A Day in Goa"
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"A Day in Goa" Created By: Cityseeker 23 Locations Bookmarked Sahakari Spice Farm "Spice of Life" Curti is a small and green neighborhood in the city of Ponda. One of the main attractions in the city is the Sahakari Spice Farm, which is brimming with the bounty of nature. Since the year 1979, the farm has been transformed from partially cultivated and partially barren land to a thriving spice farm, owing to developments in farming techniques. The spices that by Public Domain CC0 one will find at this expansive organic farm are, cinnamon, cloves, pepper, cardamom, vanilla and nutmeg, among others. All the talk of spices making your mouth water? Not a problem, one can enjoy a delicious meal at the restaurant located on the farm. The food in the restaurant in served in clay pots and plates made from banana leaves. And that's not all it has to offer! The spice plantation offers entertainment such as folk dance performances like Dhalo, Fugdi and Jagor, elephant rides, and more. +91 832 231 2394 www.sahakarifarms.com/ [email protected] Off National Highway 4A, Curti, Ponda Ancestral Goa "Indomitable Spirit of Goa" Spread over nine acres of land, Ancestral Goa, also known as "Big Foot," is a first of its kind theme park and outdoor museum in India. It showcases a variety of artifacts that depict the journey and hardships in the past of rural Goa. From Anandachem Ghor (House of Happiness) to see the salt pans & coastal treasure, Ancestral Goa is a sojourn that will take you back by Aruna at ml.wikipedia in time. It has the honor of housing the largest laterite sculpture of Mirabai, the devotional poet and saint and also, the Big Foot Cross Museum that has on display thousands of crosses from all over the world. Ancestral Goa enlightens you about the fact that there is much more to Goa than just parties and beaches, Goa is a land of many mysteries and a multitude of color. Have fun exploring! +91 832 277 7034 www.ancestralgoa.com/ [email protected] Big Foot, Loutolim Basilica of Bom Jesu "Housing The Mortal Remains of St. Xavier" Located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site area of Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesu houses the corporeal remains of St. Francis of Xavier, which have miraculously still not decayed but remain as fresh as ever. And this is no urban legend because once in every 12 years, the remains are exposed to the general public for veneration. This 400 year old church is not too exquisite in terms of architectural style however the interiors are adorned with some interesting paintings that depict life of the saint. A magnificently gilded alter leaves many impressed. +91 832 228 5790 www.bomjesus.in/ [email protected] Off National Highway 4, Old Goa Church Complex, Old Goa Old Goa "Legacy of Old Goa" Throughout history, Old Goa has been known by a variety of names like Velha Goa, Adlem Goem, Pornem Goem and Saibanchem Goem. The last refers to the fact that the saint Francis Xavier's incorruptible remains lay here. Old Goa remained the administrative center and capital of Goa under the Portuguese till 1843 after which it was moved to Panaji. It has a by Rossipaulo fair share of famous beaches and the Old Goa Church Complex puts it on the map of the world by being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. +91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Off National Highway 4, Old Goa Se Cathedral "Portuguese Built Cathedral" Dedicated to Christianity's most famous female martyr Catherine of Alexandria, the Se Cathedral in Old Goa was designed by Ambrosio Argueiro and Julio Simao in 1562 and completed in 1619. The result of a 57 year long period of construction was a masterpiece which successfully infused Corinth, Tuscan, Portuguese and Gothic elements of architecture within it. The Golden Bell which is rated to be one of the finest in the world because of its distinctive rich peal, is housed in this cathedral. To the right, lies the Chapel of The Cross of Miracles where Christ is said to have appeared here in 1919. Folklore has it that this cross has been growing bigger and bigger ever since. St. Francis Xavier of Assisi also baptized a number of indigenous Goans in the baptismal here. +91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Off National Highway 4, Old Goa Church Complex, Old Goa Old Goa Church Complex "Complex of Treasures" The Old Goa Complex is one of the most treasured locations in Goa housing churches and cathedrals built by the colonialists as far back as the 15th and 16th Century. With all of the buildings featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a visit here literally takes you back in time and gives an insight into how instrumental these churches were in spreading Christianity not just in Goa but through the entire western coast of