Goa, India

From WikiAsianTravel.org

When one hears of Goa, one thinks of parties and lovely beaches although there are some spots which you can peace of mind. Aside from getting a tan, there are also many other things to see and experience.

[edit] Beaches

• Vagator Beach - north of Calangute and Anjuna which is known for a sculpted head with a cobra necklace done on the rocks. Nearby are two other beaches- Little Vagator and Ozran or Spaghetti beach.

• Sindhudurg Beach a not so well developed place of the Maharashtra but easily accessible from those staying in Goa. Lack of amenities is compensated by the unspoilt surrounding

• Calangute Beach - associated with crowds and noise which to some enjoys and is their means of relaxing and unwinding

• Baga Beach -

• Majurda Beach in South Goa more quiet than of the north and with basic necessities and a hotel nearby

• Palolem Beach- another place to enjoy sand, sea, and sunset. Night time can be another chance to enjoy seaside restaurant tables and bonfires.

[edit] Accommodation

Five and Four

• Resort Dona Sylvia

• Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa

• Marriot Goa Resort

• Taj Holiday Village

Three and two

• Resorthe Marinha Dourada - many are satisfied with their cost and the service provided. Location is also a plus as other famous beaches are easily accessed by cabs.

• Phoenix Park Inn -Satisfactory for the price. Internet is not free though and it a bit expensive.

[edit] Other Activities to do

Religious Sites

Catholic Churches

• Bom Jesus Basilica - the most famous church which contains casket of the body of St.Francis Xavier

• Se Cathedral - a 16th century Portugese-Gothic structure is named after St. Catherine of Alexandria and houses the remains of the first Goan archbishop, Dom Gaspar de Leo Periera. It has several small chapels with different altars but the main altar is the largest and most beautiful.

• Saligao Church - built in 19th century, This Gothic structure is quite modern compared to the other churches but is not way beyond in magnificence

Temples

• Sree Mangueshi Temple - Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Mangueshi, the reincarnation of Lord Shiva

• Shree Saptakoteshwar - a small Hindu temple dedicated to another of Lord Shiva's reincarnation, the God of the seven world. Beautifully surrounded by forests.

• Ponda Temples - there are several temples in the vicinity to name some are Shri Mahalsa, Shri Lakshmi, Shri Naguesh and Shri Shantagurda

Others

• Fort Aguada - built by Portuguese in 1612 as protection from invading Dutch and Marathas and most sections are now used as prison. It stands at 5 meters high and 1.3 meters wide and set on a hilltop offering a beautiful view of lush vegetations below. It is located 18 kms from Panaji, Old Goa a walking distance from Candolim.

• Anjuna Flee Market - around during Wednesdays, this is where you may get good bargains

• River Tours and backwater - these can be arranged with government tourist agency

• Ancestral Goa - a portrayal of the local's way of life and provides an educational tour on the culture of Indian people and history. A virtual tour online is available at

www.ancestralgoa.com

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