Goa-Land of Beaches and Portuguese Churches

Overview of Goa

We were planning for a long time to go to Goa and it finally materialized this year. We took a 4 day tour from our home town in Delhi to Goa.
Goa is a land of beaches and churches. Goan churches are famous for their interesting architecture, which is usually a blend of two or more forms. These institutions of religion played a major role in inclining people initially towards Christianity. With a significant Christian population, the churches are important in Goa's religious, cultural and social fabric. Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa and today Old Goa along with its churches is a world heritage site.
Goa possesses one of the finest stretches of sandy coastline in India. For the average tourist interested in having a good time, “the beaches" is what Goa is all about. It has been widely publicized and adds to the mystique of Goa. This is not without reason because the tropical climate, the coconut trees, the white sand beaches all have been immortalized and add to the romantic allure of Goa.

Quick Tips:

It is now the major tourist destination of Indians on the move especially the newly weds on their honeymoon and the upwardly mobile Indian gentry. Besides Indian tourists, Goa today is well famous destination of foreign tourists in India.
The beaches in North Goa have seen some significant commercialization, especially Calangute with hotels of every shape, size and class with shops and restaurants to cater to every taste. There are a few isolated beaches mostly in South Goa for those in search of peace and tranquility.
Goa River Cruise on the Mandovi River is an enjoyable and pleasant experience. The cruise is generally a one-hour trip that is fun filled and very entertaining.

Best Way To Get Around:

Goa is well connected by air, rail, and road and also through sea. Direct flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and also International flights during season. Local travel is possible through metered and fix rate cabs, buses. You can hire motorcycles and bikes at reasonable rates.

Weather in Goa

Our visit was in the 3rd week of October. The weather in Goa at this time was perfect, cloudy but not very humid.

The best season to visit Goa is during winters. However, the place is fully booked during Christmas and New Year and you will need much advance planning. Packages during other months can be very attractive.

Goa Experience

Arrosim Beach & Heritage Village Club-South Goa

The visit to Goa was one of the best enjoyed family tours. We stayed at the boutique hotel “Heritage Village Club”, located in South Goa at the virgin Arrosim Beach. Heritage Village Club facilities are comparable to any major hotels in Goa. The resort is about 30 minutes drive from the Dabolim Airport and near Margao City, where a major Railway Station is located. A big size pool, good dining, pool table, and serene surroundings were the highlights. The hotel kept daily evening programs with variety of shows like live band, DJ music, Saxophone playing, Karoake singing, Magic show, Tambola, which is well enjoyed in a relaxing mood after day outing. This was the best deal as the other popular beaches were found to be overcrowded during day visits. Peaceful strolling at Arrosim beach for about one hour refreshed the body and mind. The family enjoyed wading through sea; though due to strong undercurrents it was advised not to venture out far in the sea.

South Goa is predominantly virgin countryside. The beaches of South Goa are fantastic. Most of the beaches are isolated with no disturbance of the peace; all you have to do here is enjoy the beaches, wonderful food and hospitality of the locals. Arrosim Beach is one of the most
picturesque and scenic locations in Goa. The beach is quieter and cleaner when compared with the other renowned beaches
in Goa.
A lot of hotel accommodation is
available in the near vicinity to the Arrosim Beach. The Arrosim Beach is one tourist destination that is not so famous in the Goa - Beach
Capital of India. The quiet resort is charming with the bountiful beauty of nature.
The soft white sandy beach is a major draw for several tourists.
Sightseeing in Goa:

Goa is a land of beaches and churches. A half day sight seeing tour took us to Mangesh Temple, Old Goa for Churches, Miramar Beach, Shopping and finally River Cruise on Mandovi River.
Mangesh Temple: The temple is located about 23 Kms from Panaji on N.H 4A at Priol Village. The present site is not its original location. This temple was in a location in Cortalim earlier. During the 16th century, after the occupation of Goa by Portuguese, it was shifted to the present site. The edict of 1540 gave the Portuguese Viceroy the authority to destroy all Hindu temples and shrines within the area of Portuguese control. The temple estates were confiscated for the maintenance of churches that were ordered to be built on their sites.
The temple is dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. This 400 year old temple is a must visit in Goa temples tour. An interesting feature of this century old specimen of Goa temples is a gateway within the temple enclosure. There is a seven-story ‘Deepmal’, a tower for oil lamps, one of the special architectural features of many Goan temples. This is said to be a Maratha influence. On festival days the "Deepmal" or the "Deepa Stambha" (the Lamp tower) is decorated with hundreds of oil lamps and the effect is spectacular. The gateway leads to a paved path leading to a courtyard. Marble floor and decorated tiled walls like this are rarity on a Goa temples tour. These items alone make this temple an interesting object on an India temple travel.
A shivalinga inside a fluorite designed sanctum flanked by dwarpalas (guards) is additional attraction. A golden snake besides the Linga and an image of Shiva constitute the main altar. Other notable features here are a Garvagriha, large towers and specious courtyards. A chariot takes the deity on a round of temple on festive occasions.

