Heritage Monuments

 Heritage Monuments

Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in 1510 and remained a Portuguese colony until 1961. It was also the Portuguese capital of the Portuguese’s eastern empire and the centre for the catholic missions in Asia. It’s no wonder then that the majority of the monuments reflect this influence on their construction. So if you are in Goa a visit to some of these sites is a worthwhile excursion and in this article we will cover some of what we thinks are the best monuments to visit.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Yes this basilica located in Old Goa make it onto almost every travel blog you can find and for good reason, it’s in immaculate condition and is the final resting place of the body of St. Francis Xavier, Goa’s patron saint. PS: It’s said his body is as fresh as the day it was buried and if you’re lucky you may even be able to catch a glimpse of it at the public viewing that’s happening this year.

Church of St. Augustine

 Considered to be one of the coolest of the old churches in Old Goa it has found its way onto many a magazine cover. The site houses what remains of a glorious 46m tall laterite tower and some remnants of the old church. The tower itself was supposed to be a bell fry and was one of four that made up the church.

Saint Pauls College

St. Pauls College was founded in 1542 and was the main Jesuit institution in India. It’s located to the south of the St. Cajetan’s church in Old Goa and was renowned for offering free education in various academic disciplines. The college also housed the first printing press in the country and also a hospital.

And in no way is this list complete places like Se cathedra: India’s biggest church, fort Auguda and the Mahadev temple are also places worth visiting. But if you haven’t come to Goa solely for its heritage sites then these should be more than enough to fill your quota of Portuguese Goa. It’s also worth mentioning that all the above mentioned heritage sites are easily accessible and frequent tours and guides are available either through the hotel itself or one of the many local tour agencies.
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Goa’s Best Beaches

Goa is well known for its beaches and for good reason, it has a beach for everyone; from the party centers to the quiet reclusive beaches tucked away in some corner of the tropical paradise. In this article we will have a look at some of the best beaches trying to cover as many of the different types as possible.

Baga & Calangute:

If you are planning to come to Goa you would have definitely heard of the Baga and Calangute beaches. These beaches are probably the most tourist friendly in all of Goa, the beaches are well connected by transport and have lovely restaurants and a wide range of hotels that cater to your every need.

 

 

Palolem Beach:

 Palolem is widely regarded as the hidden jewel of Goa’s beaches. Situated near Cancona in the southern corner of the state, the beach manages to avoid most of the crowds and still has all the amenities you’ll need. The best way to experience the Palolem is to book a shack by the beach, rent a bike and roam the area. Patnem beach situated adjacent to Palolem is mostly hidden from visitors and is also worth visiting.

 

Anjuna Beach:

Anjuna is well known for its flea markets every Wednesday and the party scene almost every night. Curlies at the southern end of the beach is one of the most happening clubs here. The unique vibe at this beach owes its existence to the hippies that called Anjuna home in the sixties.

 

Agonda Beach:

Agonda beach is a beautiful secluded beach that in south Goa. This picturesque beach is prefect to spend a lazy day at. It is also home to a turtle centre established to protect the Oliver Ridley species. It must be said though that this beach is not a place to go swimming as the sea has steep drop offs near the coast and has a rough high tide.

Well this is our round up of what we think are Goa,s best beaches. Do you think we left any out? If so do let us know in the comments.