Half Day Sightseeing Tour of Old Goa

The temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India, based around a deity that is worshipped. The architecture of Goan temples is a little different mostly because of historical reasons.

Start your day visiting the two most famous temples namely Shantadurga Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati & Lord Naguesh and the Ramnathi temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The temple is believed to have been installed by Lord Rama while his return journey to Ayodhya after the killing of Ravana.

Afterwards, proceed to Old Goa located approximately 10 kilometres east of the present capital of Goa It has truly earned the name “Rome of the East.” It bounds in churches and chapels, some dating back to the 16th century. The profusion and architectural excellence of churches include superb examples of late renaissance, early baroque, Manueline and Gothic. The most popular or the best know churches and the cathedrals are at Old Goa. Certainly, open on Sundays, other days are variable. The ones at old Goa are open daily. But a few which are worth mentioning & visit.

Basilica Of Bom Jesus: This is the most well recognized church in Goa. “Bom Jesus” means “infant Jesus” to whom the church is dedicated.

Se Cathedral: Situated across the road from the basilica, this is the largest church in Asia. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint Catherine.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi: Behind theSe cathedral, in the same structure, lies the church of the Franciscans who were the earliest missionaries to goa. The attached convent now houses the archaeological museum with portraits of goa’s viceroys and hindu sculptures.

After the Old Goa tour, proceed to the capital city Panaji, The Goan Capital has a different feel from any other Indian City. Stacked around the side of the lush terraced hillside at the mouth of the Mandovi River, its skyline of sloping red-tiled roofs, whitewashes churches and concrete apartment blocks the essence of the city purely based on the Portuguese architecture distinctively seen all around. Known as the Church Square which is located in the Heart of the City is Panjim’s most photogenic Landmark of the “Church of Our Lady of Immaculate conception”.

Shopping around is easy with many shops offering you different variations of Souvenirs & Gifts. From the Cashew nuts to the Goan Feni, everything is available with loads of variety to choose from all around the city.

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