From Mapusa : Beaches of Calangute-8 kms, Baga-10 kms, Arambol/Harmal-31 kms, Anjuna-8 kms, Vagator-9 kms & Mandrem-30 kms (both via Pernem).

Temples of Shri Dutta & Shri Vithal at Sanguelim (25 kms), Temple of Sapta Koteshwar at Narve (24 kms) and Temple of Kalikadevi at Kansarpal (14 kms).

Church of Mae de deus at Saligao (10 kms), Church at Monte de Guiri (2 kms).
Mayem Lake (21 kms), Arvalem Waterfalls (29 kms).
Terekhol Fort (30 kms).

From Margao : Beaches of Colva (6 kms), Benaulim (8 kms), Majorda (8 kms), Varca (10 kms), Cavelossim (15 kms), Mobor (18 kms), Betul (16 kms), Agonda (40 kms) and Palolem (47 kms).
Cabo de Rama (21 kms).
Ranchol Seminary (8 kms).

Shree Damodar Temple at Zambaulim (22 kms) and Shree Shantadurga Temple at Fatorda (18 kms).
Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary (33 kms), Dudhsagar Waterfalls (59 kms by train)

From Vasco : Margao Harbour-3 kms, Bogmalo Beach-9 kms, St.Jacinto Island-7 kms Velsao Beach-10 km, Kesarval Springs-15 km & Pilar Seminary-19 km.

From Ponda : Bondla wildlife, Molem wildlife etc

You can reach Goa in a short time span of 45 minutes via air from Mumbai.

Dabolim international airport of Goa is approximately 29 kms from Panjim. Goa also has airways link between Delhi, Pune, Cochin, Bangalore and Chennai. There are a few charter companies that are flying directly from Europe to Goa, India.

The 760 km long Konkan railway project between Mumbai and Mangalore has facilitated trips to Goa. There are trains to Goa from Delhi. Goa has two railway stations, one at Margao and the other at Vasco da Gama.

There is a variety of options of getting around. There are several interstate bus services to Pune, Bangalore, Mumbai, Mangalore, Londa, Hubli, Hampi and Hospet. State roadways are operated from Kadamba at Panjim in Goa, India. Private air conditioned buses also operates. Buses are the cheapest ways of traveling in Goa. But they are often overcrowded and slow as they follow their own time. Thus people opt for other modes of transport.

Self driven car rental is available is Goa although it is an expensive option. Besides, ferries, generally painted in blue give a very frequent service. They are quite cheap and run from dawn to dusk. The motorcycle taxis are ideal for small trips and relatively economical and convenient. Moreover, rented motorcycles are also found in Goa which gives a lot of freedom but can be unsafe occasionally. Again an international driving license is also required to drive those motorcycles.

It's location in West India, between Bangalore and Mumbai, is ideal for the tourist seeking sun-fun and beaches to enjoy a tropical holiday.

North Goa Circuit
This stretch of beach begins from the base of Fort Aguada to the border of Maharashtra. Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Arambol are the beaches covered by the North Goa Circuit.

South Goa Circuit
Stretching from Margao to Cabo de Rama, this includes Velsao, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul beaches.

Churches in Goa :


The Convent and Church of St Francis and Assisi
A magnificent place of worship during the Portuguese rule, the church is currently a small archaeological museum. Built of laterite blocks and plastered with limestone, the church has three chapels. The paintings of Virgin Mary and baby Jesus are of darker skin colour, conforming to Indian artistic impressions.

Basilica of Bom Jesus (The Cathedral of Good Jesus)
A fine example of Jesuit architecture, the basilica is in mostly in ruins, but a beautiful remnant of simple elegance. As Goa's most revered church, the basilica has no plaster on the exterior, as the result of the actions of a Portuguese conservationist. The church is marked as a World Heritage Monument.

The Reis Magos Church
Two of the famous landmarks in Goa are located in the small hamlet of Reis Magos. The Reis Magos Church and the Reis Magos Fort are located on the banks of Mandovi River. The unique feast of the Three Wise Men is held here.

