Colva Beach
About
Located
at a distance of 6 kilometers from Margao, the Colva beach is supposed
to be the oldest beach in Goa known for its natural white sand of very
fine quality, tall coconut trees, and turquoise blue water. It looks
like a wonder of nature with its scenic beauty, especially at evenings
during sunset. There are many hotels and resorts of all ranges near this
place.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: False
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
There
are plenty of bus services running from Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.
Neeta Volvo and Paulo Travels are the more popular ones. For a detailed
list of bus services check. Neeta and Paulo have their own websites as
well. The bus journey is approximately 12 hours from Mumbai and its
recommended you opt for the sleeper, the seater's are really
uncomfortable especially if you need leg space. Most of the buses leave
Mumbai in the evening or at night and reach Goa the next day morning.
Their first destination on entering Goa is Mapusa in North Goa, followed
by Panjim and lastly Margao.
Colva beach is the closest beach to Margao at a distance of
approximately 7 kms. You can take an auto rickshaw or a taxi to reach
the beach. While the railway station has a prepaid taxi stand, there is
no such facility at the bus stand, so once you get off the bus avoid the
touts and head towards the exit which is on the main road itself, you
will find a number of autos and taxis. It can cost anywhere between Rs
150-250 to reach Colva from the bus stand or railway station. It is
recommended to avail of the prepaid stand at the railway station. Taxis
and auto rickshaws in Goa do not charge by the meter, so you will have
to bargain hard especially if you're a foreigner. The above mentioned
rate is a standard charge and anything over Rs 250 is considered being
overcharged.
Benaulim Beach
About
Margao - Benaulim Beach is one of the popular tours from Margao. The beach is situated by the end of the famous Colva Beach. It lies at a distance of 7 kilometers from the city of Margao. Uninhabited by people, the Benaulim Beach still retains a transcendental virgin and pristine beauty.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: False
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
The
small fishing community of the region has set up their residence in the
village near the beach. Rice farming is another important occupation of
the people of the village. The paddy fields stretch for long distances
and are bordered with the palm groves.
Varca Beach
About
Regular buses and autos are available from the city of Margao to Varca Beach. The tourist may also travel to the beach in the hired taxis available from the city.
One of them major sporting activities
undertaken by the tourists in the region is the dolphin cruise in the
wooden boats. The boats travel close to the friendly dolphins. Swimming
is also another activity that the tourists frequently indulge in.
Accommodation in Varca Beach is
provided to the tourists in the palm thatched houses that lie along the
sandy beach. Accommodation is also available in the low priced budget
hotels of the region.
The tourists may enjoy the sea food
which is a specialty of the restaurants of the region. The stalls or the
shacks that are placed along the beach serve refreshments.
The shimmering white sand of the Varca
Beach dotted with rocks of black lava lay a mesmerizing effect on the
tourists who frequently visit the beach.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: False
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Margoa
- Varca Beach is one of the popular tours from Margao conducted by the
tourists. The beach is situated at a distance of 18 kilometers from the
city of Margao. The Varca Beach is not highly populated like the other
beaches near Margao. Being less inhabited by tourists, the beach has
been able to retain its natural beauty amidst the clean and tranquil
atmosphere.
This impressive Baroque church with its classic Goan facade dominates the Old Market (Feast Day in June) square, the Largo de Igreja, surrounded by a number of fine town houses. Originally built in 1564 over the ruins of a Hindu temple, it was sacked by Muslims in 15 89 and rebuilt in 1675. While the west end is typical white painted plaster, the south wall has extensive exposed laterite. A remarkable pulpit on the north wall has carvings of the Apostles.
The carved reredos is flanked by gold pillars, and there are three
Baroque style central pictures. The window arches are in the shape of
sea shells while a moulded peacock appears on the north transept wall.
There are statues of St Anthony and of the Blessed Joseph Vaz, kept in
glass cabinets in the north aisle near the north transept. In the square
is a monumental cross with a mango tree beside it.
The Church of the Holy Spirit is first mentioned in a manuscript from
1239. In 1398, the foundations of the current late Gothic church were
laid on the site of a late Romanesque basilica which, in turn, had been
erected in the place of even an older church. Thus the current church is
the third sacral building on the site
The Shri Mallikarjuna temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva is situated in the Sristhal village which is 7 km northeast of Chaudi in Canacona taluk in the South Goa district of Goa, India. The shrine is known to be one of the oldest in Goa and is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings in a valley completely surrounded by mountains. The temple is believed to be constructed during the middle of the 16th century, as per the writing on a plaque near the temple dome, by ancestors of the Kshatriya samaj. It was refurbished in the year 1778.