Goan Churches
With a significant Christian population, the churches are important in Goa's religious, cultural and social fabric. Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa and today Old Goa along with its churches is a world heritage site.

One of the major tourist attractions in Goa are Churches. Goan churches are famous for their interesting architecture, which is usually a blend of two or more forms. These institutions of religion played a major role in inclining people initially towards Christianity. The churches are important in Goa's religious, cultural and social fabric due to a significant Christian population.

Old Goa:
This ancient historical former capital of Goa is located about 9 km east of Panaji. Old Goa is a UNESCO world heritage site and is famed for its opulent buildings and churches reminiscent of the glory days of "Golden Goa". It was abandoned by the Portuguese officially in 1843 when the capital was moved to Panjim or Panaji. Most of the churches during the Portuguese rule were built in Old Goa. The churches built during the Portuguese rule were different. However, over a period of time a significant change has come over in the architecture of the churches. Each of the churches had some uniqueness to it yet certain commonness marked them all, like the baroque style architecture or the ornate altars.

Today, most of the remaining buildings and churches are maintained by the Archeological Survey of India and the church services are maintained by the Archdiocese of Goa.
The Old Goa is having beautiful churches. We visited the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral Goa & Church of St. Francis of Assisi Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Old Goa. It is a holy site for all Goans particularly Goan Christians because it is the site where the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier or "Goencho Sahib" are preserved for posterity. This is the most revered and famous of all the churches in Old Goa. This World Heritage Monument was constructed in 1695 and is a milestone in the history of Christianity. The name Bom Jesus basically means "good Jesus" or "infant Jesus". The Bom Jesus Church contains the body of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus, who came to India with the Portuguese to spread Christianity in India. He is often credited for baptizing various people in Goa and he also preached the teachings of Jesus. He took various voyages to Malaga (Malaysia), China to preach. While on a sea voyage to China, St. Francis Xavier died, on December 2, 1552.

The body was initially buried in Malaga. The following year, while relocating Francis Xavier's remains to Goa, in agreement with his wishes, it is said that the body was as fresh as the day it was buried. The news reached the Vatican where the title of Saint was bestowed upon the priest. The remnant attracts a huge number of devotees and believers from all over the world, especially during the "Exposition" public viewing of his body every ten years on the 2nd of December, which is the death-anniversary of Saint. The last such event was in the year 2004. The saint is said to have miraculous powers of healing, and pilgrims come from all over the country. The body of the saint has been kept in a beautiful silver casket.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches in Goa. It is carpeted with marble flooring and inlaid with valuable and rare gems and stones. The interior of the Church has highly structured gilded altars. The Church also has kept paintings of St. Francis Xavier. The Tomb of St. Francis Xavier was the gift from the Grand Duke of Tuscan. In 1946 it became the first church in India to be elevated to the status of a minor basilica.

Se Cathedral Goa & Church of St. Francis of Assisi Goa

These are also located in Old Goa, next to each other. The Se Cathedral Church is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexa

GOA BEACHES

Goa possesses one of the finest stretches of sandy coastline in India. To the average tourist interested in having a good time, “the beaches" is what Goa is all about. It has been widely publicized in the media, movies and adds to the mystique of Goa. This is not without reason because the tropical climate, the coconut trees, the white sand beaches all have been immortalized and add to the romantic allure of Goa.

Goa is now the major tourist destination of Indians on the move especially the newly weds on their honeymoon and the upwardly mobile Indian gentry, besides foreign tourists coming in hordes in winters.

The beaches in North Goa have been commercialized, especially Calangute. Hotels with shops and restaurants to cater to every taste occupy the road parallel to the beach. In South Goa, however, there are a few isolated virgin beaches for those in search of peace and tranquility.

The beaches in Goa are clustered into two regions, in North and South Goa coastlines. The capital Panaji and nearby Miramar and Bambolim beaches, lie in the middle.

The North Goa coastline extends from Fort Aguada and Sinquerim beach areas and goes upwards along the coastline to Chapora beach and fort. The Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Chapora, Morjim beaches are along this stretch of coastline.

The other coastline extending south of Vasco da Gama and Bogmalo beach and going down along the coastline to the southern tip of Goa and ending with Polem Beach. The Bogmalo, Velsao, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Betul, Canaguinim, Agonda, Palolem, beaches are along this stretch of the coastline.

We visited many beaches in Goa. The virgin Arrosim Beach in South Goa near our hotel was however the best liked by us for peaceful and serene surroundings, no crowds, just enjoying within the group with leisure.

The other beaches visited were Agauda Beach, Calungate Beach, Baga Beach and Miramar Beach.

