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About Goa Travel

Goa TRAVEL

Goa's history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan empire. Later, at the beginning of the Christian era, it was ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur. Control eventually passed on to the Chalukyans of Badami, who ruled from 580 to 750 AD. Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312, but Harihara I of the Vijayanagar Empire, whose capital was at Hampi, forced the invaders out in 1370. Over the next 100 years, Goa's harbours were important landing places for ships carrying Arabian horses to the Vijayanagar cavalry at Hampi.

Blessed as it is with natural harbours and wide rivers, Goa was the ideal base for the seafaring Portuguese who arrived in 1510. They aimed to control the spice route from the east and had a strong desire to spread Christianity. Jesuit missionaries, led by St Francis Xavier, arrived in 1542. By the middle of the 16th century, Portuguese control had expanded beyond Old Goa to include the provinces of Bardez and Salcete. Goa's golden age came with the eventual ousting of the Turks, who controlled the trade routes across the Indian Ocean, and the resultant fortunes made from the spice trade.

The colony became the seat of the Portuguese Empire of the east, which included various East African port cities, East Timor and Macau. But competition from the British, French and Dutch in the 17th century, combined with Portugal's inability to adequately service its far-flung empire, led to a decline. The Marathas almost vanquished the Portuguese in the late 18th century, and there was a brief occupation by the British during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. However, the Portuguese clung on till 1961.

Beaches are the most attractive and frequented spots in Goa. In fact, Goa is almost synonymous with beaches. Nearly the entire coastline is dotted with world-class beaches, which acquire their names after the nearby village or locality. Two continuous stretches of beaches - northern and southern stretches - mark the Goan coastline. Kissed by the passionate, azure sea and embraced by the land and shaded by swaying palms, these miles of golden sand sparkling in the sun are the most desired places you can ever love on earth. Rest, sunbathe, forget everything and see the time fleeting by silently.

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Historical Monuments

Ancestral Goa

Located at Laoulim, 10-km from Margao, ancestral Goa is a mock up village dating Back a century. Built in a verdant hillside, a guided trek takes one down the Goan memory lane. Amidst a variety of rare wild flowers and mushrooms, a variety of exquisite insects and mushrooms and birds are also sighted. A species of frog, now almost extinct, which was once a Goan delicacy, might also hop out along the trail.

This sprawling village has a natural spring, a fisherman's hut, marketplace, mansion of 'Dona Maria' and traditional Goan artisans at work. One can stop by the 'Traverena', the country liquor shop, warm up with a peg of Goan Feni distilled at the 'Bhatti' and play an ancient game of 'tabla' or sit on mud benches in the verandah of the farmers' house relishing roasted seeds and other Goan eats.

The Gate Of The College Of St. Paul

The College of St. Paul, once the principal institution of Jesuits in India for imparting knowledge on Christianity, was built over the ruins of a mosque south of St. Cajetan's church at Old Goa in 1542. However, it was abandoned during the outbreak of plague in 1570 and went into disuse.

The Government demolished this ruining structure in 1832 to carry materials for building construction in Panaji. What remains of the college that was completed in 1542 and of the collegiate church consecrated on 25 January 1543 is the fa�ade in the shape of an arch with a niche at the top and a cross crowning it.

The arch that led to the College as a gateway is built of laterite, flanked on either side by a basalt column of the Corinthian order on raised plinth, and supported by basalt pilasters of the Doric order.

The College of St. Paul, once the principal institution of Jesuits in India for imparting knowledge on Christianity, was built over the ruins of a mosque south of St. Cajetan's church at Old Goa in 1542. However, it was abandoned during the outbreak of plague in 1570 and went into disuse.

The Gate Of The Palace Of Adil Shah

The Palace of Adil Shah at Old Goa was the most prominent building with magnificent lofty staircases. It was the residence of the Portuguese governors till 1695, and was afterwards used by them on festive occasions. It was deserted during the epidemic in the 18th century, was demolished in 1820 and the materials carried to Panjim for construction of houses.

Now only the gate remains which is architecturally purely Brahminical in style. Six steps in front of the gate lead to the raised platform on which the gate stands. It is made of basalt and consists of a horizontal lintel resting on pillars decorated with mouldings and having on the outer side fragmentary perforated screens.The Palace of Adil Shah at Old Goa was the most prominent building with magnificent lofty staircases.

It was the residence of the Portuguese governors till 1695, and was afterwards used by them on festive occasions. It was deserted during the epidemic in the 18th century, was demolished in 1820 and the materials carried to Panjim for construction of houses.

The Pillory

Where the Kuchcha road branches off from the road to Neura, leading to the Church and Convent of the Cross of Miracles , is a lone pillar on a raised platform, which once occupied the central place in the city square, and was used for punishing offenders of the law, who were tied to it and publicly whipped.

