GOA TOURISM

GOA TOURISM

Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.

The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.

Attractions of Goa:

• MIRAMAR BEACH:

Miramar beach is situated 3 kms from Panaji, capital of Goa.A lovely Golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji. Miramar is an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. Miramar Beach offers the opportunity to view the stunning sunset. It is not a safe beach to swim as there is a strong undercurrent. Miramar beach was originally known as the "Gasper Dias Beach”, the Panaji Beach is over 2 Kilometers long. This beach in Miramar is one of the most popular Beaches in Goa and tourists are well crowded here, with people from the town strolling over in the evenings. One will often see a mixed crowd of tourists and locals here as there are a lot of activities for Entertainment.While at the Miramar Beach one can visit Dhempe College of Arts and Science, the memorial to Goa's first chief minister and other places that are worth a visit. Another attraction nearby is Aguada Fort. One can have an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach across the river. It is very much commercialized with a large number of hotels and exclusive homes for accommodation.

CANDOLIM BEACH:

Candolim beach is another relatively busy soft sandy beach that due to erosion can be narrow in some places. Hawkers selling mostly cheap clothes and along with masseurs offering massages makes the beach a lively spot. A polite but firm no always works ~ though these people can be very interesting to talk to. There are a variety of beach shacks providing plenty of food and cold drink choices along with rickety sun beds and the odd rustic "loo".For good North Indian food and succulent kebabs in pleasant surroundings try Floyd's on the main road just south of the junction to Mapusa. It's a small place with a warm and friendly atmosphere and is very popular.Coconut Inn, a bit further south and just off the main road (signposted from the junction) is housed in the garden of an old Goan house and serves good food in a relaxing environment at very reasonable prices. Service is friendly and attentive and there is live Portuguese / Goan music on Tuesday evenings.For excellent food and service (but for some reason to an American rock soundtrack) walk a bit farther south on the main road towards Sinquerim to Flambee. The food is fabulous and the whole tandoori kingfish (huge, so only for groups) is a delicious work of art. The restaurant is open all year round, unlike most in Candolim, which close during the monsoon.

CALANGUTE BEACH: 

Famous in the region as “Queen of the Beaches,” calangute beach boasts through its presence in north-east from state capital Panaji at mere 15 kilometers. It is said that calangute beach goa remains largest one in the northern region. As stories go on, hippies had discovered this beach during the 60’s so is it famous since then. Locals and tourists find here a true replica of Goan beach culture so its popularity is unbound indeed.Tourists from the Western countries and hippies find calangute beach an ultimate place to spend great time through splendid beach experience.

Most suitable occasion to visit this beach is Christmas and New Year eves while it welcomes enough rush. It also witnesses large number of tourists representing many age groups visiting in the summers. They spend time here sunbathing so do they enjoy rejuvenating sea breezes in the calangute beach goa trip.The hip and lively nightlife of this place makes it prominent worldwide so visitors from different parts of the world visit calangute beach that sees the pious liveliness while the sun sets. Usually locals, hippies and foreign holidaymakers keep dancing in calangute beach goa in night time. Often they keep partying for the whole night.

It is easy to get the local tasty and cold beer as countless shacks and picturesque huts make up good choices on the calangute beach. Several unique items like small trinkets and numerous types of handmade items are available in open market here. This beach also offers great shopping experience. Explore calangute beach goa by searching for any unique local seafood especially fried prawns and fish. There is no dearth of local and continental dishes here.This beach offers an opportunity to enjoy great time with involvement in the water sport activities—surfing, water skiing and parasailing amongst others. Presence of Kerkar Art Complex here provides opportunity to see several art exhibitions which are usually organized in the summer seasons.

