Stunningly attractive Goa

Stunningly attractive Goa

For those who would love to immerse themselves in the world of sunny beaches and golden sands with vignettes of Portuguese charm reflected in the priceless monuments, a visit to Goa would make their holiday memorable. 

 

I had missed out on my earlier attempts to make it to Goa but it was sometime in April, this year, I was determined to make a two-day detour of the one-time Portuguese bastion on the invitation of Goa Tourism to have a glimpse of Goa Food and Culture Festival 2015 held in Panjim.

Calangute Beach

A view of Calangute Beach

 

On reaching Goa International Airport, a 45-km scenic drive to the seaside city of Panjim brought us to Miramar Residency owned by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC). The drive offered glimpses of the river Zuari, St Sebastian Island and St. Jacintha Island on the way. Soon after refreshing at Miramar Residency, we were on our way to Calangute, just 17 km from Panjim in Bardez district of North Goa. 

 

Calangute Beach

 

Calangute sea beach is the largest in North Goa and is densely crowded with a steady stream of tourists. 

Konkani delight Ambat Ambati at Destination One

There are a number of beach shacks that we could sight on the beach and one can enjoy water sports facilities like parasailing and water skiing on the beach. 

We lunched at Destination One of Calangute Residency, a property of GTDC after Goan food demonstration session in the 

restaurant.

Panjim

River Mandovi in Panjim

 

Since I had limited time in hand, I decided to visit the Miramar Beach the next morning. Lying close to Miramar Residency, the Miramar Beach is at the confluence of river Mandovi and the Arabian Sea. 

Miramar Beach, Panjim

 

 

The beach is one of the most visited beaches in Goa and one can enjoy sound views of Panjim city. It was a pleasure to visit Goa Food and Cultural Festival 2015 hosted by GTDC that was held at Campal Ground on Dayanand Bandodkar Marg in Panjim.

Ponda

Tropical Spice Plantation at Keri, Ponda

 

 

We drove around 30 km from Panjim to head to Ponda to visit the Tropical Spice Plantation that is snuggled at Keri hamlet.

 

Cashew nut Tree at Tropical Spice Plantation

 

The 250-year-old plantation site has opened its doors for travellers over the last 17 years. 

 

Cinnamon tree at Tropical Spice Plantation

 

There are 30 species of spice flora in the spice garden and our spice trail made us get close views of the spice plants like cinnamon, cashew nut, red pepper and lemon grass. One can also come across pine apple plants with the ripe fruit and star fruit.

Old Goa

Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa

 

 

No mention of Goa can be made without Basilica of Bom Jesus on Old Goa Road in Old Goa popular as Velha Goa. Listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the basilica has preserved the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. Although it was my second visit to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, I could rarely recollect my memory of visiting the basilica along with my parents during my formative years. 

 

The huge monument that exhibits baroque architecture is the only church in Goa that is without any plaster on its exterior walls. The church is only 9 km from Panjim on the banks of river Mandovi and represents elegance and simplicity. In fact, there are lots to see in the monument exhibiting Jesuit architecture.

Based on the inscriptions, the foundation of the huge church was laid way back on November 24, 1594 by the then Archbishop of Goa during the Portuguese regime. The monument was completed on May 15, 1605. The church is widely known as Bom Jesus that implies “infant” Jesus or “good” Jesus. We entered the main altar measuring 54 ft high and 34 ft wide with huge pillars made from basalt. The imposing three-storied façade is a distinguished blend of Ionic, Corinthian and Doric architecture. 

 

The altar of St. Francis Xavier

 

The main entrance has two small entrances and the façade has three letters in Greek inscribed on the top –IHS that connotes Jesus. Beneath the choir, we came near the altar of St Anthony on the right side and the wooden statue of St. Francis Xavier on the left. Getting an opportunity to come near the altar of St. Francis Xavier was a moment of bliss for me.

Goa Food & Cultural Festival 2015

 

Adjacent to the Basilica of Bom Jesus is another heritage attraction. It is none other than the massive Church of St. Francis of Assisi that was set up in 1661 representing a fine example of Portuguese architecture. The church is plastered with lime and built on laterite blocks. The heritage structure stands as the reminder of the religious group of St. Francis who visited Goa during 16^th century.