Miramar beach in Panaji, lies 3 kilometers from town centre and about 1-kilometer ahead of the convergence of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River. The beach has fine silvery sands, which makes it ideal for taking long walks and soaking up the sun. The Miramar beach is parallel to the main road, expands up to 2 kilometers and given its fine location, one can catch a charming and magnificent view of the sea. The Miramar beach is pretty popular among tourists and it also offers accommodation of good hotels near the shore.

Calangute Beach
Calangute beach is popularly known as the "Queen of all Goan beaches" and is 16 kilometers from Panaji,. This beach was originally known by the name "kolli gutti", which means "land of fishermen". During the Portugal rule, the name got distorted and came to known as Calangute beach. The place around Colangute beach is abundant in coconut trees, which add to the scenic surroundings.

The Colangute beach provides tourist with variety of food and drinks. It is an ideal place to check out the local cuisines. There are many music concerts held there every now and then and is a favorite among music and art lovers. An art gallery called Kerkar Art Gallery is located on the beach.

The Colangute beach today is one of the busiest beaches in Goa thronging with locals and tourists. The beach has a leveled shoreline and not rocky at all. This makes it ideal for indulging in daring adventure sports and diving. Various water sports are offered at the beach. However, due to its crowding, is not meant much for people searching for peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.

Anjuna Beach
Anjuna Beach is another popular beach of Goa. Anjuna is situated 8 kilometers west of Mapusa and 18 kilometers from the capital city, Panaji. It overlooks the sea and thus gives a splendid look of the shoreline. The village of Anjuna is nestled between the Arabian Sea and a small hillock. The Anjuna Beach

Goa Cuisine

The intermingling of Arabian, Portuguese and native cultures is very much reflected in the cuisine of Goa. Goan cuisine is a unique blend of richness and simplicity- the constantly recurring notes being struck by the fish and the coconut. Goa is also unique in the sense that this mixture of East and West co-exists in a friendly and peaceful lifestyle. The best of both worlds has been absorbed and knit into a culture very distinctly different from that of any other parts of India. This is well reflected in its cuisine.

In the villages, food is generally cooked on wood fires in clay pots. The requisites for authentic Goan cooking are certain ingredients peculiar to it. Hardly any Goan dish is complete without coconut as one of the main flavoring agents. Fresh coconut, in one form or the other, is added or grated, ground fine into a paste or in the form of milk, extracted from the flesh of the fresh coconut. These ripe coconuts are available in every open market in Goa and often in grocery stores too.

For most Goan fish and meat dishes, red, dried chilies / peppers are used. The Goan native chili / pepper are large and pungent. It gives red colour to the cooking without the fierce pungency of the normal Indian chili / pepper. The Kashmiri chili / pepper is used as a substitute, instead of Goan due to non-availability sometimes, as it has the same qualities as the Goan red, dried chili / pepper. This red dried chilies / peppers form the major ingredient for the ground spices in most fish and meat dishes.

Fish dishes

Fish is one of the most important ingredients of Goan cuisine. For all practical purposes, “fish curry and rice” is without doubt Goa's staple diet. All along the coast, fishing trawlers can be seen casting their nets to collect the bounty of the Arabian Sea. The catch usually consist of king fish, mackerels, sardines, shark fish, squid, sting rays, other small fish of many varieties and then the lower sea fish like prawns of all sizes, crabs, mussels, oysters and crayfish. The Pomphret sometimes called "Plaice", is not a common find, and hence is more expensive.

River Cruise

Goa River Cruise on the Mandovi River is an enjoyable and pleasant experience. The finest way to enjoy your cruise on Mandovi River is to embark on a cruise arranged by a registered agent like Goa Tourism Development Corporation. There are number of cruises you can choose from - Daytime, Sunset and Moonlight. River cruise for an hour is best during the evening time. Sailing across the Mandovi River, there is lush greenery on the sides and the rich turquoise-blue water of the river. The cuisine on board has a vast range and offers both drinks and food.

Sun Set Cruise and Sun Down Cruise

This cruise is a one-hour trip that is fun filled and very entertaining. We took a cruise from 6 to 7 in the evening. You can get to see professional artists perform the traditional dances of Goa like Fugdi and Shigmo. It is a guarantee that you too will want to dance along with the tempting beats of their music, when invited on the dance floor. You can also spot some majestic historical monuments like Reis Magos Church, the Reis Magos Fort, the Aguada Fort and the Cabo Raj Bhavan.

Music and Dance

A Goan is said to be born with music in his blood and music literally accompanies him from the cradle to the grave. Musical traditions run in whole generations. Flutes to sophisticated tabla and sitar or violin and piano soloist thrilling large audiences in concert halls is a common site. Music is the time seller at all major social events-feasts, festivals, and marriages.

Goan folk music has a lively rhythm and the folk-dances elicit emotional content, rhythmic charm, the colorful variety and vitality. Indeed the folk music and folk dances have crossed the borders of the state and become popular in the rest of the country during the past 25 years.