BAGA BEACH:

Baga Beach adjoins Calangute on the shores of North Goa and offers all the elements for a memorable holiday. People wanting a palm-fringed sandy spot for peaceful relaxation will find plenty of choice. There is also an abundance of places along the adjoining stretches of beach for those who like colourful distractions, like beach stalls offering beer and seafood, seashell trinkets, local crafts and buckets and spades.Early in the morning you can watch the local fishermen bringing in their catches. And at dusk, you can choose a quiet stroll, watching the sun go down in a flaming sky, or head for one of the many nightlife venues providing Western and Goan music, just a step away from the peaceful beach, on the main road in Baga Village. There’s a wide range of eateries, too, from simple food shacks to sophisticated restaurants, and nightblubs.Baga has abundant hireshops for equipment for watersports – and tourists can join fishing trips or other boat excursions. Goa’s beaches often have strong currents which mean it can be risky for children to swim in the sea – but Baga Beach has an ideal solution: the Baga River which offers families great scope for happy splashing (and of course there is also Colonia Santa Maria’s pool, with its child-friendly area).Tourists wanting to shop will find plenty of temptations at local stalls and shops, especially items such as made-to-measure clothing, handcrafts and jewellery. But the vibrant markets too are a draw. The local Saturday bazaar provides a wide range of goods – from fish and food to textiles and earthenware. You’ll find a Tibetan market in the centre of Calangute and many Kashmiri traders in both this town and Baga. Other nearby markets include Anjuna (on Wednesdays), Mapusa (Friday), and Arpora (Saturday). And there are daily markets in the towns of Panaji and Margao for the insatiable bargain hunter.

ANJUNA BEACH:

Anjuna Beach is popularly known as the freak capital of the world and not without reasons. It claimed popularity for its Trance Parties and the Hippies who tried to synthesize the spiritual traditions of the East and the art, ideas and the music of the West.

Sometime in the late 1950s to mid-1960s, the area was "discovered" by a group of travelers, including "Eight Finger Eddie," and a small international psychedelic scene began to meet there to party during the dry season. Anjuna is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers. Besides the calm waters of the Arabian Sea lapping softly on the Indian shore, Anjuna comes live with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip.

VAGATOR BEACH: 

VAGATOR BEACH is 9 kilometers (5 miles) from Mapusa and 22 kilometers (14 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Thivim.The crescent shaped beach has become a favorite spot among tourists for midnight parties. The beach is also well known as the 500 Old Portuguese fort of Chapora is situated nearby. 

Actually there are two beaches in Vagator known as Big Vagator and Small Vagator. Big Vagator lined with dense palm plantations and white sand is the main beach that is undeniably beautiful. However as it is a prime bus stop for domestic tourists, a lie on the sand or a peaceful swim is out of the question here. Small (or Little) Vagator to the south is more secluded. Also known as Ozran beach one has to walk from Big Vagator to reach here. At the end of Little Vagator is a prominent landmark of the face of Shiva sculpted by someone on a rock on the shore. However it has been eroded by wave action.

ARAMBOL BEACH:

ARAMBOL BEACH is located 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Mapusa and 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Panaji. The closest railway station is Pernem.Once a small fishing village, it's now full of long term travelers. You'll find plenty of alternative therapies there, such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and reiki. Water sports and dolphin sight-seeing trips are on offer as well. The nightlife is relaxed, with live music and jam sessions happening. Just north of Arambol are the deserted Keri beach and Tiracol Fort. It's worth the walk there if you want total peace and privacy.

The main attraction of Arambol beach is the relaxed, peaceful and tranquil environment. The villagers are friendly and the place is less crowded compared to other beaches. One can roam around freely and undisturbed to experience the life and culture. There are miles long uninterrupted beaches with well-made track running around. The second beach is even more secluded and little used. There are sulphur pits and freshwater lakes that you can use for swimming. There are shacks offering souvenirs and clothes. At one end of Arambol runs the Tiracol River and beyond the river rises the Tiracol Fort, now an interesting little hotel.

GRANDMOTHER'S HOLE BEACH:

To get to this beach "GRANDMOTHER'S HOLE BEACH", one can pass through a hole in the fort wall ruins and catch a breathtaking and wind blown amazing view of the picturesque beach. The hole from where one can enter is small, so you need to squeeze through the gap in the Fortaleza Santa Catarina Fort walls to access the beach. The name, Grandmothers Hole Beach derives from a folklore that a grandmother used to sit at this hole waiting for her sons to come back from the sea. This tiny strip of sand is the prettiest beach in Goa, devoid and untouched by shacks.

