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Archive for the ‘Goa’ Category

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over an area of 8 sq. km., the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest among the wildlife reserves in Goa. Due to its relatively small area, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is known more as a wildlife resort than a sanctuary. Within its confines, the Bondla sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, deer safari park and a zoo, initially established as a refuge for injured or orphaned animals. The zoo provides a glimpse of the animal species found in the sanctuary while the botanical garden houses a large variety of exotic plants. The Nature Education Center in the sanctuary is an effort to bring nature close to people. Apart from a number of exhibits, the library of the center screens video and cine movies to tourists and young kids.

Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes of the Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers. The core zone of the sanctuary, comprising an area of 107 sq. km., was declared a National Park in 1978 and is known as the Mollem National Park. Apart from being home to exotic wildlife species, Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of a host of tourist attractions in the form of unique geographical formations and scenic spots. The basalt rock formation known as Devil’s Canyon serves as an ideal vantage point for watching the wildlife of the sanctuary. The Dudhsagar waterfalls located in the fringes of the sanctuary presents a breathtaking spectacle with water gushing down from a height of 200m. The Tambdi Surla temple was built by the Kadamba kings in the 13th century.

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
It’s quite surprising that the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the only Goa wildlife reserve that is dedicated to the birds of the region. Because the island of Chorao is full of mangrove swamps, the region produces exceptional cover and vegetation for many different breeds of local coastal bird as well as the perfect resting ground for migrating birds from all around the world. The reason the mangrove swamps are so popular with birds is that they are home to numerous small insects and fish that begin the food chain. The Goa wildlife reserve is a little less than 2 square kilometers in area and as well as the birds it is also possible to see jackals, flying squirrels and crocodiles.

Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
Located on the Goa – Karnataka border, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is the second biggest wildlife reserve in Goa. The Cotigao Sanctuary, a designated reserve since 1969, sprawls over an area of 86 sq. km. The Talpona river meanders through the thick vegetation and serves as the perennial water source for the sanctuary.

The Forest Department has set up a Nature Interpretation Center in the sanctuary to impart knowledge to tourists regarding wildlife. Avid nature buffs can climb up a 25-meter high treetop watchtower for a view of the wildlife in their natural habitat.

State Archaeological Museum
From Brahmanical sculptures to medieval coins, stamps and portraits; the Archaeological Museum of Goa is one of the ideal destinations for those enthusiastic about ancient history. Tourists get to explore the remnants of Portuguese rule and small items that provide a glimpse into Goa’s rich cultural heritage. From great paintings of Vasco da Gama to Alphonso De Albuquerque the museum also has ancient artefacts of the other periods. The gateway is decorated by a towering statue of Alphonso De Albuquerque. The 3-6m high bronze statue of Alfonso de Albuquerque greets the guests at the entrance.

The Archaeological Museum Goa has been operational from the year 1964. It was rearranged and reorganised fully during the CHOGM Retreat in Goa during 1982. A lengthy hall lying to the retired side of the gateway to the Museum was converted into two galleries by laying a reinforced concrete floor with a newly built wide staircase at the extreme west to facilitate access to the first floor.

Museum of Christian Art
The Museum of Christian Art symbolizes an effort to showcase the richness of Indo-Portuguese Christian Art from Goa. It highlights a part of Goa’s heritage that is badly neglected and if not preserved, will be lost forever. The Museum of Christian Art showcases the wealth found in the various churches built by the Portuguese in Goa as well as some donations by private families. Intended to be a representative collection, every object displayed in the museum, reflects the immense wealth of the churches of Goa.

Asia’s first Museum of Christian Art was initially located at the Seminary of Rachol, Salcette, Goa, where it was inaugurated in 1994. The Museum is now relocated within the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa, in the vicinity of world Heritage Monuments.

