Sightseeing of South Goa is really an exploring journey, we start at 10 AM from your Resort or the nearest pickup point.
- The region was once the seat of Portugal’s eastern empire, with more than a dozen of catholic churches, chapels and convents to explore in these old parts of Goa. The most popular of them – Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, also tagged as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church has the miraculously well-preserved body of Saint Francis Xavier, a Roman Catholic European missionary who died more than 450 years ago, was a humble and benevolent priest who was rightly termed as “Goencho Saaib” in Konkani when translated means Lord of Goa. The main forte was to serve the lay people from different faiths. The relic of the revered saint is brought down once in every 10 years and people from different faith around the globe attend in huge numbers to seek the blessings of the pious saint.
- Next proceed towards the one of the largest churches in Asia – Sé Cathedral Church (Sé Cathedral of Saint Catherine), declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria, the church was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese over a Muslim army. It is among the oldest buildings in the state depicting true Portuguese royalty in its architecture.
- Later, proceed towards Ponda, More than 450 years old, the Shantadurga temple is situated in the foothills of Kavalem village. Goddess Durga was said to act as a mediator between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s fierce war, and was given the name Shanta, meaning ’peace’. The temple was originally situated in Keloshi, but relocated during Portuguese rule. The present temple structure was built between 1713 and 1738.
- For some relaxation, about 30 kms from Panaji, the Tropical Spice Plantation is set in Ponda, an even greener nook of this nature packed state. Guests are welcomed in a traditional and refreshing way! While a host presents garlands, another serves kokum juice or lemongrass tea, accommodating the visitors for the plantation walk and gearing the tummies for the big, delicious meal in the plantation.There are plantations of vanilla, nutmeg, cardamom, pepper, chilli and turmeric sharing space with each other and adding to the delight of the visitors who come to meet them- many for a first time. After all, it is not common for one to peel off cinnamon from its bark or see black pepper in the stage when it is still green! The visitors are explained about the growing procedures, the various stages of blossom, best times of harvesting, health benefits and more. Followed by the walk, a sumptuous, filling meal traditionally prepared fish, rice, breads, curries, sweets are in the buffet (veg and non-veg).One can also take home some freshly grown spices. Small packets of these can be purchased at reasonable prices. There are also bottles of fresh and organic coconut oil or aloe-vera gel to add to the shopping cart.
- Later head towards Panaji, also known as Panjim, is the state capital of Goa, in southwest India. Located on the banks of the Mandovi River, the city has cobblestone streets lined with colorful villas and buildings from the Portuguese colonial era. Set on a hill overlooking the city is the baroque Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, built in 1619.
- Dona Paula Jetty is located on the beautiful and famous sea stretch that traverses from Panjim, Miramar and Dona Paula. Dona Paula Beach also is the meeting point of the Zuari and Mandovi Rivers making it a perfect place to click memorable pictures for social profile. Tourists visit this destination to see the whitewashed statue, commonly referred as the ‘Image of India’, portraying Mother India along with Young India. The beach hosts a lot of water sports activities as well as it is common to spot Bollywood personalities around this area.
- Lastly, a pleasant way to spend a thoroughly enjoyable evening in Goa is to take the “EXCITING ONE HOUR EVENING CRUISE“. The cruise takes the guests for a lovely ride down the river Mandovi, past Adil Shah’s summer palace towards the Arabian Sea and Reis Magos Fort from where one can get a panoramic view of the Grand Fort Aguada, majestic Cabo – the Governor’s Palace, the sprawling Miramar beach and catch the healing sunset view over the vast Indian Ocean.Guests are welcomed on board by the friendly compère who from time to time fills you in with details of well-known landmarks & sightseeing spots on the shore. Host of activities include, dancing rounds for kids, couples, families, ladies & gents. There are also few live performance such as Goan cultural dance Dekhni, Kutti Fugdi & Correndinho. There is a well stocked beverage counter ready to serve guests.
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