BAINA BEACH:

The Baina beach is located in the port town of Mormugao.It is a beautiful beach where one can enjoy an evening walk or a swim. One can also enjoy water sports here and the beach is now known to be a tourist spot in Goa.At the beach in Baina in Goa one can often witness and enjoy some cultural programs and beach festivals which are held. The beach is visited by many tourists now as it is just a walk away from the city and is considered quite a safe beach.The Baina beach is also visited as one can experience India's first ever underwater sea walk here. Due to this one gets a chance to be up close with the water world and one can also enjoy the unique experience to explore the sea.

BOGMALO BEACH:

Bogmalo beach is situated at about 3km from the airport and 8 km away from Vasco with beautiful green hills on its three sides and lined with coconut trees. This sandy beach is one of the least crowded beaches and is quite picturesque. It is only half a kilometer long, but if you are staying in Vasco it is ideal for spending an evening.Goa Bogmalo beach sports a mixture of serenity and commercialism, splashed with simple beauty where one can happily loose oneself. Initially this beach in Goa was a fishing village until tourists started pouring in and tourism stated catching up in this small Indian State of Goa. 

The prime attraction of the beach is diving and one can also try fishing here. There are a lot of luxury resorts and multi cuisine restaurants in the area where one can enjoy delicious Goan food as well as seafood. Kashmiri vendors are also seen selling handicraft and tourists souvenirs.Despite modern eating joints, hi-tech shops selling handicrafts surrounding it, the village at Bogmalo still manages to stay alive, and you can go for a swim as the water is quite safe for swimming.
The beach is well-connected by buses, motorcycle taxis, and taxis and accommodation is no problem here. Overlooking the beach there are few luxurious hotels which ensure a comfortable stay and if one is looking for something that is not too expensive then there are guest houses where you can stay and enjoy.

• MAJORDA BEACH:

Majorda beach situated in the Salcete taluka is among the southern beaches of Goa. It is a beautiful beach that has a lot of palm groves. Some of the most famous hotels and resorts of Goa are found here and thus it is quite a popular place for a holiday. This south Goa beach also has a number of restaurants and beach shacks that serve up tasty dishes from the cuisine of Goa, Europe and India.Majorda is also the place where the Jesuits discovered the best toddy of Goa who used it to leaven the bread. Even today the people of Majorda are known to be the best bakers of Goa as they were the first to know the art of baking European breads.There are a lot of buses that run daily by the help of which one can get to Majorda. From the Dabolim airport also one can get into transfer buses that take you there. Also a number of taxis are available to get to Majorda.

COLVA BEACH:

COLVA BEACH is on the southern end of Goa's long, continuous strip of coastline. It is located just 6 km away from the city of Margao. It's broad and beautiful, has a stream coursing through it and is backed by palms. 

The frilly movements of the sea appear as if the sea is lazily enjoying the tickling sensations spread by the waves riding over it. This is how you can describe the sea at the Colva beach. You go to the Colva Beach just to laze, laze and laze. Many choose to go to the Colva beach just to experience a change from the crowded Anjuna beach or the Calangute beach. Sadly, the beauty of the Colva beach has been its downfall as the vicinity has been densely populated by off-beach shops and restaurants which make the area brightly lit and crowded. Consequently giving it the feel of a funfair rather than a serene, unwinding beach. This is essentially our domestic tourist's paddling beach. Swimming is pretty safe at this beach and visitors can really have a gala of a time at this beautiful place. Colva beach has gained popularity with the surge in tourism in Goa. 

BENAULIM BEACH: 

Benaulim beach is less than 2 Kms south of Colva. If you hanker after the more tranquil parts of this coast-line, then Benaulim is the place to head for. It has reasonably good accommodation facilities with fine restaurants. Accommodation in Benaulim largely consists of small budget guesthouses, scattered around a radius of 1km. With the opening of  star hotels this place is attracting tourists like never before. It's fast gaining popularity is turning out to be a strong competition to Colva Beach. There are hotels, that provide comfortable rooms and restaurants  that serve delicious dishes. 