Pilar Museum
Set on a small hill just south of the capital city of Panaji, along the National highway NH17 to Margao and Vasco, the Pilar Seminary is worth visiting for its quiet ambience, the small but interesting one-room museum and the spectacular views of the countryside from its location. The Capuchin monks founded the Seminary in 1613. They established a centre of learning along with the Church, which was named after Our Lady of Pilar, whose statue they had brought along with them from Spain. Around a small garden inside, there are cloisters decorated with seventeenth century frescoes. There is an interesting pictorial depiction of the history of the world, drawn by a missionary in the 1940s and a reredos with Fransiscan saints in the niches. The chapel on the first floor of this building is surrounded by some magnificent stained-glass windows, hardly seen anywhere in Goa. And if you can make it up to the roof terrace which is two floors higher, you are rewarded with some spectacular views of the Zuari river towards Vasco and also of the rice fields and coconut plantations of the Tiswadi taluka.

Naval Aviation Museum
Inaugurated on October 12, 1998, the Naval Aviation Museum is divided into two sections, an out-door exhibit and a number of indoor galleries.
Starting off with a humble collection of six vintage naval aircrafts, the museum has metamorphosed into India’s second largest aviation museum with twelve aircrafts on display. Among the aircraft collection, the piece-de-resistance is the giant Lockheed L-1049G Super Constellation borrowed by the Navy from the Indian Air Force. Other aircrafts include Sea Harrier, Sea Hawk, Sealand, Alize, Dove, Vampire and Hughes. If the outdoor exhibits swell your heart with pride, the indoor galleries are no less impressive. Step inside and massive replicas of aircraft carriers INS Vikrant and INS Viraat will welcome you. The weapons and armaments galleries display a variety of bombs, torpedos, sensors and cannon used by naval aircraft over the ages. The archive section features a photo gallery where old photos are on display profiling the Naval Aviation History from 1959 onwards in pictures and footnotes.

Cabo Raj Niwas
Built in 1540 AD opposite Fort Aguada on the south headland of the river Mandovi, the Cabo (the Portuguese word for cape) Palace fortress housed the Franciscan monastery, which later (1594 AD) became the official residence of the Governor of Goa. The beauty, solitude and uniqueness and well-planned features are some of the main attractions of the Cabo. A small Chapel was constructed at the very end of the mansion dedicated to Our virgin lady of The cape (Nossa Senhora do Cabo). It also served as a landmark for the seafarers.

The official reception area consists area consists of a large hall called the Darbar Hall, used at the time of receptions and swearing in ceremonies and other official occasions. The Dining room has a seating capacity of over 30 persons. The living quarters of the Governor and his family are on the same floor. A glossy verandah runs along the entire portion overlooking the Mandovi Bay and the Arabian Sea giving one a feeling of being on a ship’s deck.

Mormugao Fort
It is situated at the extreme northwestern point of Salsete and guard the entrance to the port. Located just north of Vasco Da Gama city and just south of Mormugao Port, this is the closest fort to Goa’s airport. Primarily, Mormugao was generalized to be the capital of the Portuguese empire, hence the fort was erected and in 1703 the viceroy moved into the town. The fortress is about 10 km in circumference and boasts of possessing some ancient articles like 20 bulwarks, three magazines, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the guard. There were two beautiful fountains. The Fonte de Malabar kept the royal arms and was said to bob up from a gold mine and the Fonte de Santo Ignacio which had a more modest beginning in a sulphur mine.

Tiracol Fort
The fort has in its courtyard the century old Church of St. Anthony. The church is opened only on special occasions and has a classical late Goan facade. The church is full of light and dominates an elegant look. Cross the court and walk up the narrow stone stairs, through short passages into split level rooms, which follow the shapes of headland: old furniture, superb views over the river Tiracol and the beaches and are the main attractions of the fort. Fort Therekol in “Goa” now runs as a hotel called Fort Tiracol. The rooms within the church have been converted into beautiful massive rooms with multi-cuisine bar and restaurant. All rooms are equipped with modern facilities.onstituent of Goan history, and being one of the most important India forts it is also very popular with those indulging in historical travel activities of Goa.

