Tourist attractions of North Goa
North Goa is one of the District of Goa State and it also popular tourist place in India, It's attracting more foriegn tourist year by year.
Beaches of North Goa :
Arambol Beach: (50 Kms) A unique beach in North Goa, is both rocky and sandy beach and much sought after. It has a sweet water pond right on the store.
Anjuna: (18 kms). A popular beach area adjacent to Chapora Fort. In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled-roof.
Calangute: (16 kms) is the most popular holiday resort in Goa. Excellent accommodation facilities are available, particulary at the tourist resort and cottages.
Miramar: (Gaspar Dias), 3 Kms. A lovely golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji.
Dona Paula: 7 kms. An idyllic picturesque spot. Command a fine view of the Zuari River and Mormugao Harbour. Water scootering facilities are available here.
Colva Beach: About 6 kms. from Margao. Colva beach is the pride of Salcete and the only rival to Calangute by its scentic spelndour. Here, sand, sea and sky blend in enchanting natural harmony unspoilt by men. Has good accommodation facilities particilary at the tourist cottages.
Agonda: (About 37 kms. from Margao). A small picturesque and secluded beach much sought after for its serenity.
Palolem: About 37 kms. from Margao. Just west of Chaudi in the Southern Taluka of Canacona is one of the most enchanting beaches in Goa relatively desserted, with backdrop of Western Ghats.
Towns of North Goa :
Panaji: The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with Glmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (HillTop).
Mapusa: 13kms. The capital of Bardez Taluka, on the National Highway 17, is at the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of North Goa. Weekly fair on Friday is held at the modern streamline market, attended by large crowds.
Pilar: 11 Kms. Important religious and eductional centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School atop hillock command a magnificent panorama of the countryside around and a fine view of Mormugao Harbour & Zuari River.
Margao: 33 Kms. The capital of South Goa District in the hinterland of Southern Goa in Salcate Taluka is a thriving commercial metropolis linked by rail to the rest of India & Mormugao Harbour and by National Highways, with Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has imposing old mansions and modern buildings.
Vasco-Da-Gama: 30 Kms. A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugao Harbour, has beautiful and extensive avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passenger service on the South Central Railway.
Mormugao Harbour: 34 ksm. (4 kms. From Vasco-Da-Gama) is one of the finest natural anchorages on the West Coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity.
Chandor (Chandar): 9 kms. East of Margao the menezes Braganza House, mostly late 18th Century and previously owned by Lemon nationalist and Journalist Luis De Menezes Braganza has a series of magnificent rooms especially the great salon with its fine furniture and the largest private library in Goa.
Churches of North Goa :
Basilica of Bom Jesus: Built in 16th century is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church dedicated to Infant Jesus is now a world Heritage Monument. Timings: Sunday: 10.30 to 18.30 hrs. Weekdays: 09.00 to 18.30 hrs. Masses: Sunday: 08.00 & 09.15 hrs. Weekdays: 07.00 & 08.00 hrs.
Se Cathedral: Most imposing of all churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors by sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the World. The church is dedicated to St. Catherine. Masses- Sunday 7.15 a.m.; 10.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. Weekdays: 7.30 a.m. and 6.00 p.m.
Church of St. Francis of Assissi: The entrance and the choir are in Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. Ther interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.
St. Cajetan Church: Built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Church of Our lady of Rasary: One of the earliest built in Goa, bears an inscription about the conquest of Goa by Afonso de Albuquerque in 1510.
Nunnery of Santa Monica: Built like a fortress is significant for its massive walls and butresses. It is the only nunnery in Goa.
Ruins of Church of St. Augustine: Close to the Nunnery is a lofty tower defying the torrential rains. The tower is one of the four of St. Augustine church that once stood there. The Church when intact was perhaps the biggest in Goa.
Viceroy's Arch: One of the gates of Adil Shah's Fort. It was renovated by Portuguese and was the gateway to Goa for Portuguese Governors. Every incoming Viceroy used to disemark at this place.
Reis Magos Church: 7 kms. The Reis Magos Church was constructed in 1555. It is one of the earliest Churches built in Goa and the first in Bardez Taluka, dedicated to three Magi-Kings. This Church was once the residence of all dignitaries and also a mission centre of the Franciscan order. There is a fort adjacent to this Church.
The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao (Bardez): 13 kms. Built in 1873, is situated amidst picturesque surroundings. The shrine of the miraculous statue of Mae de Deus (Mother of God) was brought from the ruins of the convent of Mae de Deus at Old Goa. This beautiful church is the finest piece of gothic style. The Church is well illuminated at night.
The Church of St. Alex at Curtorim: 9 Kms. from Margao. It is one of the Oldest churches in Goa, built in 1597.
The Church of St. Ana at Talaulim, Ilhas: 11 Kms. Dedicated to St. Ana, is a remarkable piece of ancient Christian archirecture. It was built in 1695 on the right bank of Siridao river and has picturesque surroundings. The unique feature of this church is that it has hollow walls through which people could walk in secrecy for the purpose of confession.