AGONDA BEACH:

Agonda is a three-kilometer long, beautiful cove of white sand, secluded in the palms. Also known as the silent beach, Agonda is the undiscovered paradise of Goa. Agonda beach is the ideal place to laze and relax as not many tourists visit this area. The nature is at its best here with the beautiful sea, a background of palms and YOU in the midst of it.Agonda village is on the way to the Benaulim beach, just 6 km north of the Palolem beach which is in the heart of the Canacona region of south Goa.Till now, the Agonda beach made a great day trip from Palolem, Colva and the Cavelossim beaches in southern part of Goa. Now, Om Sai is proud to offer you a relaxing beach hut stay in our Agonda beach huts, in the lap of nature. Short and long stay guests are welcome to book a beach stay with us.

PALOLEM BEACH:

Palolem Beach, enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms in far south Goa, is arguably the state's most beautiful beach. This mile long, shady, semi-circle shaped beach continues to grow in popularity every year, and it's become very lively with the diverse crowd that it attracts.

Everyone, from long term travelers to package tourists, seems to have found an appropriate place for themselves on Palolem Beach. As a result, there are completely different atmospheres from one end of the beach to the other. The quieter and laid back north tends to attract families, while backpackers congregate in the center and south where the party scene is. The ocean is also gentler in the north and doesn't get deep as quick as in the south, which is safer for small children.

PATNEM BEACH:

Patnem beach is located in south Goa, 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Margao and 78 kilometers (48 miles) from Panaji, the state's capital. It's only 5 minutes from Palolem beach, with Colomb beach situated in between. Patnem beach is an appealing alternative to south Goa's popular Palolem beach, for those who don't want to be right in the middle of the action but still want some entertainment. It's lined with beach shacks and huts, yet there's plenty of space for everyone.
Patnem Beach is also known one the quietest place amongst all the beaches of south goa. The simple and best idea of chilling out yourself, find a beach chair or a hammock and enjoy some of the most sumptuous and exotic seafood that one could ever have. You’ll find tourists lying in the sun all day with vendors offering eatables, spending their days reading lots, sunsets with seashells and evenings being forth a number of visitors enjoying the magnificent sunset. Yup, don’t forget beautiful women’s in swimsuits and towel too.

AGUADA FORT:

Aguada fort is located in Bardez Taluka in North Goa located about 17 kms from Panaji, the state capital of GOA.Being a prominent tourist spot, most of the tourist operators offer conducted tours to Aguada fort. You can also hire taxis or bike to reach.The Fort Aguada is one of the largest and impressive forts preserved as one of the best known landmarks in Goan history. Its prominence has grown from the fact that its headland on which it is built offers a wonderful site for military architects due to its shielding of the vital sea access from the heart of the Portuguese territory thereby making it an ideal site for seaward as well as landward defense.

The elimination of the Maratha threat and the acquisition of the New Conquest added more glory to its importance right up to the end of the 18th century when Goa's future borders were established. The most vital part of it was its impregnability to survive attacks by enemies through land or sea or simultaneously from both sides which often happened.

The most feared threat for the Portuguese came from the Europeans in the east, which came true when a Dutch squadron approached the Mandovi in year 1604. The Reis Magos Fort, Gaspar Dias Fort and the Cabo Fort proved to be futile in keeping them at bay and though eventually warded off, the Dutch succeeded in burning quite a number of Portuguese ships. In 1606, they returned back and settled at the entrance of the river, blocking the harbour and preventing the entry or departure of all the ships.

The Portuguese naval strength was now actually not enough to face the Dutch for an open sea battle whereby they had to resort to defensive methods against the Dutch to keep them at a safe distance meanwhile work on building a fort was started on the headland which was completely finished in 1612. During the reign of the Catholic King Dom Filippe of Portugal, the construction of the fortress began with orders from the municipality levying one percent duty towards protection and defense of ships approaching the fort. The Fortress was finally completed in 1612 by the members of the Municipality under the administration of Viceroy Ruy Tavara.

The water link with the sea on the north side was extended with the use of the Nerul River which dissolves into creeks beyond the peninsula and the whole of the headland was utilized as well making it a thoroughly defensible island. The fort was built as per the design laid down by the Italian military architects employed by the Portuguese government in Lisbon. On the highest point of the headland, there is a citadel which is linked by a defended passage to the riverside. The entire area at sea level is surrounded by fat walls with occasionally occurring bastions along the riverside. The outer wall part has now disappeared though there are still fragments which can be seen, distinctively along the river.

