Goa

Itinerary
Goa is known for its serene beaches, but it treasures much more to interest tourists than just this. It has numerous churches, temples, forts, museums, landmarks and so on…. the list is endless.

RELIGIOUS ITINERARY
Goa is very proud of the numerous churches dotted across this Indian state. Many of these churches are outstanding and ideal cases of Christian architecture. Most of the churches colonial Portuguese cathedrals and are framed with columns and pilasters. They belong to the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. Se Cathedral is the largest church in Goa and is dedicated to St. Catherine. The church is in the Portuguese-Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. It's known for its Cross of Miracles and Golden Bell. Basilica Of Bom Jesus, located in old Goa and built in 1605, contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier. Some of the other churches, which are worth a visit, are Church of St Cajetan, Convent and Church of St Francis Assisi, Church of St Augustine Ruins, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Chapel of St Sebastian and Rachol Seminary and Church. Along with churches there are many ancient Hindu temples as well. Shri Shantadurga Temple is dedicated to the goddess of peace. With its pagoda like structure, this temple is famous for its annual carnival. Shri Bhagwati Temple is an ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati. Other famous temples of Goa are Nav Durga Temple, Betal Temple, Saptakoteshwar Temple, Shree Mahalaxmi Temple, Shree Kalikadevi, Hanuman Temple, Dattatraya Temple, Shree Devi Shravani, Sapteshwar Bhagwati Temple, Mahadev Bhumika, Sal Shree Vittal Mandir, Rudreshwar Temple, Brahma Temple and Mangesh Temple.

BEACH ITINERARY
Goa is a land of sun, sand and sea. It is very famous for its beaches and has several beaches; some very crowded and some serene and secluded. Anujana Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Usually very crowded, it still manages to maintain its beauty. Another beach, which is also called, " Queen of Beaches", Calangute Beach, offers a lovely beauty that is rare to find. It has shacks and stalls under the shade of palm trees that sell everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells. If you want to enjoy water sports, Dona Paula Beach is the place for you. It offers water-scooter, cycle, and motorboat rides. Other water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, sports fishing, snorkeling harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting. Other famous beaches in Goa include Majorda Beach, Velsao, Bogmalo, Colva, Benaulim, Betul, Canaguinim, Agonda, Palole, Rajbha, Polem, Miramar, Bambolim, Candolim, Sinquerim, Baga, Vagator, Chapora, Querem, Morjim and Arambol.

CULTURAL ITINERARY
The unique history of Goa has given birth to many museums and galleries. Goa State Museum has a great collection of Christian art. It also houses Hindu and Jain sculptures as well as Indian paintings of different styles. Archaelogical Museum and Portrait gallery has on exhibit a selection of pre-colonial and post colonial artifacts. It also houses sixty paintings of the Portuguese Governors and Viceroys that ruled Goa. Leela Art Palace is another place that will take you on an exotic journey into some of the country's remotest regions and here you can look at some unique pieces of tribal art. Subodh Kerkar Art Gallery, which is located in Calangute, showcases contemporary Indian art including ceramics, hand-painted chests, and Rajasthani sculptures.

HISTORICAL ITINERARY
Goa has many historical mansions and forts which are a must visit for any tourist with a taste of history. Tiracol Fort is a beautiful Old Portuguese fort and houses the Hotel Tiracol Fort Heritage. It has a beautiful little church and offers a breathtaking view of the river Tiracol, the beaches and the blue horizon of the sea. Braganza House is one of the colonial mansions now thrown open to the public and is furnished with antiques. Idalcao's Palace is the oldest surviving building in Panaji today It was a fortress initially, and then the palace of viceroy's of Goa for a short while from 1759 to 1918. Post liberation, It has housed Goa's Secretariat, legislative assembly and other important government offices. The Legislative assembly has since moved to its new location across the Mandovi. Other forts worth visiting are Fort Aguada, Reis Magos Fort, Chapora Fort and Corjuem Fort.