It was in use during the Portuguese rule till the end of the 17th century. The pillar, which is of basalt, had iron rings fixed to it and from its shape and mouldings it appears that the pillar might have formed part of a Brahmanical temple.

Where the Kuchcha road branches off from the road to Neura, leading to the Church and Convent of the Cross of Miracles , is a lone pillar on a raised platform, which once occupied the central place in the city square, and was used for punishing offenders of the law, who were tied to it and publicly whipped. It was in use during the Portuguese rule till the end of the 17th century. The pillar, which is of basalt, had iron rings fixed to it and from its shape and mouldings it appears that the pillar might have formed part of a Brahmanical temple.

The Viceroys Arch

The main road in front of the Church of St. Cajetan leads to the river Mandovi through an archway known as the Viceroy's Arch. The arch is made of laterite except for the fa�ade on the riverside which is facetted with greenish granite. The fa�ade has a niche at the top with a statue in stone of Vasco da Gama. Correspondingly, in the rear, is a statue of the Argonaut. There are two inscribed slabs alongside the walls in the arch. Though the original structure was built soon after the conquest of the city by the Portuguese, the arch underwent considerable changes. The arch was completely re-built in 1954 retaining the statues excepting the bronze statue of St. Catherine, which was at the top of the structure in a separate niche.

The inscription on the original arch recording that the arch was rebuilt by the Governor, Francisco da Gama, can still be seen on this arch. Another inscription on it is dedicated to the Immaculate Conception of Virgin Mary, commemorating the emancipation of Portugal from Spain in 1656.

Aguada Fort

A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there, giving it the name "Aguada" (meaning 'water' in Portuguese). On the northern side, it provides a harbour for local shipping. The fort, at present, houses the central jail. A 19th century built lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.

Immediately south of Candolim, a long peninsula extends into the sea, bringing the seven-kilometre white sandy beach to an abrupt end. Aguada Fort, which crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland, is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa.

Built in 1612 to protect the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from Dutch and Maratha raiders, it is home to several natural springs, the first source of drinking water available to ships arriving in Goa after the long sea voyage from Lisbon.

Cabo Raj Niwas

Built in 1540 AD opposite Fort Aguada on the south headland of the river Mandovi, the Cabo (the Portuguese word for cape) Palace fortress housed the Franciscan monastery, which later (1594 AD) became the official residence of the Governor of Goa.

Holding the most panoramic view one can witness in Goa with the Indian Ocean towards the west, the Bay of the river Mandovi and Fort Aguada on the north and the busy port of Mormugao.

Remaining unhabitated and isolated for centuries, it is believed some human habitation must have been present over here but because of its enclosure in a dense wilderness, no signs of earlier settlements found.

The beauty, solitude and uniqueness and well-planned features are some of the main attractions of the Cabo. A small Chapel was constructed at the very end of the mansion dedicated to Our virgin lady of The cape (Nossa Senhora do Cabo). It also served as a landmark for the seafarers.

The exact date about the first construction of the fort is not known but in a recently discovered note dated 30th June 1541, there was a proposal to locate a Franciscan priest at the chapel, which already existed. In 1540, the eighth Governor, D. Estevao de Gama, proposed the idea of constructing some fortifications at the mansion site to guard the entrance to both the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The Cabo was converted into one of the best equipped and important fortresses over the years.

Chapora Fort

Goa Chapora Fort is situated near the Anjuna beach in Goa. The Chapora Fort gives a splendid view of the Anjuna and Vagator beaches. The fort has been well preserved except for a few interesting ruins. Once, it was a domain of the Muslim rulers before the Portuguese wrested it.

Chapora fort was built by the Adil Shah of Bijapur on the southern headland of the Chapora River. It was also known as "Shahpur" and is now mostly ruined. It has a commanding view of the Vagator beach and is near to Anjuna beach.

The red laterite bastion, crowning the rocky bluff, was built by the Portuguese in 1617 on the site of an earlier Muslim structure. Deserted in the 19th century, it lies in ruins today, although the views up and down the coast from the weed-infested ramparts are still superb

Teracol Fort in Goa

Teracol Fort in Goa
North of Arambol, the sinuous coast road climbs to the top of a rocky, undulating plateau, then winds down through a swathe of thick woodland to join the river Arondem, which it then follows for 4km through a landscape of vivid paddy fields, coconut plantations and temple towers protruding from scruffy red brick villages. The tiny enclave of Terakol, the northernmost tip of Goa, is reached via a clapped-out car ferry from the hamlet of Querim, 42-km from Panjim,

It was a key Portuguese fort for the defense of Goa, on the north side of the estuary of the Teracol River, the most northern boundary of Goa. Hyped as one of the state's most atmospheric historic monuments, it turns out to be little more than a down at heel country house recently converted into a low-key luxury hotel. Decorative turrets and dry moat with commanding views of the estuary and ocean mark the fort.