The temple with its beautiful wood and silver carvings is reputed to have been erected by Habu Brahmins of the Dravidian dynasty.[3] One can see some of the finest surviving art on the six pillars in the mantapa or the assembly hall. One of the wooden pillars in the mandapa is used as the oracle pillar in the temple. These pillars have intricate carvings with scenes from the Puranas and Mahabharat. On either side of the doors leading to the inner sanctum one can see beautifully carved silhouettes of the doorkeepers or dwarpal.
Shri Datta Mandir at Sanquelim is well known all over Goa for the miraculous cure for mental troubles which the deity, the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, is said of offer.
Holy Spirit Church
About
This impressive Baroque church with its classic Goan facade dominates the Old Market (Feast Day in June) square, the Largo de Igreja, surrounded by a number of fine town houses. Originally built in 1564 over the ruins of a Hindu temple, it was sacked by Muslims in 15 89 and rebuilt in 1675. While the west end is typical white painted plaster, the south wall has extensive exposed laterite. A remarkable pulpit on the north wall has carvings of the Apostles.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
The Church of the Holy Spirit (German: Heiliggeistkirche) is the
most famous church in Heidelberg, Germany. It stands in the middle of
the market place in the old center of Heidelberg not far from the
Heidelberg Castle. The steeple of the church, rising above the roofs,
dominates the town.
Shri Mallikarjuna temple
About
The Shri Mallikarjuna temple dedicated to Lord Mallikarjun, an incarnation of Lord Shiva is situated in the Sristhal village which is 7 km northeast of Chaudi in Canacona taluk in the South Goa district of Goa, India. The shrine is known to be one of the oldest in Goa and is situated amidst beautiful natural surroundings in a valley completely surrounded by mountains. The temple is believed to be constructed during the middle of the 16th century, as per the writing on a plaque near the temple dome, by ancestors of the Kshatriya samaj. It was refurbished in the year 1778.
There are about 14 Mallikarjuna
shrines spread over Goa.The striking similarity in these shrines is that
all idols are in phallic shape and covered with metallic masks. The
lingas are believed to be Swaymbhu lingas. According to the records two
ancient shrines of Mallikarjun existed in Bardez at Assgao and Pomburpa
which were demolished by the Portuguese.
- Hill Station: True
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
The temple with its beautiful wood and silver carvings is reputed to have been erected by Habu Brahmins of the Dravidian dynasty.[3] One can see some of the finest surviving art on the six pillars in the mantapa or the assembly hall. One of the wooden pillars in the mandapa is used as the oracle pillar in the temple. These pillars have intricate carvings with scenes from the Puranas and Mahabharat. On either side of the doors leading to the inner sanctum one can see beautifully carved silhouettes of the doorkeepers or dwarpal.
Sri Datta Mandir
About
Shri Datta Mandir at Sanquelim is well known all over Goa for the miraculous cure for mental troubles which the deity, the Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, is said of offer.
The temple is situated 37 kms at Dattawadi, Sanquelim, and 40 kms. from Margao.
The century old temple of trimurthy (Hindu) has a back drop of a beautiful hillock covered with dense groves of areca palms.
The most important festival celebrated
here, which is attended by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta Jayanti
which falls in the month of December. The deity is believed to have
cured many people of unsound mind. The entire interior consist of white
marble.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Shri
Devi Sharvani Temple dedicated to Goddess Sharvani is situated at
Advolpal in the Bicholim taluka of North Goa. It is located at about 2.5
kms from Assonora on the Pirna main road and is situated amidst scenic
surroundings.
Goddess Sharvani is known for fulfilling her devotees' vows through
Kaul Prasad. The temple of Devi Sharvani was originally known to have
been situated in Saligao. At the end of the 16th century it was shifted
to Ajgaon and during the Portuguese rule it was shifted to Advolpal.
The Devi Sharvani temple complex comprises of many other temples
such as Jagrut Swayambhu temple, Goddess Sharvani temple, temples of
Mahadev, Vetal with his life size stone image, and other deities which
are known to be the family deities of Kuladaivat of Prabhus, Shenais
(Shenoys), Naiks, Dhonds and Petkars.
