Goa – The Most Mesmerizing Destination In India

Goa – the very word has a unique resonance for the ears of most Indians and foreigners. People imagine a place where they can let down all guard; free themselves from all sorts of inhibitions and enjoy the moment they are in.

Yes, Goa has engraved a name for itself among beach lovers around the world. But for the Indians: – Goa is the Best Beach Destination In India.

Goa, however, is not just about beaches alone. Goa has greenery all around, pristine nature rich rural areas, islands and wildlife sanctuaries.

Goa is home to some beautiful waterfalls, heritage churches and temples, forts, casinos, nightclubs, great cuisines, and a number of lovely markets. Goa, of late, has become a manufacturing hub for pharmaceutical companies as well.

There are a number of accommodations available in Goa – right from luxury hotels to hotels of medium budget to those for lower budgets. There are not just hotels, but also resorts, apartments, bungalows, home stays, farm stays, camps and beach shanties. Cherry’s Goa also provides comfortable stay for anyone visiting Goa.

Famous Beaches in Goa

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Both North Goa and South Goa has some very good beaches. While crowd seems more on the beaches in North Goa, South Goa beaches are more laid back and perhaps less spoilt.

Some of the most famous beaches in North Goa are Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Morjim and Arambol while the famous South Goa beaches are

Agonda, Palolem, Colva, Benaulim, Cavelossim and Mobor.

North Goa beaches are loved by party hoppers and a number of eateries – cheaper ones to upscale ones – are situated there.

South Goa beaches do not have many multi-storey hotels. It is lined by lavish resorts.

There are some exotic hidden beaches in Goa as well. Butterfly beach, Cola beach and Kakolem beach are some of such beaches.

Waterfalls in Goa

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Goa has a number of waterbodies and it is situated around Western Ghats. Hills of the Western Ghats give rise to a number of seasonal waterfalls in Goa, particularly during or soon after monsoon.

Some waterfalls can be seen all through the year, with volume of water discharge reducing and increasing depending on the season.

Dudhsagar, Kesarval Waterfall , and Netravali are some of the famous waterfalls of Goa. Interesting thing about waterfalls is that the route to most of these pass though wildlife sanctuaries, which is such a nice experience in itself.

Most of the waterfalls are situated on Goa-Karnataka border, but some are also located near Goa-Maharashtra border.

Churches in Goa

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Goa has a number of churches, majority of which were made during the long Portuguese rule there. Some of these churches are known for their grandeur look, some for their religious importance and some of their architectural designs.

Some of the famous churches of Goa include the likes of Basilica of Bom Jesus, and Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, located in Panaji. Basilica of Bom Jesus is quite well know for preserving the mortal remains of Jesuit Saint Francis Xaviers.

Se Cathedral Church and Church of Our Lady Of the Mount are also quite well known in Goa. St. Cajetan Church, situated close to Se Cathedral Church, is said to have been built in 1640 on the model of Vatican City located St. Peters Basilica. Mae De Deus Church, on the other hand, is built in Gothic style. Situated in Saligo, this Church is said to be the finest in Goa.

Temples in Goa

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Goa is home to a variety of temple forms – from the rock-cut shrines in Khandepar of the 1st millennium CE, and the 11th century Mahadev temple at Tambdi Surla, to those built more recently in the 19th and 20th Century.

But all the temples today in Goa are not necessarily Goan.

There was no region called Goa until the Portuguese conquered it in 1510 and expanded it to give it the present shape – somewhere around the 18th Century.

Before that the areas under present day Goa were under the influence of the Mughals, the Marathas and other rulers of South India.

All these are reflected on the Goan temple architecture. Goan temples show a definite mix of different architectural styles. Inspirations of Renaissance Europe architectural style (via the churches of Goa), the Bijapur Sultanate architectural style, the Mughals style, the style of the Marathas and that of the Ikkeri Nayakas, along with some local influence can be seen in the temples of Goa.

All These came together to produce a recognisable architectural ensemble by the end of the 19th century.

Goan architectural style spread across Goa and beyond. Many believe the Goan temple style should be seen as a distinct architectural type in its own right. Perhaps the number of the temples is not as abundant as seen in other styles. This is probably the only plausible reason why a distinct Goan style of temple architecture has not formally been recognized.

Some of the famous temples in Goa are Mangeshi Temple, Shanta Durga Temple, Mahadev Temple, Chandreshwar Bhootnath Temple, Mahalasa Narayan Temple, Mahalaxmi Temple, Saptakoteshwar Temple, and Kamakshi Temple.

Forts in Goa

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There are quite a few forts in Goa – built either by the Portuguese or by other ruling powers of their times. Some of the prominent forts of Goa are:

a) Chapora Fort: – Situated some 10km from Mapusa town in North Goa, the Fort was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century to keep a check on the raiders. The Fort was attacked by Shambhaji in 1683 and by Bhonsle in 1739. The Fort overlooks Vagator Beach, Morjim Beach, Ozran Beach and the mouth of Chapora River.

b) Aguada Fort: – Situated in Bardez, North Goa, Aguada Fort was the largest Portuguese stronghold and one of the oldest forts in Goa. Constructed during 1609-12, Aguada Fort was used to protect Old Goa from attacks from the enemies.

The fort also houses the largest central jail in Goa. Cannons can be seen on the top deck of the fort. Spectacular views of River Mandovi can be seen from the Fort.

c) Reis Magos Fort: – Situated in Verem, Bardez, North Goa, Reis Magos Fort is situated on the banks of River Mandovii. The Fort has some 33 cannons which were installed in the 16th Century. Visitors can also see Portuguese Turrets, which were constructed to pour hot oil on enemies.

d) Corjuem Fort: – Located on Corjuem Island, across Aldona Village, Corjuem Fort is one of the smallest forts of Goa. The Fort has some stunning views the rivers and the surroundings. The fort, which was used for defense purposes by the Portuguese, has several cannons and murder holes.

The Fort, because of the views of countryside and surrounding areas, is quite popular among nature lovers and photograph lovers.

e) Sinquerium Fort: – Situated in Bardez, Candolim, North Goa, Sinquerium Fort was constructed in 1612 close to Sinquerium Beach. This Fort was used more as reference point for trade by the Portuguese. This Fort also offers some spectacular views of sea and setting sun.

f) Cabo de Rama Fort: – Situated in Taluka Cabo de Rama, Canacona, Cabo de Rama Fort is an abandoned place and is in ruins. Spread across a sprawling 180,000 sq. meters, the Fort is one of the oldest and largest forts in Goa. It is believed Lord Ram spent some of his exile years here with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman here.

Nightlife in Goa

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Goa in an amazing place for parties and nightlife. There are nightclubs, casinos, discos, pubs and bars. There are parties on the beaches. There is also a silent party where loud music is not played; instead different music are played through the headphones. Goa serves some good alcohol as well.