Destination - Goa

Distance from Bangalore to Goa: 560km / 10 hours (approx)

About Goa 

Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. 

Places to visit

 

Goa’s southernmost beach, ranged along a beautiful small bay, is seldom-visited but makes a fine spot for a seaside stroll or a picnic on the deserted sands, with a beautiful view of a cluster of rocky islands out towards the horizon. Tourist development hasn’t yet made it as far as Polem, and the beach retains a decidedly local feel, with a handful of fishermen bringing in their catch to the northern end and nothing much else to keep you company except scuttling crabs and circling seabirds. For a fishy lunch so fresh it’s still dithering, stop at the Kamaxi Hotel among the palms, run by the eccentric local Laxaman Raikar.

Bondla Wildlife

Sanctuary closes at 5 pm.

52 kms. from Panaji and 36 kms.from Margao,More then a sanctuary,it is an ideal jungle resort,a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Its mini zoological Park, Deer Safari Park,Botanical gardens,Nature Education Centre, wildlife and nature trails, and archaeological exhibit attract people through the year.Comfortable cottages are available here for tourists

Old Goa: Basalica De Bom Jesus and the Museum

The Basilica of Bom (the good) Jesus is a World Heritage Site that contains the remains of St. Francis Xavier and is revered by Christians around the world. Built by the Jesuits in 1594, it is a mixture of various architectural styles including Baroque and Corinthian. In 1946 it became the first church in South Asia granted the status of Minor Basilica (by Pope Pius XII).

The gilded altar and wooden pulpit are quite elaborate but the rest of the interior is very simple. But it is the marble and jasper tomb of St. Francis that draws people from all over the world. Francis Xavier was sent to Goa in 1542 by Dom Joao III, the Portuguese King. Over the next few years he converted 30,000 people. When he died on a voyage off the coast of China in 1552, he was buried on an island. Three months later his body was dug up and showed no signs of decay. His body was prinstine a year later when his body was enshrined in the Basilica. This was delcared a miracle and he was caononized in 1622.

Every ten years (usually starting in December), an exposition of St. Francis' relics takes place for 10-12 days and draws thousands of pilgrims. The next one is set for 2014

The Archaeological Museum, Old Goa

There are large paintings of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama and founder Alfonso de Albuquerque. There is a large coin collection that traces the chequered history of Goa and its occupation by various rulers, including the Portuguese.

The courtyard or enclosed garden of the convent is well maintained. An air of peace and tranquility still surrounds the churches, each one of them now virtually a museum in itself, recording the history of Goa.

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