A delight for a military architect was the position of the fort citadel situated at the heart of the fort on the western tip of the headland commanding any seaward approach. It is now used as a jail outside the area of the fort and can still be visited. Similar to all forts built by the Portuguese where the fort configuration usually conforms towards the ground, this one is in form of a square with bastions for artillery placed at each of its three corners, while the fourth corner is occupied by a main gate. Each of the three corners is strongly defended by a dry moat and extremely thick walls while the fourth faces out on the steep slope towards the river. The embrasures are far and wide enough to allow a broad field of fire for the cannons. At one time, 200 cannons were a part of this fort, quite massive artillery. The bastions are arrow shaped with rounded corners.

The solidity of the Aguada fort can be seen from the fact that neither this one has any delicate turrets nor the battlement lines are bisected by any towers. The citadel gateway being narrow is also blocked by heavy and iron studded doors thereby preventing easy access. The narrow bridge over the ditch makes it all the more difficult while the ramp into the fort inside the gateway curves off at a sharp angle and the steep steps up to the battlements do not make access any easier either. The 1st lighthouse was built here two and half centuries later. The main gate has a magazine adjacent to it, which has a unique half round design in order to deflect any enemy shots.

One of the distinctive features of the Aguada headlands are the Lighthouses built as early as 1864 thereby marking them as one of the oldest and first lighthouses to be built in Asia. Earlier to this, ships were normally guided by bonfire beacons lit on the Hill of the Pilots above the Immaculate Conception Church at Panaji. The 1st lighthouse initially built served purpose right up to 1976 when it was replaced by a square, modern lighthouse located nearby the walls of the citadel. This one is open to visitors and it makes all the watching more enjoyable due to the scenic views one gets to see when he/she climbs up the spiral staircase with a metal ladder within the lighthouse.

The old model is a splendid structure, and form a distance dominates the skyline. The Viceroy, together with the architect and engineer, is suitably, commemorated on a copper plaque in the ‘turret’ of the tower. Somewhat squat and with a solid appearance relieved by a balustrade around the platform and a curving staircase up to the lamp housing, it is most satisfying building. This is where the great bell from the Augustinian church in Old Goa was brought before being transferred to Panaji Church. Wherever it was hung it must have deafened the light house the lighthouse keeper. There is a third and smaller lighthouse, the Aguada Beacon, at the foot of the slopes near the buildings on the river bank. Built in 1890, it marks the entrance to the river.

The splendid structure of the lighthouse has a turret in which on a copper plaque are built and commemorated statues of the Viceroy, together with the architect and the engineer. The building has a solid appearance with the presence of a balustrade around the platform with a curving staircase to the lamp housing. The great bell from the Augustinian church was initially brought here before getting transferred to the Panaji church. Its peals must have deafened the lighthouse surroundings not to mention, the lighthouse keeper too. A smaller lighthouse, ‘The Aguada Beacon’, built in 1890 near the foot of the slopes besides the buildings on the river bank, marks the entrance to the river.

The lighthouse is surrounded by magnificent places where Panaji lies to the east along the river, with its Miramar and Caranzalem beaches leading to the Cabo with the Governor’s house on its point. Beyond the lighthouse lies the estuary of the Zuari River and the Mormugao port with the islands of St. George and Cambariem offshore. On the western side lie the famous northern beaches of Baga and Calangute. While the Candolim church is located inland to these beaches.

A huge underground cistern beneath the steps leading down from the centre of the citadel courtyard provides the water supply with its arched caverns having a capacity of more than 10 million litres or two and quarter million gallons to be precise. This was enhanced by the presence of several springs of clear sweet water which were instrumental in the naming of the fort Aguada which literally means ‘a place for watering’.

Another significant aspect of the Fort Aguada is the small chapel dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Good Voyage’, this being named due to ships anchoring at this place after a long journey and restocking before embarking on another journey. A jetty extends out towards the sea on the northern side where the Taj Group hotel is located just within the outer walls of the fort. The canon provides the necessary fire cover at the foot of the steep slopes, hidden from the guns of the citadel above. The cistern was excavated which in turn arranged for the stone from which the fortress walls were built. The fortress has many passages and rooms and narrow steps leading into more deeper and darker passageways to lost magazines and storerooms.

