Old Goa Excursions

Old Goa excursions tour includes the following:

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread over an area of 8 sq. km., the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest among the wildlife reserves in Goa. Due to its relatively small area, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is known more as a wildlife resort than a sanctuary. Within its confines, the Bondla sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, deer safari park and a zoo.

Calangute Beach

Calangute is the numero uno beach in Goa. Stretching over an expanse of seven kilometers, Calangute beach is known by the sobriquet the 'Queen of Beaches' for its pre-eminence among the scenic beaches that dot the Goan landscape. Due to its extreme popularity, Calangute beach beckons tourists and backpackers from all over the world.

Dona Paula Beach

One of the most well-known among Goa beaches, the Dona Paula beach attracts tourists with its scenic landscape dotted with palm trees and casuarinas groves. The Dona Paula beach is a haven for adventure sports buffs for the water sports facilities available here. You can indulge in water sports such as water-scooter, motorboat rides, windsurfing, parasailing, and water-skiing............

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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Goa

Spread over an area of 8 sq. km., the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is the smallest among the wildlife reserves in Goa. Due to its relatively small area, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is known more as a wildlife resort than a sanctuary. Within its confines, the Bondla sanctuary houses a botanical garden, a rose garden, deer safari park and a zoo, initially established as a refuge for injured or orphaned animals.

The zoo provides a glimpse of the animal species found in the sanctuary while the botanical garden houses a large variety of exotic plants. The Nature Education Center in the sanctuary is an effort to bring nature close to people. Apart from a number of exhibits, the library of the center screens video and cine movies to tourists and young kids.

Flora

The luxuriant vegetation of the sanctuary comprises of moist deciduous forests interspersed with patches of evergreens and canes along the nullahs. The common tree varieties of the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary include Matti, rosewood, Lagerstroemia (Nano), Kindall, Jamba, Mimusops, and thorny bamboo plantations.

Fauna

The Bondla sanctuary is home to a multitude of animal species including Gaurs, Panthers, Jungle Cats, Leopard Cats, Deer (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking and Mouse), Wild Boar, and Malabar Giant Squirrel. The bird species consist of Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbuls, Common Grey Hornbills and Golden Backed Woodpeckers............

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Dona Paula Beach, Goa

One of the most well-known among Goa beaches, the Dona Paula beach attracts tourists with its scenic landscape dotted with palm trees and casuarina groves. An aura of eeriness engulfs the beach, partly due to the legend associated with it. Locals say that the beach derives its name from Dona Paula de Menzes, who was the daughter of a viceroy during the colonial yoke. When she was refused permission to marry a local fisherman, Gaspar Dias, the heart-broken lady took her life from jumping off the cliff.

Apart from legends and spirits, Dona Paula's claim to fame is its popularity as a shooting destination for Bollywood movies. Bigshots of the film industry throng this beach in search of picturesque locales. The Dona Paula beach is also a haven for adventure sports buffs for the water sports facilities available here. You can indulge in water sports such as water-scooter, motorboat rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, and yachting. The water sports festival held in November draws a large number of participants.

While the adventurous ones enjoy a gala time in the high seas, mundane souls can just stroll around or scour the nearby shops for souvenirs and artifacts. Local vendors sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices in these shops. If all this fails to pep you up, sips of Feni and port wine, two Goan liquor specialties will surely do............

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The Museum of Christian Art, Old Goa

The Museum of Christian art is a unique repository of the exquisite church art that blossomed during the Portuguese era. The only one of its kind in Asia, the Christian Art Museum was set up in 1994 in a joint collaboration between Calouste Gulbentian foundation of Portugal and the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), New Delhi. 

Originally located at the famous Rachol Seminary at Rachol near Margao, the Museum of Christian Art did not strike a chord with the tourists because of its remote location. In order to unleash the true potential of the museum, it was relocated within the precincts of the Convent of Santa Monica, Old Goa, contiguous to the Old Goa world heritage monuments. 

The Museum of Christian Art has done a yeoman's service in preserving the priceless collection of Goa's Christian art and craft. The fabulous array of art objects includes rosaries and other items made of gold and precious stone. Goa's patron saint, St. Francis Xavier, is shown in silver plaques and on the panels of a silver casket. Among the elegant ivory images, the 'Good Shepherd' depicting Jesus as an allegorical shepherd watching his flock is a prime attraction............

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Church and the Convent of St. Monica, Old Goa

Located adjacent to the Chapel of St. Anthony on the Holy Hill or Monte Santo, the Church and the Convent of St. Monica was Goa's only convent for nuns. Construction of this massive nunnery started in 1606 and reached completion in 1627. The Church and the Convent of St Monica is acclaimed as the first nunnery of the East.

Also known as the Royal Monastery of Santa Monica, the convent was the abode of around 150 cloistered nuns, called the daughters of St. Monica. Inside the penance rooms of the convent, the 'penitents', voluntarily or through persuasion, tormented themselves with ropes, leather straps and iron nails. After it ceased to be a nunnery since 1885, the Convent of St. Monica was granted the status of a church in 1968.