India. The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi is the most visited, especially with Goans, who flock here every December 3rd to commemorate his birthday. The Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St. Catherine and Church of Saint Cajetan are equally stunning in architectural styles and history. It also contains the Archaeological Museum which is open 10a to 5p on all days other than Friday. Visit Old Goa and look beyond the beaches and swaying trees towards the true heritage and legacy of Goa. +91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Off National Highway 4, Old Goa Gallery Gitanjali "Art In Goa" With a great location in Goa's capital city, the Gallery Gitanjali houses some splendid artworks featuring some of Goa's most talented artists like Shilpa Pandit, Francis Desouza and Sonia Rodrigues. The spacious gallery often plays hosts to local art events which are well-attended by the artist community. Check the website for a look at some of the featured artists. by dailyinvention +91 832 222 6523 www.gallerygitanjali.com/ [email protected] 31st January Road, E-212, m Panjim Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church "Piety Church" The term Immaculate has been derived from the Latin word 'macula', meaning clean and pure. Roman Catholics all over strongly believe that Mother Mary lived a sin free life, and thus refer to her as the 'Immaculate by Klaus Nahr from Germany One'. Dating back to the early 1540s, a religious site solely dedicated to Mother Mary stands tall at the Main Square in Panaji. This massive white structure rebuilt in 1619, highlights marvelous Portuguese architecture. A scenic backdrop wherein swaying palm trees and steps inclined in opposite directions lead you to the main entrance. The interiors of the church are quite elegantly designed, with paintings and scripts from the Bible adorning the walls. Apart from the main altar, the crucifix of Jesus and marble statues of saints are worshiped as well. Religious services are held daily. However, the main celebration at the Church is the Feast of the Conception of Our Lady, held on the 8th of December. The church is an important landmark in Panaji and also forms an integral part of its rich history. +91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) Church Square, Althino, Panaji Goa Chitra "Glorious Goan Culture" Anyone who has visited Goa would have noticed the distinct cultural flavor that exists in the language, furniture, food as well as clothing of the people. However, after the rise in tourism as well as modernization, these characteristics of the Goan culture are slowly diminishing. Goa Chitra is an ethnographic museum which aims to preserve the craftsmanship, culture by Robert Stirrett and art of the civilizations that existed in Goa previously. Founder Victor Hugo Gomes, who is a professional curator and restorer, is very passionate about the cause and has collected and preserved nearly 4000 artifacts, and his collection is only increasing. His main objective was to offer information to historians, anthropologist and the like and to anyone who is interested in Goan culture and art. +91 832 657 0877 www.goachitra.com/muse [email protected] St. John the Baptist Church um.html Road, Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim Kala Academy "Cultural Nerve Of Goa" A stroll down the Portuguese influenced 18th June Road in Panjim leads you to one of Goa's leading cultural and performing arts centers. Surrounded by beautiful trees and the scenic Mandovi River, most of the culturally poignant events have taken place here. The ground floor of the Academy houses astonishing illusion paintings and a Ganesh idol made of coconuts. As you move ahead, you find a lounge area for artists and VIPs which has the art gallery on the right side. The Kala Academy also has on an administrative block, a black box area where most smaller events take place, an open-air amphitheater and the Dinanath Mangueshkar Hall which is the main performing AC auditorium. At the rear end, lies a sprawling landscaped garden which overlooks the river offering gorgeous views. +91 832 242 0453 kalaacademygoa.org/ 18th June Road, Campal, Panjim 18th June Road "Shoppers Street" 18th June Road in Goa's capital city is one of the busiest streets that passes through the heart of Panjim. Synonymous with being a shoppers paradise, tourists and locals flock here for an authentic shopping experience that spans local Goan corner shops, as well as international brands like Bossini, Levi's and the housewives paradise: Bombay Bazaar. by Abhisek Sarda The Fidalgo Hotel located along this road is a landmark hotel in Goa. A must visit while in Panjim! +91 832 222 3412 (Tourist Information) 18th June Road, Panjim Fort Aguada "Fortress Rooted In History" One of the most important forts in all of Goa, the Fort Aguada is steeped in history.