Church of Our Lady of Rosary
A little further away from the Basilica of Bom Jesus, atop the Holy Hill, stands the Church of Our Lady Rosary, imposingly watching over the area. Built of laterite blocks and lime plaster, this church has a two-storey portico and feature round towers in both the portico and façade.

Santana Church
Dedicated to Saint Anne, this church is the best example in Goa to illustrate the colonial era architecture. Restorations completed in 1965 have preserved the originality and charm of the church.

Se Cathedral
Among the most prestigious and venerated religious structures in Goa, this 16th century church of the Roman Catholic Order is the largest church in Asia. Dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, because Alfonso Albuquerque captured Goa by defeating the Muslim army in 1510 on the day of the saint's feast, this church is also a monument for the Portuguese architecture.

St Augustine Tower
Once a part of a magnificent church, this tower stands 46 meters in height, and was the belfry of the church. A landmark and a spectacular structure, the tower is among the many attractions worth visiting in Goa.

Church of St Cajetan
Located between the Se Cathedral and the ruins of the Vice regal Palace, this large and charming church is modelled on the design of the Basilica of St Peter in Rome. The interior and exterior of the church is of Corinthian architecture and the altars and carvings are saturated with Baroque styles.

Church of St Paul
Regrettably, the only section remaining of this once impressive structure is its facade. Built in Doric style, the church was demolished by the government to use the material for new constructions.

Forts of Goa :


Fort Aguada
The largest and well-preserved defensive stronghold built by the Portuguese, Fort Aguada dates back to the 17th century. It was built to control entry from River Mandovi and to ward off potential enemy attacks.

Fort Cabo da Rama
Named after the hero, Rama, of the Hindu epic Ramayana, this fort was built long before the Portuguese arrived in India and captured the best of the country. The legendary fort is said to be the place where Rama and his wife Sita took refuge after been exiled from the kingdom of Ayodhya.

Chapora Fort
Built by the Portuguese in 1617, the fort was originally intended to be a border watch post, but was constantly attacked and raided by the Hindu rebels. The Portuguese deserted the fort in 1892.

Rachol Fort
Located close to the famous Rachol Seminary, the Rachol Fort is mainly a collection of ruins at present. Once encircling the entire hill on which the seminary stands, only a single gateway of the fort remains today.

Mosques in Goa :


Safa Masjid
Safa Masjid is one of the only two 16th century Islamic monuments to survive the Inquisition. The imposing structure was built in 1560, by the Sultan of Bijapur Ibrahim Adhil Shah. Extended to include a complex of gardens and fountains, the main focus of the land area is the mosque.

Museums in Goa :
State Archaeology Museum, Panaji

The state museum has seven galleries - the Christian Art Gallery, Banerji Art Gallery, Religious Expression Gallery, Sculpture Gallery, Cultural Anthropology, Contemporary Art Gallery and Western Bronzes Gallery. The museum's collection includes wooden objects, coins, manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, statues, clay art and various other objects totalling over 8000 in number. Some objects and items are borrowed for special display from the Menezes Braganza Art Gallery and the Kala Academy of India.

Houses of Old Goa : Salvador Costa Mansion
Architecturally keeping a balance of both worlds, the 19th century mansions are built in Indian style with low pitched tiled roof and wide veranda and European affixtures such as Gothic-style windows and cluster columns.

Solar dos Colacos Mansion
Located between Old Goa and Panjim, on the left bank of River Mandovi, the mansion provides panoramic views of islands and historical churches of Old Goa. Built in Baroque style, the mansion has an impressive facade and carved scenes on a side of the dining room depict incidents from the Ramayana. A private chapel is located at the mansion.

Pinto de Rosario Mansion
More than a taste for elegance and sophistication, the original owners of this mansion seem to have had an odd desire for valuable possessions. The collection of rare cut glass, silver, blue china, ivory, Indo-Portuguese furniture, European and Chinese knick knacks is exquisite, and is yet to be categorised or dated even though they are undoubtedly of great value. The Italian floor tiles of the parlour, elegantly carved sofa, Dutch tapestry showing a replica of Rembrandt's Night Watch and the 200 year-old love-chair are among the highlights of the mansion.