The external architecture of the St. Monica church is an amalgamation of the Tuscan, Corinthian and composite styles, while its interior blends the Doric and composite styles. The façade of the church features the statue of Santa Monica and the symbol of the Holy Ghost. The main altar contains the image of Santa Monica, mother of St. Augustine, to whom the convent and the church is dedicated............

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The Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Old Goa

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi stands contiguous to the Se Cathedral but is less impressive in appearance. The Church and the nearby Convent was built by eight members of the Franciscan friars, a religious order within the Catholic Church which seeks to live the Gospel in the spirit of St. Francis of Assisi. The chapel they built was subsequently modified to a church in 1521 and consecrated to the Holy Spirit.

In 1661 the original structure of the Church of St. Francis of Assisi was demolished and the present church was built retaining the exquisitely carved old gate made of black stone. Consequent to the closure of the Convent by the Portuguese government in 1835, it remained in a state of dilapidation for a long time. Since 1964 it houses the Archaeological Museum set up by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The exterior of the St Francis of Assisi church is a manifestation of Tuscan architecture while the interior blends the mosaic-Corinthian style. Scenes from the bible are portrayed in the interior while the walls are adorned with frescoes showing intricate floral designs. The alcove of the façade holds the statue of St Michael and a wooden statue of St Francis Assisi adorns the pedestal in one of its chapel............

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Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Old Goa

Located atop the Monte Santo or the Holy Hill, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary is the oldest surviving Church in Goa. The church stands on the site of Portuguese leader Alfonso de Albuquerque's victory over the armies of Bijapur Sultan in 1510. In fact the Lady of Rosary church is believed to be built by de Albuquerque as a sign of gratitude for his victory. 

Since its inception the church has been under the guardianship of the Franciscans. The Church of Our Lady of Rosary was revered by the public as it was here that St. Francis Xavier used to preach catechism every evening. The church is a fine specimen of the "Manueline" style of architecture, named after King Emmanuel of Portugal. This style is a confluence of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and is exclusive to Portugal of that time.

The principal altar of the Lady of Rosary church bears the image of Nossa Senhora de Rozario or Our Lady of the Rosary. The tombstone of Garcia de Sa, one of the earlier Governors of Goa, lies in front of the altar. The architecture of the church gives the impression of a fortress with windows near the roof and rounded towers............

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Church of St. Cajetan, Old Goa

Built along the lines of the Basilica of St. Peter's in Rome, the Church of St. Cajetan is one of the visually appealing structures in Old Goa. The St Cajetan church was built by Italian friars of the order of Theatines, who were sent by Pope Urban VIII to preach Christianity. Although the church is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, it has been name after St. Cajetan, the founder of the Order of Theatines. The construction of the Church achieved completion in 1661.

The architecture of St. Cajetan church is pretty much similar to that of the other prominent churches of Goa. The exterior has been inspired by the Corinthian style while the interior is a blend of mosaic-Corinthian architectures. The magnificent façade facing west features towering Corinthian columns supporting a central pediment above which the twin belfry towers arise. 

The Church of St. Cajetan is the only surviving domed church in Goa. The body of the church is divided into a nave and two aisles. There are three altars on each side of the main altar. The three altars on the left side are dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady of Piety and St. Clare, while the altars to the left are dedicated to St. John, St. Cajetan and St. Agnes............

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Old Goa, Goa

Located 9 km to east of Panaji, Old Goa was the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese dominions in Goa. Before the arrival of the Portuguese on the Goan shores, Old Goa was the regal capital of Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur. After defeating the armies of the Sultan, the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque started building their empire around Old Goa.

As the epicenter of Portuguese territory, Old Goa witnessed the profusion of magnificent churches and majestic buildings befitting the stature of the city. During its halcyon days, Old Goa became famous as the "Lisbon of the East." But soon recurring outbreaks of epidemics like cholera and malaria made the city highly inhospitable and the Portuguese moved their capital to Panaji in 1843. 

With the patrons taking shelter elsewhere, Old Goa lost its pre-eminence and the awe-inspiring structures of the city were gradually reduced to ruins. Accorded the World heritage Site status by UNESCO, the opulent buildings and churches of Old Goa today reminds one of the grandeur of a bygone era. 

Transport

Places to See:

Basilica of Bom Jesus

A must-have on the Old Goa tour, the Basilica of Bom Jesus church is dedicated to Infant Jesus. An epitome of Baroque architecture, this church has been declared a World Heritage Monument. Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. On the occasion of 'Exposition,' held once in a decade, St. Francis Xavier's body is displayed for the public.

Se Cathedral

One of the largest churches in Asia, the Se Cathedral was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria since the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa on the St. Catherine's day (November 25) in 1510. The church contains the Golden Bell used during the infamous Goa Inquisition.

Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) set up the Archaeological Museum in the abandoned Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. The 8 galleries of the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa display portraits and sculptures from the prehistoric to the late mediaeval period.

