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.