Goa Goa’s growing up. Once a simple, seaside retreat strung with resort hotels, it’s graduating to a destination with a range of sophisticated lodging and world-class dining options aimed at the tasteful traveller. Adding themselves to the mix are eclectic boutiques and yoga retreats. And then there’s always the thriving, thumping party scene that draws millions back each Christmas and New Year. Fortunately, Old Goa still exists in its villages and churches, local festivals and fresh seafood preparations. Come, stay, explore. MONUMENTS Basilica of Bom Jesus Every day, hundreds of pilgrims arrive at the Basilica of Bom Jesus to pray to St Francis Xavier, whose tomb and mortal remains are housed in this church. Easily Goa’s finest Jesuit cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bom Jesus is replete with beautiful altars, rich frescoes, gilded inlays and paintings depicting the life of the saint. Fort Aguada Built in 1612, this Portuguese-era fort was constructed to protect the coast from the Dutch and the Marathas. Interestingly, the fort got its name from the freshwater spring within its walls (aguada is Portuguese for water.) The fort is characterised by a four-storey lighthouse erected in 1864, which is also the oldest of its kind in Asia. The land around the fort is now owned by the Taj hotel group—on the ramparts behind the fort you’ll find the Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada resort. Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Commonly called the Panjim Church, this is one of the oldest, grandest churches in Goa. Its elegant baroque architecture, striking entrance, whitewashed edifice and panoramic view of Panaji City make it a must-visit. Church and Convent of St Monica Displaying a wonderful blend of Tuscan-Corinthian exteriors and Doric interiors, the Church of St Monica is simply stunning. Said to be one of the oldest nunneries in India, this three-storey laterite building was destroyed by a fire in 1636 but rebuilt the following year. Within the convent lies the Museum of Christian Art, which displays striking work such as the Donna Maria de Corm. MUSEUMS Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery This site was converted into a museum in 1964 and was originally a part of the old Franciscan monastery adjacent to the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Currently maintained by the Archaeological Society of India, it houses eight galleries containing Portuguese and pre-colonial artefacts, as well as a portrait gallery of Portuguese governors. Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery, Old Goa (+91 832 228 5333). Open Sat-Thurs, 10am-5pm. Goa State Museum The Goa State Museum is located in the heart of the state’s capital, Panaji. The dozen-odd galleries feature everything from Jain sculptures and Christian art to their most popular exhibit, Goa’s Freedom Struggle Gallery. Goa State Museum, Panaji (+91 832 243 8006; goamuseum.nic.in). Open Mon-Fri, 9.30am-5.30pm. ART AND THEATRE Kala Academy The Kala Academy is renowned for its vivacious cultural performances and events. The open-air amphitheatre is a great family venue to watch a play or catch music concerts. Kala Academy, Campal, Panaji (+91 832 242 0451; goa-tourism) Art Escape Art Escape is a ‘collective’ run by young, passionately driven artists and professionals who want to share their knowledge about the arts through daily workshops. Art Escape, Woodstock – The Art Escape, Waddi Beach, South Benaulim (artescape.in) WILDLIFE AND NATURE Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary It may be one of the smallest Goan wildlife sanctuaries but Bondla more than makes up for its size. The lush forest-encased botanical garden is also a miniature zoo, rendering it a fruitful ecosystem for the various flora and fauna that thrive there. Located in north east Goa, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary’s main attraction is their popular elephant rides. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Ponda Dudhsagar Waterfall Dudhsagar is one of the most breathtaking sites in the ‘sunshine state’ and is best visited under the mystical influence of the sun’s morning rays. Cascading over four tiers before plunging 2,000 feet down a mountain face, this is Goa’s highest waterfall, found in India’s Western Ghats, close to the Karnataka border. Dudhsagar Waterfall, Sanguem
Posted on: Mon, 28 Oct 2013 06:17:28 +0000
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