Viceroy's Arch

The Viceroy's Arch was built by Viceroy Francisco da Gama, the grandson of Vasco da Gama. A statue of Vasco da Gama, resplendent in his royal uniform, can be seen on top of the arch. Built of laterite stone, the original arch collapsed in 1948 and it was subsequently restored in 1954. Tradition has it that on taking office, all viceroys made the procession under the arch where they would be given the ceremonial key to the city and Goa. 

Church of Our Lady of Rosary

Church of Our Lady of Rosary is the oldest surviving Church in Goa. The church stands on the site of Portuguese leader Alfonso de Albuquerque's victory over the armies of Bijapur Sultan in 1510.

Church of St. Cajetan

The St Cajetan church was built by Italian friars of the order of Theatines, who were sent by Pope Urban VIII to preach Christianity.

Museum of Christian Art

The Museum of Christian art is a unique repository of the exquisite church art that blossomed during the Portuguese era.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi stands contiguous to the Se Cathedral but is less impressive in appearance.

Church and the Convent of St. Monica

Church and the Convent of St. Monica was Goa's only convent for nuns. Construction of this massive nunnery started in 1606 and reached completion in 1627.

Excursions...........

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Archaeological Museum, Old Goa

The Archaeological Museum of Goa was set up in 1964 under the auspices of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The Convent of St. Francis of Assisi, which was lying in a state of dereliction since it was closed by the Portuguese government in 1835, was chosen as the museum venue. The museum underwent an extensive renovation regime in 1981-82.

The 8 galleries of the Archaeological Museum in Old Goa display portraits and sculptures from the prehistoric to the late mediaeval period. Apart from these relics, the museum houses a plethora of artifacts belonging to the Portuguese period in Goa. The statue of Portuguese visionary Alfonse Albuquerque and portraits of the governors resplendent in their official insignia are major attractions of the Archeological Museum.

Among the priceless collection of paintings in the museum, the portrait of Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer who reached India in 1498, is noteworthy. Besides there are antiques from Hindu period, sculpture of Hindu deities, and many sati and hero stones. The Archaeological Museum also boasts of an impressive collection of Portuguese arms like rifle, swords and daggers, etc............

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Se Cathedral, Old Goa

Acclaimed as one of the largest churches in Asia, the Se Cathedral church is a manifestation of the opulence of the Portuguese era in Goa. The church was dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria as the Portuguese led by Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa on the St. Catherine's day (November 25) in 1510. Even though the original mud and stone structure was built in that year itself, the present Se Cathedral church came up in 1652, after 80 years of painstaking craftsmanship.

The exterior of the church is a confluence of Tuscan and Doric architecture styles, while the interior is a blend of Mosaic-Corinthian style. In contrast to the Tuscan-inspired mundane exterior the interiors are majestic with an imposing principal chapel. There are four chapels to either side of the main altar. 

Although the main façade of the Se Cathedral was flanked by two bell towers, the one towards the north collapsed on July 25, 1776. The remaining tower houses five bells including the "Golden bell", named so because smatterings of gold were mixed with other metals during the bell's construction. It was also called the "Bell of Inquisition" since its tolling heralded the start of "auto da fes," the brutal part of the Inquisition process............

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Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa

The town of Old Goa has some of Goa's most prominent churches and the Basilica of Bom Jesus church stands out for its magnificent Baroque architecture and sacred legacy. Built in 1695, the Bom Jesus Church has been designed along the lines of Gesu, the Jesuit headquarters in Rome. In 1946, the church was declared a Minor Basilica, the first church of India to be accorded such a status.

Dedicated to Infant Jesus, the church has been declared a World Heritage Monument. 'Bom Jesus' literally means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus.' This impressive structure boasts of pristine white marble flooring and has beautifully gilded altars decorated with frescoes and inlay work. The imposing façade is endowed with a profusion of basalt embellishments making it one of the richest facades in Goa.

The Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrines the sacred remains of St. Francis Xavier, a member of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) who died on a sea voyage to China in 1552. Legend has it that when the body of Xavier was transferred to Goa the following year, the body was found as fresh as the day it was buried. Consequent to this miracle the title of 'Saint' was conferred on Xavier and his mortal remains, confined inside his tomb, attracts devotees from all over the world. 

The mausoleum of St. Xavier was carved by the 17th century Florentine sculptor Giovanni Battista Foggini and the saint's body is kept in a silver casket. On the auspicious occasion of 'Exposition,' the silver casket is lowered for pilgrims to view the St. Francis Xavier's body. The exposition of St. Francis Xavier is held once in every ten years, the last being in 2004............

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How to Reach Old Goa

Air

The Dabolim Airport is located 29 km from Panaji. 

Rail

The Karmali railway station is the nearest railhead. 

Road

Buses run frequently from Panaji's Kadamba bus terminal to various locations of Old Goa. One can also hire auto rickshaws and taxis, which are costlier but more convenient............

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