A number of festivals are celebrated in the Devi Sharvani temple
such as the vardharpan day, Divja zatra day and the annual zatra day in
November/December. Thousands of devotees are known to attend these
festivities during which a procession is held and the Goddess is taken
out in a decorated chariot.
25 km from Margao, located at the Sanguem district in Goa, the Jama Masjid is a famous religious place of Muslims in Goa which was completely renovated in 1959 AD. The new structure of the Jama Masjid has a simple but elegant look.
The Jama Masjid is situated at Sanguem in Goa which is about 26 kms from Margao. The mosque is a well known Muslim religious place of worship in Goa which is known to have been completely renovated in 1959 AD.
Jama Masjid Margao
About
25 km from Margao, located at the Sanguem district in Goa, the Jama Masjid is a famous religious place of Muslims in Goa which was completely renovated in 1959 AD. The new structure of the Jama Masjid has a simple but elegant look.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: True
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
The Jama Masjid is situated at Sanguem in Goa which is about 26 kms from Margao. The mosque is a well known Muslim religious place of worship in Goa which is known to have been completely renovated in 1959 AD.
The new structure of the Jama Masjid is significantly noted for its elegant simplicity and harmonious proportions.
The entrance facade of the Jama Masjid
has two towers, which are surmounted by pillared kiosks. The Jama
Masjid also has four minarets and from the centre of these a dome-shaped
kiosk rises.
A lot of devotees celebrate their festivals here with due solemnity and are often seen rejoicing.
Chapora Fort, located in Bardez, Goa, rises high above the Chapora River. Before the Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, this location was the site of another fort. The fort changed hand several times after Portuguese acquired Bardez. Trying to end the Portuguese rule in Goa, Prince Akbar joined his father’s enemies, the Marathas in 1683 and made this place his base camp. It became the northern outpost of the Old Conquests. After the Portuguese recovered from an encounter with the Marathas, they strengthened their northern defences and provided shelter to the people there.
The present fort was built in 1717, replacing the older fortifications. Across the Chapora river, the Hindu ruler of Pernem, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi who was an old enemy of the Portuguese held the fort for two years after it fell to the Marathas in 1739 in its first test. When Goa's border moved northwards with the acquisition of Pernem as part of the New Conquests, the fort lost its military significance towards the end of the century. It is a pleasant place to wander that offers fantastic views north across the Chapora river to Pernem, south over Vagator and also far out to the Arabian Sea in the West.
The fort sits on a prominent position which commands views in all directions. It also has steep slopes on all sides. The fort follows the outline of the higher slopes. This forms an irregular outer wall that uses the natural form to add defensive height to the fortifications. This offers an advantage over dry ditches being dug. At the top of the steep approach track, the main gate is small and unpretentious, but narrow and deep. Depending on defence requirements, the positions of bastions are irregularly spaced with enormous embrasures for cannon. Each bastion has a cylindrical turret offering a special character to the fort.
Terekhol Fort trip brings alive the story of courage and revolution. The Viceroy of Goa, the son of the land - Dr. Benard Peres De Siva revolted against the Portuguese in the Terekhol Fort area. Although he lost the battle to the Portuguese Army, his heroism is still lauded by the local people.
Often mis-spelt as Tirakol or Tirakhol, situated on the Terekhol River, this fort lies on the northern tip of Goa. Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, built this fort in the 17th century. It was then rebuilt in 1764 after the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida captured it. However, Terekhol was legally incorporated into Goa only in 1788.alt
Chapora Fort
About
Chapora Fort, located in Bardez, Goa, rises high above the Chapora River. Before the Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510, this location was the site of another fort. The fort changed hand several times after Portuguese acquired Bardez. Trying to end the Portuguese rule in Goa, Prince Akbar joined his father’s enemies, the Marathas in 1683 and made this place his base camp. It became the northern outpost of the Old Conquests. After the Portuguese recovered from an encounter with the Marathas, they strengthened their northern defences and provided shelter to the people there.
