North Goa cities: a blend of past and modern

A land of beautiful beaches, goa is a favourite place to visit. Goa is full of wonders that have always remained a passion for holiday goers. North goa, which is one of the two districts in goa is a favourite of tourists.

North goa has very beautiful cities, where you can have fun and enjoyment. The north goa cities are very lively throughout the day and night, which makes your stay here worthy.

Panaji, the capital of Goa, is a very beautiful city lying on the banks of river Mandovi. Narrow winding streets, red-tiled roof houses, old houses with over hanging balconies, café’s and bars remind us of the rich Portuguese influence. These stand as a monument to the Portuguese culture and are preserved remarkably well.

Panaji is dotted with gardens and avenues that give a green canopy to the whole city. Though very small, Panaji maintains the charm and glory.

Another north goa city is Mapusa and the greatest attraction here are the Friday markets.  You can get anything goan here like spiced Goan pork sausages, dried fish and prawns, junk jewellery, clothing, even country liquor at very affordable prices.

Goa is known for its churches. But still a visit to the north goa city of Ponda will take you to the Hindu temples. One can visit Kamakshi temple, Sri Devaki Krishna temple, Shanthadurga temple and a lot. Ponda also houses the only Muslim monument left in the state, the Safa Shahouri Masjid. While in Ponda, one has to visit the Rivona caves, which is a proof of Buddhist past.

It is real charm to visit and stay in old goa. The splendour of Old Goa lies in its architectures. He churches, mansions and other buildings are real monuments of the past.  It is worth visiting Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

Nature is at its best in Bicholim, a land blessed with lakes and hills. The Arvalem caves are another surprise. The Arvalem waterfalls also add to the beauty of the place.

North goa churches: real monuments in stone

Goa, which is famous for its silvery beaches, is also credited with having numerous imposing churches, monasteries, nunneries and convents. Built in the Portuguese, indo-European and European architectural style, the North Goa churches are real monuments in stone.

The North Goa churches are pieces of historical importance, architectural style and beauty. The churches are of great interest to the Historians, Archaeologists and students of architecture. The tourists also cannot but appreciate the beauty and grandeur of the huge structures that are centuries old.

Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Church of Our Lady of Rasary, Ruins of Church of St Augustine, St Cajetan Church, Reis Magos Church, Church of St. Ana, Church of St Francis of Assissi, Church of Our Lady of the Mount, Church of our Lady of the Rosary and the chapel St Anthony are some of the important North Goa churches.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus, which has the remains of St Francis Xavier, is one of the most visited north goa churches. This church in old goa is the only church that is not plastered on the outside. The 16th century Se Cathedral Church is also a celebrated place. The Church of St Anne at Talaulim is notable for its excellent architecture. No other church in Goa can boast of such a splendid architecture.

From the Church of Our Lady, which is situated on a mount, one can have a picturesque view of Goa. It is said that Afonso de Albuquerque constructed the church in 1510. Right from here, one can see the quite flowing Mondovi River and the other church towers shooting into the sky.

Adjacent to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary is situated in the holy hill of Velha Goa. The chapel St Anthony is believed to be built in the early 16th century.

The north goa churches are associated with the social, cultural and religious life of goa. Almost all the north goa churches are protected monuments and are under the Archdiocese of Goa.

South Goa: go for a relaxed holidaying

South Goa, one of the two districts of Goa, has always been an abode of tourists, flocking all through the year. The beautiful beaches, waterfalls, paddy fields, hill spots and coconut groves add charm to South Goa. The administrative headquarters of South Goa is Madgaon, which is a bustling city.

South Goa, when compared North goa is calm. Life is much slower in South Goa with fishing hamlets on the coast and paddy fields in the inland. Vacation in South goa is more relaxed.

Pilar, Vasco da Gama and Chandor are the important cities in South Goa. Pilar is the commercial city. The beauty of Pilar is the old mansions and buildings. Numerous avenues dot Vasco da Gama. At Chandor, one of the main tourists attractions is Bargansa house.

Well, beaches always remain the main attraction of Goa. The South Goa beaches, though cannot be matched with those in North goa, are still beautiful and pristine. The beaches here are calm; a perfect place to relax, far away from the madding crowd.

An unspoilt beach, Colva is an enchanting beauty. The crescent shaped Palolem Beach is lined with coconut palm and rocky crags. One can relax his nerves in the serene sands, enjoying the cool breeze from the palms.  The other beaches are

Benaulim and Benaulim, which are also unspoilt by men.

Another major attraction in South Goa is the  and the Aravalem caves. The silvery showers, which falls from about 70 ft is really enchanting to watch. The lake formed just below the falls and the green vegetation surrounding it is a brimming tourist spot.  The caves of Aravalem have some mythical background. Some say that budhist monks constructed the caves and some others state that the caves belong to the pre-historic era.

South Goa also has good accommodation facilities with starred/budget hotels, resorts and guesthouses.