Tourist Attractions of Goa..........................

 

Goa is a tourist's paradise. Apart from its globally famous pristine, golden beaches having unique personality, 'the beautiful beach capital of India 'is replete with many attractive sites that varies from magnificient churches built during the Portugese era to famous the Hindu temples, the vibrant flea markets the mouthwatering Goan cuisine and above all the laid-back, fun loving spirit of the natives has resulted in making Goa one of the most sought after tourist destinations globally.

 

Panaji
PanajiSituated on the banks of River Mandovi, Panaji the capital of Goa is a lovely tourist spot that houses some of the famous churches and buildings reflecting the grandeur of Gothic architecture. The Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the statue of Abbe Faria, the Secretarial building should find place of prominence in every tourist's list who intends to visit the lovely place.

 

Old Goa
Old GoaA UNESCO world heritage site, Old Goa houses several buildings and churches that reminds the glorious days of "Golden Goa". The important churches are Se Cathedral, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Chapel of St. Catherine Professed House of the Jesuits, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St. Cajetan, Chapel of St. Xavier, Chapel of St. Anthony and several other churches.

 

Mahalaxmi Temple
Mahalaxami TempleSituated in the village of Bandora, Mahalaxmi Temple with its spectacular chowka has been a major tourist attraction for a long time.

 

Mangeshi Temple
Mangeshi Temple Also known as Mangireesh or Manguesh, the temple is perched in midst of a picturesque surrounding. It is one of the well known temples in Goa and the presiding deity is Lord Shiva.

 

Se Cathedral
Se CathedralOne of the largest churches in Goa, it is famous for its magnificient Portugese-Gothic architecture.

 

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Salim Ali Bird SanctuaryOn the western circuit of Chorao Island surrounded by the waters of Mapusa and Mandovi river, 1.78sqkm area of mangrove forest is the Bird Sanctuary of native and migrated birds.

 

Cabo Fort
Cabo FortSituated on the south headland of the river Mandovi, the Cabo Palace was built in 1540 A. D. The fortress houses the Franciscan monastery .

 

Arvalem Waterfall
Arvalem WaterfallThe majestic waterfall which is twenty four feet high is a visual delight located nine kilometers south of Bicholim town.

 

Beaches of Goa
Beaches of GoaThe 125km coastline studded with tall palm-fringed sandy beaches are simply breathtaking and are among the best in the world. The beaches in Goa are divided into beaches in north and beaches in south. The beaches in north are known for trance parties and carnivals while the beaches in south are known for offering tranquility and solitude. The well known beaches in Goa are Morjim, Chapora, Vagator, Anjuna, Dona Paula, Colva, Vasco Da Gama, Miramar beach.

 

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom JesusThe most well known and the richest church of Goa is adorned with white marble and paintings showcasing the life of St. Francis Xavier. It also houses the tomb of St. Francis Xavier, well placed inside a silver casket. The basilica is the finest specimen of baroque architecture in the country. The chapel has a magnetic charm that attracts large number of visitors.