Things

to

see

in

Goa

by Rommel Fernandes

1. Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. It contains the tomb and mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier who, in 1541, was given the task of spreading Christianity among the subjects of the Portuguese colonies in the East.

A former pupil of St.Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit order, St.Francis Xavier embarked on missionary voyages that became legendary and, considering the state of transport at the time, were nothing short of miraculous.

Apart from the richly gilded altars, the interior of the church is remarkable for its simplicity. Construction began in 1594 and was completed in 1605. The focus of the church is the three-tiered marble tomb of St.Francis - his remains are housed in a silver casket, which at one time was covered in jewels.

2. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary

About 9 kms South of Palolem, a good option for an early-morning excursion, is this beautiful, remote-feeling sanctuary. Snakes, monkeys and birds are in ample supply. Marked trails are hikable. Set-off early for the best sighting prospects from one of the sanctuary’s two forest watchtowers – though heed the park warden’s recent warning: "Don’t climb too high, madam, for ladder is under repair."

3. Mapusa Market

The state’s liveliest local market, Mapusa Market, is most worthwhile visiting on Friday, when throngs of locals arrive to vend fresh produce, clothing, textiles, bangles and footwear, along with more tourist-oriented jewellery, mirrored bed spreads and the like. Inside the market area, small cafes churn out chai and snacks at break-neck speed, and everyone haggles hard to score their bargain.

4. Varca Beach

Varca, a seemingly endless palm-backed strip of sand (punctuated here and there by the grounds of a luxury resort or a whitewashed Christian shrine), is quiet, calm and almost entirely hawker-free, making it easy to find a quiet spot all to yourself.

5. Cabo da Rama Fort

This fort named after the god Rama of the Hindu Ramayana epic came into Portuguese possession in 1763. Used as a prison until about half a century ago, there’s not much to see these days, though the drive through thick coconut forests is a real treat, and it’s without doubt a windswept and melancholy spot with a couple of cold-drinks stalls at the entrance, a luxury the poor Portuguese surely never had.

6. Goa State Museum

An eclectic collection of items awaits visitors to the large Goa State Museum; in a rather forlorn area South West of the Kadamba Bus Stand in Panjim. As well as Christian art, Hindu and Jain sculpture and

bronzes, and paintings from all over India, exhibits include an elaborately carved table used in the Goa Inquisition.

7. Savoi Spice Plantation

The 200-year-old Savoi Spice Plantation, whose motto is ‘Organic Since Origin’, is less touristy and elephant-free, but you’ll find a warm welcome from knowledgeable guides keen to walk you through the 40-hectare plantation. Local crafts are for sale, and you’ll be welcomed with fresh pomegranate juice, cardamom bananas and other organic treats.

8. Secretariat Building

Goa’s oldest colonial building, this was once the moated palace of 15th-century Muslim Sultan Yussuf Adil Shah who controlled Goa before the Portuguese took a fancy to both the state and his home in 1510. It now houses governmental buildings and is currently undergoing extensive renovations.

9. Holy Spirit Church

This richly decorated Church in Madgaon is certainly worth a look and can be positively exciting when a big service is taking place.

Courtesy - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

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