Rachol Seminary: Situate just off the banks of Zuari river, 12 kilometers from Margao in South Goa. In 1521 the Portuguese, in their customary fashion first built a church, then a prison, later in 1574-1610 a seminary to impart philosophy and theology. It is in this seminary that the museum of Christian Art is housed.
Temples of North Goa :
Shree Bhagavati: 28 kms. from Panaji in Pernem Taluka. The temple, situated by the side of the main road, is said to be more than 500 years old. Two life size images of elephants in standing position, made of black stone on either side at the entrance, welcome the visitors. The Goddess Bhagavati Asthbhuja in a standing position on a high pedestal is very imposing. Dussehra is celebrated with gaiety from Ashwin Shuddha Pratipada to Poornima, when over 25 thusand devotees assemble at the temple.
Shree Bhagavati Temple at Parshem: Situated at a distance of 7 kms from Pernem in Pernem Taluka, the complex has five temples, main temples being of Shri Bhagavati, and other temples are of Shri Sateri, Shri Dev Ravalnath, Shri Dev Bhivangi Panchakshari & Brahma (Shri Vishnu, Shri Ganapati, Shri Shankar). Devi Bhagavati temple has two Deepstambhas unique of its kind. Main festivals are Dassehra and annual Zatra.
Shri Brahma Temple: 7 kms. from Valpoi, in the village of Brahma Carambolim. This shrine belongs to the 5th century A.D. It is one of the few temples dedicated to Lord Brahma found in India.
Shree Chandranath : 45 kms. It is situated on the top of 350 metres high hill of Chandranath, at Paroda, Quepem. Chandreshwar was the titular deity of Bhoja kings who ruled South Goa before the Christian till the middle of 8th century. They had named their capital Chandrapur after the deity. Shivalinga is carved out from the rock which oozes whenever rays of full moon fall on it. The temple is so designed tht Linga receives moonlight on every full moon. The temple commands a panoramic view and its surroundings are enchanting. The temple's ancient chariot is well known for its wood carvings.
Shree Damodar: 22 kms. from Margao at Zambaulim-Sanguem, situated in picturesque surroundings on the banks of river Kushavati, popularly known as Panti. Near the temple, the river is regarded particularly holy and is said to have medicinal properties. The deity is worshipped by the Hindus and Christians alike. A week long celebration of Shigmo is packed with programmes which includes a colourful fair, exchange of gulal, collective meals and presentation of shows on popular legends and folk culture. The deity was originally in Margao.
Shree Datta Mandir : 37 kms. At Dattawadi, Sanquelim and 40 kms. from Margao. The century old temple of trimurthy (Hindu) has a back drop of a beautiful hillock covered with dense groves of areca palms. The most important festival, which is attended by devotees from all over Goa, is Datta Jayanti which falls in the month of December. The deity is believed to have cured many people of unsound mind. The entire interiro consist of white marble.
Shree Devi Sharvani: Vithal Maharudra Panchayatan the complex comprises of temples of Jagrut Swayambhu Goddess Sharvani, Mahadev and vetal with his life-size image of stone and other deities. It is situated in scenic surroundings at Advolpal in North Goa, 2.5 kms. from Assonora on Pirna main road. Goddess is known for fulfilling the vows of her devotees through Kaul Prasad who also perform Tulbhar to propitiate her. Thousands of devotees throng on vardhapan day. Divja Zatra day and annual Zatra day in November/December when procession of Goddess is taken out in decorated chariot.
Shree Devkikrishna-Ravalnath: 17 km. at Marcela, Ponda, is popularly known as Pisso Ravalnath. The most important festival is "Malni Pournima" in the month of Pausa (January).
Shree Gomanteshwar Devasthan Brahmapur: It is situated near Ela farm at Old Goa. Mahadev was worshipped during the days of Kadamba Kingdom in Goa. Madan Tirtha Goraksha Math, etc. still remind the glory of the place.
Shree Gomantak Tirupati Balaji Padmavati Temple: Blessed by Jagadguru Shree Sanucharya Swamigal of Shree Kanchi in kamakoti Peetam and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam is located in the temple Circuit of Ponda Taluka, 1 km away from Kundaim on NH 4A at Kunkuliem village in salubrious environment and a visit is spiriturally refreshing.
Shree Gopal Ganapati: 26 kms. from Panaji at Farmagudi, Ponda, amidst beautiful natural surroundings, near Bandora. The Portuguese Viceroy attacked the fort of Ponda in October, 1683 but had to beat a hasty retreat at the sudden appearance of the Maratha King Sambhaji with a large army. Farmagudi commemoratres this event. The stone image of Gopal Ganapati was discovered by herdsmen while grazing cattle near the hill and later installed in a small shrine with a thatched roof. The temple built by late Shri Dayanand Bandodkar, the first Chief Minister of Goa had the idol, made of metal alloy, consecrated on April 24, 1966. It is a good specimen of Indian temple architecture synthesizing both ancient and modern. |
