or by train. From here, you can have a breathtaking view of a steep, crescent-shaped valley-head which is covered by a thick carpet of pristine tropical forest,
Vasco Da Gama – This beautiful spot – overlooking the mouth of the Zuari River – is comfortably located on the slim western tip of the Mormugao peninsula. Acquired by the Portuguese in 1543, the port town of Vasco-Da-Gama, famously known as Vasco, was conquered and acquired by the Portuguese in 1543. In erstwhile era, it was one of the busiest ports and spots on the western front. However, with numerous container vessels and iron-ore barges thronging at the river mouths, Vasco continues to be a bustling shipping center and thriving hub of cosmopolitan culture.
Aguada Fort – Majestically seated at the top of the rocky top of the headland, it is the best-preserved Portuguese citadel in Goa. This bastion was built in 1612 with a view to protecting the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from the Dutch and Maharatha invasion. Adding to the splendor of this spot is elegant presence of natural springs. These springs used to serve as the source of drinking water for the voyagers arriving in Goa from the far-flung Lisbon. On the north side of the fort, a red-brown laterite projection, jutting into the bay, acts as a jetty between two small sandy coves.
Anjuna beach – An attraction for the stream of travelers. This place is undeniably pleasant. Adding to its popularity is Wednesday flea market which is the shoppers’ paradise.