Aguada Fort
The fort was constructed in 1612 to guard against the Dutch and the Marathas. It was a reference point for the vessels coming from Europe at that time. This old Portuguese fort stands on the beach south of Candolim, at the shore of the Mandovi river. It was initially tasked with defense of shipping and the nearby Bardez District. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name “Aguada” (meaning ‘water’ in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.

Chapora Fort
Chapora fort was built by the Adil Shah of Bijapur on the southern headland of the Chapora River. It was also known as “Shahpur” and is now mostly ruined. It has a commanding view of the Vagator beach and is near to Anjuna beach.

The red laterite bastion, crowning the rocky bluff, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. Deserted in the 19th century, it lies in ruins today, although the views up and down the coast from the weed-infested ramparts are still superb.

Cabo De Rama Fort
Unlike many other forts in the state, the Cabo da Rama fort predates the Portuguese invasion of Goa. Possession of the fort changed hands many a time as dynasties fell and rose during the ages. In 1763 the Portuguese claimed the Cabo de Rama fort after defeating the Raja of Soonda and renovated it subsequently. The present ramshackle structure with turrets and rusty cannons is a remnant of the Portuguese. Apart from scattered ruins here and there, the Cabo da Rama fort does not hold any attractions. Within its ramparts, the moated fort houses the church of Santo Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still in use. The western side of the fortress, where the cliffs drop sharply to the sea, provides a panoramic view of the surrounding areas.

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. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.

Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.

Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.

Besides being famed for lively beaches, monolithic churches, artistic temples and fabulous flora and fauna, Goa is also popular for its Grand Carnival. Carnival at Goa resides at the top among the many and various colorful feasts and festivals celebrated in Goa.

This unique and exclusive Carnival was introduced by the Portuguese. It is held in February when the legendary king Momo takes over the state and the streets come alive with music and color. Goa Carnival is a non-stop three days festival of color, song and music, enjoyed by people of all age groups. Although, the three-day festival is primarily celebrated by Christians, it has also absorbed Hindu tradition revelry, western dance forms, and turned into a pageantry of sorts. Though started as a celebration of the local population, today it has crossed the state boundaries to attract 1000’s people from all over the country.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is the nearest beach from the capital of the Goa, Panaji. The beach is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea.

A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees, Miramar is one of the most popular beaches.It was originally known as the “Gasper Dias Beach”.From here one has an excellent view of the Aguada fort just across the river . If you wish to watch the sunset from Panaji then the best location would be this beach, which is fifteen minutes’ walk along the riverfront avenue called Dayanand Bandodker Marg.It is not a safe beach to swim. There is a strong undercurrent.

One can have an excellent view of Fort Aguada. Apart from its proximity to Panaji, it is very much commercialized and a large number of hotels and exclusive homes of Goa’s rich and famous stud the area. The beach is crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days.

The Palolem Beach

Palolem Beach is also known as “Paradise Beach”. This beach in south Goa is about a mile long and it provides idyllic scenery. The most idyllic beach of Goa, Palolem beach has a sweeping crescent of white sand, fringed by a sandy rim of coconut palms. It has a crescent shaped bay lined with swaying coconut palms hemmed by a pair of rocky crags. The white sand beach in an arc is picture perfect. The village located nearby has several cafes and souvenir stalls catering to day-trippers and vacationers who arrive in droves on sightseeing tours of the beaches. The beach still looks very virgin. Its unlike the beaches of North Goa, which are more or less full with dirt, filth and visitors.

Some of the major activities on Palolem beach can be Dolphin watching, beach activities, swimming and shopping. The resorts and other agents can book a good trip to the sea on a boat for dolphin watching. Shopping on the sea side markets of Palolem can be a fun, and the road side eateries offer a sumptous meal at a reasonably low price.