Goa *
The 131 km long coastline of Goa, is set on the golden Konkan coast, on
the Western Ghats, along the Arabian Sea. This small former Portuguese enclave
is one of India's most dazzling tourist mosaics. Goa deserves every bit of the
sobriquet 'The Pearl of the East'. The name Goa is derived from the Konkani
word 'Goyan', which means a patch of tall grass.
Once a great Hindu stronghold, Goa was a part of the grand Mauryan
empire, around 3rd century B.C. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur and later the
Chalukyas of Badami, took over the governance. Other dynasties followed,
including a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijayanagar Empire
established itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival
of the Sultans of Gulbarga, around 1469 AD, from whom the rule passed on to the
Adil Shah of Bijapur. Goa soon became the bone of contention between the Dutch,
English, French and Portugeuse, all vying for its possession. Ultimately, in
1510, the Portugeuse conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the
invasion. After ruling for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after
the country's independence, the Portugeuse had to turn their backs on this
fascinating 'Pearl'.
Goa combines old Portuguese architecture, and a distinct Portuguese
flavour to the lifestyle, with a history that abounds with Indian mythology.
Its unending beaches, the pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical hills
and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms - all make it a
fairytale land for the traveller.
What To See/How To Get There/Package Tours/Tourist Offices
What to See
Attractions of Goa: Panaji and Surroundings
Panaji rises upward from the river Mandovi. This capital of the
Territory is the finest base for the traveller. Houses coloured in white and
pastel are a foil to the well-nurtured bougainvilleas that look out from the
house. Roads wind past graceful old houses, taverns and parks.
Goa is way to the central plaza girdled by soothingly cool arcades.
Climb the terraced steps to the Church of the Immaculate Conception with its
twin towers and belfry. Enjoy a view of the palm-studded city and the river
flowing by.
Goa is connected with Bombay the Trivandrum by daily air services. You
can also reach it by train (24 hours from Bombay), by road or by sea.
The Beach
Gaspar Dias stretching along the Mandovi estuary, a shimmer of sand and sea, and Dona
Paula around the headland facing the Juari river can give you some
refreshing moments.
Calangute Beach, 15 km away, is an unforgettable beach-spot for its
scenery. Here you can avail of accommodation in the Fort Aguada Beach Resort.
Aguada Fort
Standing on an elevation, dramatic in concept, this fort was built by
the Portuguese 450 years ago. It still has some superb Manueline arches,
springs and fountains and a garden of exotic flowers and fruits.
The newly opened resort is above the fort, equipped with all modern
amenities and with provisions for aquatic sports, sand buggies and horse-ride.
The Aguada Fort is in Old Goa. The other historic sights of Old Goa are
the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Convent of St. Cajetan, Church and
Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine, the Arch of
the Viceroys, the Archaeological Museum, and the Portrait Gallery
at the Convent of St. Francis.
Se Cathedral
The architecture of this Cathedral built in 1533 is unusual – showing
Hindu and Muslim influence. Of the five bells in this church, the one known as
the Golden Bell is the largest bell in the world.
The interior has an overwhelming baroque grandeur. There is a cross in
the cathedral on which Christ is believed to have appeared in 1619.
The Church of St. Francis of Assisi
Fine paintings, carving, and ornamental work distinguish the church – marked
by a baroque octagonal tabernacle.
Bom Jesus
Here rests the body of St. Francis Zavier, the Apostle of the East. He
came to Goa in 1540 and died in 1552 in China. When his coffin was opened –
because the body was to be brought to Goa – it was found to be in a perfect
state of preservation.
Till 1974, the body was exposed to the devout at the Basilica of Bom
Jesus, once every ten years.
Temples
Once along the river temples stood prominently. They were razed to the
ground by the Portuguese. Recently archaeologists dug up a huge stone bull
belonging to the Kadamba Age, at Chandor.
The deities under attack, were removed to the interior where they remain
hidden among the paddy fields and the dark areca forests.
Shri Mangesh Temple
This Shiva Temple is in the hilly surroundings at Mardol. The interior
of the temple has been influenced by the cathedral culture and is illuminated
with chandeliers. A sacred tank is attached to the temple.
Sri Mahalsa Temple
This is yet another temple at Mardol, close to the Mangesh Temple.
Vishnu is the deity here.
Sri Shanta Durga Temple
Built in 1713, this is dedicated to Durga in a tranquil mood. The image
is flanked by those of Shiva and Vishnu. This is at Kavlem, 33 km from Panaji.
Saptokoteshwar Temple
This is the oldest temple in Goa, enshrining the deity presiding over
the dynasty of the Kadamba rulers. Sivaji repaired the monument.
The Festival Spirit
Goa plunges in music, dance, and masquerading for three days before Lent
every year – the time of Carnival.
On January 6 is celebrated Reis Magos, to mark the visit of the
Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus.
Other Sights in Goa
Vasco da Gama
This is a modern town beside the Marmagao Harbour on the river Juari,
bearing the name of the Portuguese seafarer. Swimming at Baina Beach, visiting
the Sancoale Church, one can ferry back to Panaji.
Margao,
in the hinterland of Southern Goa, a thriving commercial metropolis with parks
and modern buildings; Mapusa with its popular Friday Fair, and Tiracol
Fort can be visited leisurely.
How To Get There
By Air: You can fly to Goa from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin and
Thiruvananthapuram. For overseas travellers, Mumbai has the most well -
connected airport.
By Rail: Getting to Goa, by train is fairly convenient from Mumbai (490
km), Bangalore (430 km) and Delhi (1874 km).
By R: Driving down by road from Mumbai (582 km) is smooth as well as
picturesque, aGoa is situated right on the highway.
By Ship: Damania Shipping Corporation operates nonstop catamaran service
between Mumbai and Goa, from October to May.
Tourist Offices
New Delhi
Goa Tourism Development Corp.,
Goa Sadan, 18, Amrita Shergil Marg,
New Delhi - 110003
Tel : 4629967, 4629968
Goa
Goa Tourism Development Corp.,
Trionora Apartments, Dr. Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji, Goa - 403001
Tel : (91-0832) 226515, 226728, 224132
Fax : (91-0832) 223926