GOA HOLIDAY PLACES

TRAVEL IN GOA
Finding transport is easy – both for short and longer journeys around Colva Beach Resort and the Goa area in India. For short journeys, three wheeler auto-rickshaws – pictured right - can carry up to three people and are generally a little cheaper than the taxis. To visit places further away a taxi with driver can be hired for a specific journey or for the day. It is always best to agree a fixed price before you take the service.We do have our own recommended driver - that you may wish to book for airport transfers and visits to the major attractions. He has extensive knowledge of Goa and local attractions. We can book him in advance for a guaranteed airport pick-up. Please note that all taxi fares in Goa are payable by the customer at an agreed rate with the driver. 

Colva is centrally placed in Goa - with good road and rail links to North and South Goa - All Resorts, main attractions, Margao commercial centre and the Capital Panjim. If required we are ideal for sightseeing, touring, shopping or you can just relax in the sun.  

Local buses are also an option – which is more popular with Goans. A short ride from Colva Beach Resort to the Margao KTC (Bus Station) will link you to a bus travelling over Goa. Alternatively, buses run from Margao KTC (Bus Station) to the local railway station and also to the airport at Dabolim for regular International and Indian flights.  

PANAJI MARGAO 
Panaji (Panjim), The scenic capital of Goa, Panaji (Panjim) is located along the river Mandovi. Tiers of white washed red tile - roofed buildings rising up the hill side give it a Mediterranean flavour. Panaji (Panjim) is noted for its fine buildings. The present Panaji (Panjim) Government Secretariat is located along the river. Once the Governor's residence, it was built at the site of the palace of Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception dominates the Panaji (Panjim) city square and its steps zig zag up the hill. 

Near by Margao is a major commercial centre. It also has some beautiful old houses and churches. The towns of Vasco da Gama and the Mormugao Port are close by. Mapusa is another town with great charm that comes alive each Friday when a local market springs up. 

GOAN BEACHES 
At every twist and turn of the undulating Goan coast there are alluring little coves or bays each completely different and each with its own special charm.

Along the coast are picturesque villages with tall white washed churches and red tiled houses that nestle into the lush green of the Goan countryside.

The Southern Beaches with their expanses of sparkling white sand and calm sea include Bogmalo, Utorda, Majorda, Colva Beach, Benaulim, Cavelossim and Mobor. The tiny bay at Palolem, is especially beautiful.

The Northen Beaches including Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Anjuna - to name a few are well worth a visit - but be prepared for more congestion on the beaches and inflated prices - including chargeable sun beds.

GOAN CHURCHES
Velha Goa the old Goan capital of the Portuguese, is practically an open air museum. The magnificent l6th century Goan city once known as Goa Dourada (Golden Goa) rivalled the European cities in splendour and wealth. Today some of that grandeur can be seen in the imposing Goan churches, convents and monasteries that remain. They have high vaulted roofs and lavish baroque interiors with carved and gilded altar pieces and statues. 

The majestic Tuscan style Se Cathedral dedicated to St. Catherine da Se has some of the finest examples of Goan religious art. The little chapels that lie off the main nave are beautifully ornamented in different styles. Nearby is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. The Archaeological Museum is housed in the adjacent Goan convent. 

The Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the miraculously preserved remains of St. Francis Xavier - displayed in an exquisitely crafted silver casket resting on a multi-hued Italian marble base. The imposing structure supported externally by buttresses has an elaborately gilded altar. 

The St. Cajetan Church close by, modelled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, is topped by a dome.

Halfway up a nearby hill is the massive Goan Convent of St. Monica constructed in 1627 AD, and at the top are the majestic ruins of the St. Augustine's Church.

GOAN TEMPLES
Goa's many charming temples are built in a style that incorporates Hindu, Islamic and Christian architectural elements. Many are located in the vicinity of Ponda, a mere 20 kms away from Panaji (Panjim). 

In the l6th century, when Portuguese persecution was at its peak and temples were being destroyed, deities from ancient shrines were stealthily smuggled out across the border into the adjoining area of Antruz, now Ponda. 

In the 18th century these makeshift shrines were converted into graceful Goan temples and built in a style unique to Goa. These complexes have elaborate deepa stambhas, domes in place of shikaras which are crowned by kalasas, saracenic arches, traditional mandapas and temple tanks.

Among the most revered temples in this area are the Shri Manguesh Temple in Priol, the Shri Naguesh Temple, the temple of Shri Mahalsa Narayani, a folk deity, the Shri Ramnathi Temple at Kavalem and the Shri Shanta Durga Temple, a shrine to Durga worshipped unusually in a peaceful avatar.

Up in the hills, safe from the depredations of the invaders, is the sole surviving example of Kadamba temple architecture. Built in black basalt stone the Mahadeva Temple at Tamdi Surla is adorned with sculpted monolithic pillars and niches and delicately carved bas reliefs.

GOAN MOSQUE
At Ponda is the elegant Safa Mosque buit in 1560, evidence of Goa's Muslim past.

GOAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
Four attractive Goan wildlife sanctuaries preserve thick forests and habitats along the slopes of the Western Ghats. 
These include the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km east of Panaji), the Bondla Sanctuary (55 km from Panaji) and the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary (60 km south of Panaji). The wet deciduous forests of these preserves have abundant birdlife and are the habitat of animals like the bison, leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, pangolin, etc.

The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on the island of Chorao along the river Mandovi, close to Panaji, has mangrove forests and varieties of water birds visiting from as far as Siberia.

GOAN FESTIVALS
Christmas in Goa is a special time of almost universal festivity. Families get together and an air of excitement pervades the Goan state. Various local Christian and Hindu festivities include the Feast days of patron saints of villages and temple festivals.

In February/March the Goan Carnival is celebrated for four days with colourful processions, floats and dances at Panaji (Panjim), Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.

Ganesh Chaturthi is a very special festival for Goans. During the days of celebration people return to their ancestral homes and the little villages and towns hum with excitements, as various ceremonies are observed.

Diwali is celebrated as the victory of good over evil and effigies of Narkasur are burnt throughout the Goan state.

The Shigmotsav is the local version of the Goan festival of Holi which is celebrated for one week. Parades with colourful floats with mythological themes are taken out in all major Goan towns.

BOAT TRIPS CRUISE
A number of Boat Trips are available in both Morbor and Panaji (Panjim). 

These include:

An all inclusive day-out cruise into the Arabian Sea at Morbor – viewing Dolphins and then a return into the River Sal to enjoy a birds-eye view of the wildlife including Bats. 

A great escape cruise to a remote beach location – to enjoy a relaxing afternoon and BBQ. 

A Sunset Cruise down the River Sal – taking in views of the Wildlife and enjoying a Sunset over the River.

Please note that the above attractions are given as a guide only. Please confirm that they are still valid locally prior to booking transportation.


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