Parallel walls form a defensible passageway which connects the citadel with the anchorage below, where at river level, there are located old buildings not to forget the first chapel already mentioned above. The largest of all springs, the Mother of Water or Mae de Agua is also found here. This part of the fort is closed for visitors as it is utilized as a prison. At the new gates to the prison area, there is a statue of a man and a woman, the man holding the body of a child in his arms while the woman has her arms raised to show the breaking of chain bondage in front of the national emblem of India, the Ashoka Pillar which has an inscription which is dedicated to the memory of people, dead and alive, known and unknown and who have laid down their life for the cause of freedom from foreign powers.

The ceremony for commemoration of the beginning of the struggle is held on 18th June each year. The prison was in extensive use as it housed the revolutionaries of the 19th century when in 1946, the first peaceful nonviolence movement was initiated. All through the fight for freedom, nationalist supporters found themselves imprisoned here. The barrack built by British forces at the beginning of the 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars is no longer visible now.

CHAPORA FORT:

The Chapora Fort Goa dating back to 1617 is one of the finest examples of Portuguese architecture. It was rebuilt by the Portuguese as a border watch tower and later deserted by the Portuguese in 1892 as the empire continued to draw farther North, known as the New Conquests. This Fort is mostly in ruins now. The massive walls and the scattered Muslim headstones are all that is left of Chapora Fort. Deserted since the 19th century, it is in complete ruins today though the view down the coastline looks as wonderful as ever.The view from the fort is magnificent and the houses built in dense groves of coconut palms, inhabited by fishing community look very pleasing to the eyes.You can freak out at many places near to this fort. There are many restaurants, banks, cafes, post offices etc. You can also enjoy the maiden beauty of the most popular beach in Goa, the Anjuna beach, where you can spend your whole day. With rocky and dry grasslands, the Vagator is also famous for its Old Portuguese style mansions built in the colonial era.

MORMUGAO FORT:

Mormugao Fort is located north of Vasco Da Gama town and close to Mormugao Port Trust administrative building situated at Sada. This fort is 7 kms from the Dabolim airport, 3 kms from Vasco city and 32 kms from Panaji, the state capital.The place has survived a huge number of attacks and various Mughals and Portuguese rulers have ruled it. This fort was built with the object to guard the place from invasion of foreigners. These structures are well-built and have thick walls.

If you are a tourist having historical curiosity then your visit to Mormugao fort is a must. At this place, you can take pleasure in the fascinating background that Goa has. In a nut shell, it can surely be said that Mormugao Fort in Goa is one of the spectacular sites.The Portuguese built the Mormugao Fort as a shield from incessant invasion from Marathas. The year 1624 witnessed the completion of the construction of the fort. This fort stands as a first-rate example of tough fortification. Though, much to see in the fort is not left apart from a Church and some strong walls. In olden days, the Mormugao Port used to be an imperative port. The fort has rich historical importance as there is priceless historical information hidden in the inscriptions of its wall.

The Mormugao fort in Goa covers in circumference, an area of six miles. This fort contained very tall fortification, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the sentinel. There were 53 guns and a garrison with 4 officers. The fort earned fame of being an important fortress on the western coast. Regrettably, except the chapel and a segment of the boundary wall, little is left of this fort.

Two beautiful fountains were also there. The Fonte de Malabar kept the imperial armaments and was said to bobble up from a gold mine and the Fonte de Santo Ignacio which had a more unpretentious beginning in a sulphur mine.

An inscription over the fort of the gate reads (in translation from the Portuguese): The Catholic King Dom Filippe, the third of this name, reigning in Portugal, Dom Francisco da Gama, fourth Count of Vidigueira, Admiral of India, a member of His Majesty's Council and a Gentleman of the Royal Household, being Viceroy for the second time, this Fortress was begun, the first stone being laid in April 1624. The Maratha warriors continued to attack the town and the fort and finally the Portuguese gave up the township in preference for Old Goa.