GOA-THE
LAND OF BEACHES
Goa,
the name itself takes you to the sea side resorts and beaches . Goa has always
been an attraction for the tourists, who want to be close to the sea, sand and
enjoy sun. In the 60's Goa was among the most frequented places in India. The
hippies thronged the place. With them came a culture of careless, unbounded life
style. Today all this has changed. Instead of the hippies, one spots serious
tourists who come to enjoy the beaches and colorful culture of Goa. Today the
beach parties might be small but they are more lively and have much more fun to
offer than the 'stoned' parties during the hippy trails of the past.
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 Portuguese, all
vying for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portuguese 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
Portuguese 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.
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Panaji
(Panjim) :
Goa's
capital and the smallest one in India. Narrow winding streets, old houses with
over hanging balconies, and red-tiled roofs, white-washed churches, numerous
bars and cafes are all signs of the Portuguese heritage.
Fountainhas
:
Panjim's
old district with the best of above mentioned features.
Chapel
of St. Sehartian :
This is
the center of Fountainhas and dates back to the 1880's. Features a crucifix
which is quite striking.
The
Secretariat :
Interesting
building from the 16th century, actually an old palace, but later became the
Viceroy's official residence.
Mahaluxmi
Temple :
A
modern Hindu Temple.
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Around
Margoa :
Museum
of Christian Art :
Displaying Textiles, silver, a silver swam and a mobile mass kit.
Menezes
Brigauza House : This
is a grand colonial mansion in the village of Chandor.
Christ
Ashram : In the
village of Nuvem this is a place which looks catholic but has an air of
Hinduism. Exorcism is the main feature here.
Temple
of Shri Mangesh
:
An 18th
century temple on the Hill top. Other temple's include Shri Mahalsa Vishnu's
Temple, Shri Ramnath Temple, and Shri Nagesh Temple. And then
there is Shri Shantadurga Temple which is dedicated to the Goddess of Peach and
Shri Chandreswar and Shri Malikarjuna temples.
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Shaja
Shahouri Masjid :
The oldest
mosque in Goa which dates back to 1560.
Bonda
Wildlife Sanctuary :
It houses
the Botanical Gardens, Deer Park and a Zoo all three in One.
Dudhsagar
Falls :
Very
impressive waterfalls on the Eastern Side.
Molen
& Cotigoa Wildlife Sanctuary
:
Bigger
than the Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary.
Ponda
:
An inland town with an old mosque
and many unique Hindu temples. Some date back to 400 years.
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