If ones visit coincides with the arrival of a guided tour, one may get a chance to look around the gloomy interior of the chapel of St. Anthony, in the fort's claustrophobic cobbled square; at other times it's kept locked. The Chapel also has a classical late Goan facade

Mormugoa Fort

This fort near the internationally famous Marmagoa Harbour was built to protect the harbour situated near the Vasco da Gama town. Its work started in 1624.

It covered an area of six miles in circumference, contained towering bulwarks, three magazines, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the guard. It had 53 guns and a garrison with 4 officers, and was an important fortress on the western coast.

Unfortunately, except the chapel and a portion of the boundary wall, little is left of this fort.

Hotels in Goa

Marriott Resort

Location :: 30 kms. from Airport.

Rooms :: 178

Room Facilities :: Room Service, Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, Tea/ Coffee Maker.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Separate Executive Floor, Executive Lounge, Banquet & Conference Facilites, Beauty Parlour, Shopping Arcade, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Golf.

Details :: Goa Marriott Resort is among the best resorts of Goa. Some of its rooms offers you with an extraordinary view of the mesmerizing Arabian Sea. Goa Marriott Resort is an ultimate destination for travelers seeking stay in the land of sun & sand.

Resort Hyatt Park

Location :: The resort is 15 minutes away from Goa's Dabolim airport and 20 minutes away from railway station.

Rooms :: 251

Room Facilities :: Each of well appointed rooms has a large varanda overlooking either the meandering lagoon or the Arabian Sea, and indivdual air-conditionind control unit , a 25�? color television, minibarfully stocked to international standards, a personal electronic safe, computer data ports with high speed modren lines, two line telephone and voice mail messaging system.

Other Facilities :: Swimming Pool, Gymnasium, Camp activities for children, video arcade, water sports including parasalling and jet skiing. miles of sandy white beach, badminton, croquet and beach volleyball, and other indoor games, Village Plaza shops, Informal stage shows, Multipurpose Theatre, Observatory equipped with deep sea space telescope, Astrology, Cooking School led by master Chef, Art Gallery.

Details :: Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa is located in South Goa. It offers beautiful architecture and design, well maintained rooms and suites, warm service, mouthwatering cuisine and exotic view of this historic city.

Cidade de

Location :: 26 kms from Airport, 30 km from Railway Station.

Rooms :: 210

Room Facilities :: Room Service, H/C Running water, Telephone, TV, Channel Music, Tea/ Coffee Maker, Refrigerator, Swimming Pool, Childrens` Park, Water Sports.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Amusement Centre, Sports & Games, Health Fitness Centre, Water Sports, Aerobics Yoga.

Details :: Cidade de Goa resort is spread over a lush green 40 acres of landscaped garden and is located on Vainguinim Beach. Its architecture is based on old Portuguese style and looks like the Portuguese hill hamlet. The resort's unique architectural design have already earned an international R.I.B.A. award.

Holiday Inn

Location :: 45 kms from Airport, 17 kms. from Railway Station.

Rooms :: 139

Room Facilities :: Room Service, Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, Fax, TV, Safe Deposit, Channel Music, Tea/ Coffee Maker.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Shopping Arcade, Casino.

Details :: Holiday inn Goa offers 139 luxurious and well maintained rooms and suites (Plaza room, Deluxe room, Club room & Kid Suites). Each with a balcony, overlooking the Arabian Sea.

The Kenilworth Beach Resort

Location :: 15 kms from Airport, 13 kms. from Railway Station.

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The Kenilworth Beach Resort, Utorda, Majorda, Salcete, Goa 403 713.

Rooms :: 93, Twin: 93, Double: 29, Suites: 3.

Room Facilities :: Room Service, Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, Fax, TV, Safe Deposit, Channel Music, Tea/ Coffee Maker, Mini Bar, Internet, Sea Facing Rooms with Balcony.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Shopping Arcade, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Tennis, Golf, Water Sports.

Details :: A charming Baroque-Portuguese style architecture inspires its twin story façade, set between hotels in goa formally landscaped gardens and a international standard Double ‘T’ 9 Hole Golf Course- overlooking a virginal beachfront, unfolding a mesmerizing beauty that is hotels in Goa

Bogmalo Beach Park Plaza Resort

Location :: 4 kms from Airport, 9 kms. from Railway Station.

Address:
Bogmalo Beach Park Plaza Resort, Bogmalo, Goa 403 806.

Rooms :: 121, Double: 114, Suites: 7.

Room Facilities :: Room Service, Hot & Cold Running Water, Telephone, TV, Safe Deposit, Channel Music.

Other Facilities :: Business Centre, Banquet & Conference Facilities, Beauty Parlour, Shopping Arcade, Health Club, Swimming Pool, Recreation Room, Internet.

Details :: The hotel, which is right on the Bogmalo Beach, has a swimming pool, health club, steam, Jacuzzi, massage centre, multi-cuisine restaurant and a bar.

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