What to visit and see ?

Markets 

All areas of GOA have local markets some are held daily, some only once a week, the Friday Mapusa market is the main market for North Goa, sellers arrive from all over the area and also from surrounding states to sell their wares, all types of goods are on offer, this is the market that Goans use for their weekly shopping, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid the crowds and the mid day heat, hold on to your camera and wallet, things can get very busy, this is a market not to be missed. (you’ll find me there with my camera, most Fridays in March) arrange to be dropped of by your taxi and picked up at a prearranged time/location as parking is a nightmare. Anjuna Wednesday market (north goa) is the original hippy market, held in a large area just short of Anjuna beach it offers clothes, holiday souvenirs etc, and can get very hot and busy, you will also be hassled by “come see my shop” offers, Anjuna would not be top of my visit list, but really has to be experienced, once at least. In recent years Saturday night markets have started, these are located at Apora and on the road to Siolim (Ingo’s), both in North Goa, they are held in the cool of the evening, so they are much more comfortable to visit, with a large range of colourful stalls, fast food, bars, and live music, they are very popular, the best time to get there is just as the sun goes down and before the crowds arrive after dinner from their hotels. Panaji has a very good covered market, this has every type of goods but is not to busy, ideal if you want to look around without to much hassle, Goa is famous for fish so has many Fish Markets the covered market in Calangute is very good, just hold your breath and venture in, a wide range of fish is on offer as well as some vegetables and spices,  the best fish market can be found in the village of Betim (opposite Panaji) this is the landing place for boats fresh from the Arabian Sea, get there early for the best fish and atmosphere…this is a real fish market and should not be missed.

Temples

The area near Ponda has the highest concentration of Hindu temples in GOA. The best way to visit them is to find a Hindu taxi driver who can speak good English, he will take you to his favourite temples and tell you all about them, all for about £10, all temples are free, but please buy some gift or souvenir to help with the upkeep, remember you are required to remove your footwear prior to entering the inner temple, please be respectful of worshippers, I would recommend reading a guide book prior top your holiday to get some idea of the temples and which you may wish to visit, (see guide book link on home page / useful links).

Churches

Every town in GOA has a Christian church some of these are located at the entrance to the town St Alex in Calangute is a good, much photographed example, some churches are in the middle of the town or city, The Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji is a fine example. Old Goa Situated a few miles inland from Panaji must not be missed, it was the old capital city of GOA and now comprises a wide open park area surrounded by churches and Cathedrals, the Minor Basilica of Bom Jesus houses the remains of St Francis Xavier who was Portugal’s most influential missionary to Asia,  Opposite the Basilica you will find Se Cathedral this is the largest of Old Goa’s structures and is the largest church in Asia, this building is not usually busy and will give you time to look at it architecture, if you can stand in the building without saying “wow” I will be surprised, Next to the Cathedral you will find the Archaeological Museum  this contains many interesting Christian and Hindu relics, upstairs there is a fine Portrait Gallery with paintings of all the governors who ruled GOA in Portugal’s name for 450 years.  Just west of Old Goa you will find St Augustine Tower an amazing structure and to the east you should visit The Church of our Lady of the Mount the views from here over the surrounding area are well worth the climb up a few steps. Old Goa is a World Heritage Site, and should not be missed, even if you are not religious. Remember all the churches you visit will be in use for worship or services, please be respectful of people’s privacy and do not photograph people directly

The following is an extract from oHeraldo....12 June 09

"The magnificent Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa  was voted among the ‘7 Wonders of Portuguese origin in the world’. along with the fortress of Diu .
The two Indian sites are rooted in Portuguese colonialism that held sway over Goa, Daman & Diu until the colonies were liberated on December 19, 1961. Goa is now a separate State while Daman & Diu are Union territories.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa is a world heritage monument built in 1695 and has emerged as a landmark in the history of Christianity. It contains the body of St. Francis Xavier.
Voting for the seven Portuguese wonders was carried out through the Internet and telephone, and attracted 239,418 votes.
The seven selected sites are: Basílica of Bom Jesus (Goa, India), Fortress of Diu (India), Fortress of Mazagao (Morocco), Old Town of Santiago (Cape Verde), Church of Saint Paul (Macau), Convent of Saint Francis of Assisi (Brazil) and Convent of St. Francis (Brazil).

Follow up article from GoaCom 15th June 09

Freedom fighters reject Portuguese claim: Goa’s freedom fighters have taken a strong exception to the naming of Basilica of Bom Jesus, at Old Goa as one of the seven wonders of Portuguese origin in the world. The Goa Freedom Fighters Association (GFFA) President Nagesh Karmali speaking to reporters here said that Portugal has no business to claim Basilica as of their origin. Karmali said the Basilica is “very much our own” adding that the raw material used and human resources employed were from Goa. “There is nothing Portuguese in it,” Naguesh Karmali told reporters here. He said laterite stone used to build the Basilica was sourced from Goa. “The limestone used in it was from Goa. The wood used for roof was from Goa too,” he said. The association has also raised objection to declaration of Fortress of Diu as the one amongst the wonders of Portuguese origin. Karmali contended that Indian labours were used to construct this building who worked till they dropped dead. “The labourers were prisoners of inquisition. Everything is indigenous so where is the question of it being of Portuguese origin?” he questioned. Government of India should take strong objection to the declaration and the Goa government too should take note of it, Karmali said questioning as to how a coloniser can claim whatever is constructed during the colonial period as theirs.

Spice Plantations

Following your visit to Old Goa, you will find that in this area are many spice plantations; a visit can normally be included in the same day. A visit usually comprises a walk through a plantation area with a guide who will give a commentary of what can be seen and a explanation of the use for each spice (have a note book handy) after a visit to the plantation shop you will have a traditional Goan style meal (buffet) using spices from the plantation, during this Feni (rocket fuel drink) is normally served, be vary it is very strong. There are many plantations Savoi can be recommended, but your taxi driver will normally have a deal with one, so be guided by him.

 

See the information on spice on the “Taste of Goa” link, spice is normally good value if bought from a market.

Waterfalls

Dolphin Spotting

Sunset Cruise

How much does it cost ?

Things to know..Be streetwise

Things to avoid

Still Under Construction

You will require a visa to travel to Goa, Click on the link below

http://www.hcilondon.net/services/visa-download.html