The present fort was built in 1717, replacing the older fortifications. Across the Chapora river, the Hindu ruler of Pernem, the Maharaja of Sawantwadi who was an old enemy of the Portuguese held the fort for two years after it fell to the Marathas in 1739 in its first test. When Goa's border moved northwards with the acquisition of Pernem as part of the New Conquests, the fort lost its military significance towards the end of the century. It is a pleasant place to wander that offers fantastic views north across the Chapora river to Pernem, south over Vagator and also far out to the Arabian Sea in the West.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: False
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
The fort sits on a prominent position which commands views in all directions. It also has steep slopes on all sides. The fort follows the outline of the higher slopes. This forms an irregular outer wall that uses the natural form to add defensive height to the fortifications. This offers an advantage over dry ditches being dug. At the top of the steep approach track, the main gate is small and unpretentious, but narrow and deep. Depending on defence requirements, the positions of bastions are irregularly spaced with enormous embrasures for cannon. Each bastion has a cylindrical turret offering a special character to the fort.
Terekhol Fort
About
Terekhol Fort trip brings alive the story of courage and revolution. The Viceroy of Goa, the son of the land - Dr. Benard Peres De Siva revolted against the Portuguese in the Terekhol Fort area. Although he lost the battle to the Portuguese Army, his heroism is still lauded by the local people.
Located on the banks of River
Terekhol, the Terekhol Fort was established by ruler of Sawantwadi. In
1746, the Terekhol Fort was seized by the Portuguese force under Viceroy
Dom Pedro de Alameida. He renovated the fort and also built a church in
the fort complex.
Today, the Terekhol Fort has emerged as one of the greatest tourism destinations in Margao.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: False
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
Often mis-spelt as Tirakol or Tirakhol, situated on the Terekhol River, this fort lies on the northern tip of Goa. Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the Raja of Sawantwadi, built this fort in the 17th century. It was then rebuilt in 1764 after the Portuguese Viceroy Dom Pedro Miguel de Almeida captured it. However, Terekhol was legally incorporated into Goa only in 1788.alt
In 1825, Dr. Bernado Peres da Silva,
the first Goan born Viceroy of Goa, used the fort as a base for an armed
rebellion against the Portuguese.
The outcome however, was not very fruitful and the Portuguese took over the fort once again. He never returned to Goa.
The remains of the fort have now been
converted into a hotel, the Terekhol Fort Heritage. In its courtyard is
the century old Church of St. Anthony. But it is not open to the general
public except on certain occasions such as the annual feast that is
usually held some time in May.
42 kms from Panaji, Terekhol fort
stands at the northern most tip of Goa's shoreline, on a hillock
overlooking the Arabian Sea, at the mouth of river Terekhol.
This is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa and was built in 1609-12, to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks.
This lighthouse was home to a gigantic bell that was retrieved from amongst the ruins of the St. Augustus monastery at Old Goa. However, the bell has now been moved to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church at Panaji.
Aguada fort
About
This is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa and was built in 1609-12, to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks.
A freshwater spring - from where the
fort derives it's name - within the fort provided water supply to the
ships that called there. Ringed by thick battlements, the heart of the
fort was protected by two hundred cannons and a deep dry moat, which one
still has to cross to get inside.alt
Strategically located at the estuary
of the river Mandovi, this fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard
against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of this
fort are 5 metres high and 1.3 metres wide. Little surprise then that
this remains to be the only fort that was not conquered by any invaders
during the 450 yearlong rule of the Portuguese empire.
The area around the fort housed a
large well and a number of springs that provided fresh drinking water to
the voyagers that arrived by ship. "Agua" in Portuguese means water,
thus the fort derived its name "Aguada" to denote a place where water is
accumulated.
Steps lead down from the middle of the
courtyard within to an enormous vaulted cistern capable of storing ten
million litres of fresh water. The other unusual feature of the fort is a
four-storey Portuguese lighthouse, erected in 1864 and the oldest of
its kind in Asia.
An interesting feature in the precinct
of the fort is a 13 metre high lighthouse. This lighthouse, built in
1864, initially used an oil lamp. It was later renovated and modernised
in 1976.
- Hill Station: False
- Religus: False
- Honeymoon: False
- SeeBeach: False
Other
This lighthouse was home to a gigantic bell that was retrieved from amongst the ruins of the St. Augustus monastery at Old Goa. However, the bell has now been moved to the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church at Panaji.
Though the entire fort is no longer
intact, some buildings that are still in good shape have been converted
into a prison. Interestingly, it happens to be the largest prison in
Goa.
En-oute to the fort, one comes across
the church of St. Lawrence, the saint of the sailors. The Portuguese
used to build churches on the outskirts of the forts to prevent the
enemy from firing at a close range.
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