PLACES TO VISIT

CHURCHES

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Every day, hundreds of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica of Bom Jesus to pray to St Francis Xavier, whose tomb and mortal remains are housed in this church. Easily Goa’s finest Jesuit cathedral and a World Heritage Monument, this one is replete with paintings depicting the life of the saint besides beautiful altars decorated with rich frescoes and detailed, gilded inlays.

Fort Aguada

Built in 1612, this old Portuguese was constructed to protect the coast from the Dutch and the Marathas. Interestingly, the fort got its name (Aguada meaning water) from the freshwater spring within the premises and is characterised by a four-storey lighthouse erected in 1864—the oldest of its kind in Asia. The land around the fort is now owned by the Taj group, and on the ramparts behind the fort sits the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, where the original fort once did.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception

Commonly called the Panaji Church, this is one of the oldest, grandest churches in Goa. It’s elegant yet baroque architecture, striking entrance, whitewashed edifice and panoramic view of Panaji City make it a must-visit.

Church and Convent of St Monica

Portraying a wonderful blend of Tuscan-Corinthian exteriors and Doric interiors, the Church of St Monica is simply stunning. Said to be the one of the oldest nunneries in India, this three-storied laterite building was destroyed by a fire in 1636 and rebuilt the following year. Within the convent lies the Museum of Christian Art which displays striking works of art such as the Donna Maria de Corm.      

TEMPLES

Goa is studded with exquisite temples that remain a silent but cogent witness to the ardent religious history of the people who lived here. Steeped in a deeply religious ambience, the temples contrast sharpely with the highly playful spirit prevalent on the Goan beaches. Basking in the glory of its rich cultural heritage, these temples stand for much more than just their architectural beauty. They are a signature of pride and glory of this paradise state.

 

SHREE SHANTADURGA TEMPLE

Standing with its back to a wall of dense forest and its front facing a flat expanse of open paddy field, Shri SHANTADURGA Temple beckons with interesting legends and exquisite architecture. Walk into the interiors of this russet and cream-coloured temple and you will be amazed to see marble and glass chandeliers shielding an alluringly worked silver screen. Here you can see the divine effigy of garlanded SHANTADURGA Devi, flanked by images of Vishnu and Shiva on either sides. Plan a holiday trip to be a part of the grand 8-day 'Zatra' (procession) when magnificently carved wooden chariots carrying the deity is pulled around the temple by teams of enthusiast devotees.

 

SHREE MANGESHI TEMPLE

Situated 9 km north of Ponda near the pristine village of priol, Shri Mangueshi Temple is one of the largest and most frequently visited temples in Goa. The temple nestles on a hillock, hemmed in by lush green hills carrying an air of spiritual elegance. Walk through its lofty white tower at the entrance, a popular landmark of the colourful countryside. Its principal deity, Lord Shiva in his beneficent form, Mangueshi, presides over a silver shrine, flanked by a solid gold idol and illuminated by oil lamps. Ask Mahesh Karande, the 'bhatt' (priest), and he will gift you a small fact you could miss in all the opulence: "Only in Goa will you find Shiva sporting a beard, and that's because Shiva came down from the Himalayas to Goa to relax". A holiday destination for Gods too!

MUSEUMS            

Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery

This site was converted in to a museum in 1964 and was originally a part of the old Franciscan monastery neighboring the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Currently maintained by the Archaeological Society of India, it houses eight galleries which contain Portuguese and pre-colonial artifacts as well as a portrait gallery of Portuguese governors upstairs.

Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery, Old Goa. Open Sat-Thur from 10am to 5pm

Goa State Museum

The Goa State Museum is located in the heart of the state’s capital,Panaji, close to the bus stand. The dozen-odd galleries feature everything from Jain sculpture and Christian art to their most popular exhibit, Goa’s Freedom Struggle Gallery.

Goa State Museum, Panaji (91-0832-2438006; www.goamuseum.nic.in) Open Mon-Fri from 10am to 5pm

THEATRE, MUSIC AND DANCE

Kala Academy

The Kala Academy is renowned for their vivacious cultural performances and events. The open-air amphitheatre is a great family destination venue to watch a play or catch music concert.

Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji (+91 832 2420451)

Click here to go to the HomePage