SIGHT SEEING - ATTRACTIONS & PLACES TO VISIT IN GOA, INDIA

Apart from the fabulous, sparkling, shimmering white sand beaches, Goa has lot more to offer - Portuguese mansions, museums, Old Churches, temples and bustling markets. There is a lot to see. But it requires a bit of planning. After lazing around in the shacks on beaches or after some water sports during mornings and day, two early evenings can be dedicated to sight seeing. One can hire a motorcycle or best a taxi or rented car.

Following are the places to visit in Goa:-

Panaji - Panaji is the capital of the state of Goa and is a lovely little town. It was called " Panjim" by the Portuguese which means 'the land that does not flood'. Situated on the river Mandovi, this town offers the Church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception and the Chapel of Sebastian. The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the Statue of Abbe Faria are the must see for the lovers of Art.

Old Goa - It was the Portuguese capital and all that remains are a few churches and the ruins of a gateway. Old Goa still is the spiritual heart of the Christian Goa. The largest of the churches in Goa, the Se Cathedral is in Old Goa and is flocked by thousands of tourists every year. The holy shrine of Baslica of Bom Jesus, also in Old Goa, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among the Roman Catholics. The Convent & Church of Fancis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine are all located in Old Goa.

Fort Aguada - This fort is worth a visit to see the nostalgia of the Portuguese regime.

The Kerkar Art Complex in South Calangute (Village at Calangute Beach) is also an important tourist destination. The Wednesday Flea market at the Anjuna Beach is an important trading center for handicrafts from North India.