TOURIST PLACES IN SOUTH GOA / OLD GOA -INDIA

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHURCH
                   Located in Old Goa, 10 kms from Panaji, Church of St. Francis of Assisi is a charming and stunning building built during 1517- 1521 with the perfect amalgamation of mix of Christian and Hindu Elements. The church was consecrated to the Holy Spirit but later on it was demolished and at present the church is constructed in 1661. Today the church is converted into a museum where ancient relics and old painting are kept for tourists and visitors display.
Beside these, there are many other Goa churches that have their own religious and historical importance. Few churches in Goa to name are Chapel of St. Catherine, Immaculate Conception Church, Church of Mary Immaculate Conception, St. Francis Xavier Church, Reig Magos Church, St. Cajetan Church and St. Anne Church. These are the few important Goa churches which are both historically as well as religiously important. But apart from all, these are the heritage of Goa tourism, that showcase the presence of the Portuguese as well as display the historical charm and past glory of Goa, India.

SE  CATHEDRAL
            Located 9kms from Panjim, Se Cathedral is one of the important churches in Goa and considered to be one of the largest in Asia. The Cathedral was started for construction in 1562 and finally it was finished in 1619. The architecture of the Cathedral is amazingly beautiful and showcases the perfect amalgamation of Gothic Elements and typical Portuguese Style. The Church also has giant bell also known as Golden Bell, which is also the major attraction of this exquisite Se Cathedral Church.

BASILICA OF BOM JESUS
             It is located in Old Goa, just 10 kms from the city of Panjim. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as it houses the preserved body of St. Francis Xavier, a member of Society of Jesus, who come to India along with Portuguese to spread Christianity in India. Every year thousands of tourists and devotees from all over the world come here to see the preserved body of the Saint on 2nd December. But now this practice is stopped to prevent the body from deterioration and damage.

PANAJI
        The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with Glmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (HillTop).

MAPUSA
         The capital of Bardez Taluka, on the National Highway 17, is at the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of North Goa. Weekly fair on Friday is held at the modern streamline market, attended by large crowds(03 KM)

PILAR
         Important religious and eductional centre of Christian Missionaries. The Church, Seminary and School atop hillock command a magnificent panorama of the countryside around and a fine view of Mormugao Harbour & Zuari River.(11 KM).

MARAGAO 
       The capital of South Goa District in the hinterland of Southern Goa in Salcate Taluka is a thriving commercial metropolis linked by rail to the rest of India & Mormugao Harbour and by National Highways, with Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has imposing old mansions and modern buildings.(33 KM)
Vasco-Da-Gama
           A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugao Harbour, has beautiful and extensive avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passenger service on the South Central Railway.

MORMUGAO HARBOUR
           It is one of the finest natural anchorages on the West Coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity.

CHANDOR 
          East of Margao the menezes Braganza House, mostly late 18th Century and previously owned by Lemon nationalist and Journalist Luis De Menezes Braganza has a series of magnificent rooms especially the great salon with its fine furniture and the largest private library in Goa.
POINTS TO REMEMBER

• Always wear a hat/cap when you are outdoors.
• Sunscreen is a must.
• Carry mineral water; make certain you buy it from a genuine dealer.    Drink often.
• Refuse plastic carry bags when you go shopping. Take your own carrybag. Keep Goa litter free and care for the environment.
• Venture into the sea ONLY if you are a good swimmer, and only at beaches manned by life guards. Drinking and swimming is more dangerous than drinking and driving.
• Seek information and assistance only from genuine Tourist Information Centres. Do not deal with touts and middlemen.