- What to visit in Old Goa
- Protected area
- On the border of tranquility
- A fragrant journey
Many tourists dream of getting to rest in this smallest and most sparsely populated state of India. They are sure that the most gentle sea, the most gentle sun, a sea of positive emotions and impressions await them. But there is always the question of what to visit in Goa, so that not only endless beaches and dances until the morning remain in memory.
It is quite difficult to do this, since the coastline is more than 100 kilometers long, about 40 gorgeous beaches are organized. For recreation, you can choose the South or North part - the difference in the cost of living and staying.
What to visit in Old Goa
The most visited place in the state is considered Old Goa, at one time the Portuguese colonialists who reached the local territories were struck by the local architecture. They also contributed to the development of the region, erected several majestic cathedrals, which today occupy their places in the well-known lists of the UNESCO organization.
Among the main attractions of Old Goa are the following: the Catholic Cathedral of St. Catherine; the church of St. Francis of Assisi; church of St. Cayetan. The largest Catholic church in Goa is called the Cathedral of St. Catherine. The main relic that is stored in it is a crucifix, which increases in size and helps in healing. In this connection, the number of pilgrims to the shrine is growing every year.
Another place of pilgrimage in Old Goa was Bon Jesus (Basilica of the Merciful Jesus). The guests are in a hurry to kneel before the relics of Francis Xavier, a Spanish missionary. He spent only a few years in India, but managed to build about forty temples, today he is among the patrons of Goa.
There are legends about the beauty of the current church of St. Cayetan. As a rule, tourists who arrive at this religious building are not disappointed. The exterior of the restored temple is impressive; inside there is an old well covered with a platform. As the old-timers assure, the well is a reminder of the ancient Hindu temple that was located on this place.
Protected area
The residents of Goa are proud of their reserves, actively advertise them and are very happy if tourists support their initiative and go to meet the amazing nature of India. The most popular are the following areas of unspoiled nature:
- Bhagwan Mahavir - the largest nature reserve in Goa;
- Bandla is a small but very popular nature reserve;
- Kotigao - introduces tourists to the birds and insects of the tropics;
- Salima Ali is another bird kingdom.
The largest territory is occupied by Bhagwan Mahavir. In this reserve you can get acquainted with animals, and with natural attractions, and with ancient temples. Tigers, bears, elephants are the most formidable inhabitants, there are birds, various insects.
Amazing landscapes await tourists at the Dudhsagar waterfall, and the Mahadeva temple will provide vivid impressions, its construction dates back to the 13th century. On the border of February and March, one of the most significant holidays is celebrated here - "the great night of Shiva", during which one cannot sleep, which is a guarantee of prosperity in real life and a place in paradise after death.
Dangerous and beautiful predators (leopards and panthers) live in the Bandla Nature Reserve, but in Kotigao there are no such cute "cats", but there are various types of parrots and amazing tropical insects. Birds are the main inhabitants of the Salima Ali conservation area, located on the island of Chorao. The main inhabitant is the Kingfisher kingfisher, which has become the symbol of Goa, this bird adorns souvenirs and gave the name to one of the beers produced in the state.
On the border of tranquility
The Aguada fortress is located on the border of the southern and northern parts of Goa, appeared during the Portuguese colonization to protect the conquered territories. Today the fort is considered one of the best preserved, and therefore used for practical purposes (as a prison). On the other hand, part of the fort is accessible for tourists who love the huge red brick walls, the snow-white tower, the old lighthouse dating back to 1612, and the beautiful panoramas from the top of the hill.
A fragrant journey
Indian spices are every housewife's dream. While vacationing in Goa, many tourists do not forget about their ancestor, the keeper of the hearth, so they gladly choose a very popular tourist route - a trip to the spice plantations.
You can go on a fragrant journey on your own: there are many "vegetable gardens" in Goa, where delicious herbs are grown, but it is even better to book an excursion. This route will be filled with a wide variety of entertainment: elephant riding, tasting, dancing.