In certain areas, almost every third house has a bar-cum-restaurant. The place may not be anything special, usually just a room in the house that has been opened to the public with a couple of chairs and a table. But the atmosphere is great - totally relaxing and extremely conducive to an enjoyable night out with friends and family. One will find on him/hertrip to Goa that most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies and have well stocked bars. The hottest place to visit and to be seen at in Goa today is Titos which is right on the beach. There's also a new discotheque 'The Beachotheque' where you can dance the night away. Or you could check out Lidos in Dona Paula. But if you are in the mood to dance to the rhythm of the ocean, get together a group of our friends, some food and drink and hit the beach. You are sure to have a special night on your trip to Goa with the sand the moon and the pounding waves!

Full moon party
Goa the land of natural beauty, snugly sitting between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea is an ideal place for all those who crave for periods of solitude from their stressful life. But apart from its rejuvenating therapy it certainly peps you up with its rollicking nightlife. Favorite destination for the hippies years back, it serves as a great hangout for all those who are looking for fun. Full moon party on the Goa beaches is a common phenomenon. The throbbing nightlife comes in full bloom when young girls and boys dance to the tunes of Goan music. The dances on the beaches and the stringing of the guitars accompanied with drinks make the most of the Goan nightlife. Drugs are also used in such parties. The inviting beaches, the friendly people, and the flavored cuisine in abundance create a perfect ambience for such special parties.

Goa Casinos


'Life is a game' if that's your take, then Goa has the best casino's to offer you. Though many casinos are on board cruises but there are others on the lands of Goa as well. Of late, government has been trying to implement a deadline of 11pm but has not been successful so far. For now casinos are open till wee hours in the morning. Goa's top class casinos offer games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps. Some of the famous casinos are Cicade de Goa Beach Resort and Casino at Dauna Paula, Las Vegas - the Gaming Club Leela Palace Hotel, Treasures Casino Majorda beach resort.

The Night Cruises
For a truly out of world experience and party in a different way try the Goa night cruises. Several options are available on Mandovi river. Music, dance, drink and food all are included in the ticket or else take a luxury yatch. The journey will take you through the lights of Panajim - Miramar one hand and Aguada fort and Reis Magos on the other side. You can also hire a private catch for party purposes or other such affairs.

...curry and fish meal washed down with the local beverage fine on a regular basis, but the tourists with varying tastes are catered for in a variety of splendid dining venues. Offering the entire range from eastern to western cuisine, restaurants in Goa has something for everyone. Chinese:

Infant aria
Umta Vaddo, Calangute, Bardez, Goa, India
+91 832 277421


Open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, the restaurant serves Chinese and Indian cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Take-away meals are available.

The Plantain Leaf Near Petrol Pump, Almita-III, Calangute, Bardez, Goa, India +91 832 276861

The restaurant serves vegetarian Indian and Chinese cuisine for all meals. Take-away and home delivery within city limits is available. Alcoholica beverages are served.

Mario's
Pequen Peddem, Anjuna, Bardez, Goa, India
+91 832 273633

Serving Continental and Chinese cuisine, this restaurant also had take-away facilities and home delivery service.

The Spice Stop
Opposite Chodankar Hospital, Porvorim, Goa, India
+91 832 412746 / 4155066 / 412746 / 415066

A specialty Chinese restaurant, the Spice Stop is only open for lunch and dinner. Partly air-conditioned and serving alcoholic beverages, this is a great place to enjoy Chinese cuisine.

Temptation Chinese Restaurant
Near Global Trust Bank, Miramar, Panaji
+91 832 422415

This delightful restaurant serves seafood specialties, prepared using both Chinese and Indian methods.

Continental:

Lila Café
Near Baga River, Calangute, Goa, India
+91 832 279843

Open from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, this restaurant serves only Continental cuisine and provides take-away facilities.

After Eight - The Original Restaurant
1/274 B, Gaura Vaddo, Calangute, Goa, India
+91 832 279757

Contemporary Continental cuisine and beverages can be enjoyed here.

A Reverie Gaura Waddo, Calangute, Goa, India
+91 832 174927

Accompanied by full bar service, this also serves Continental cuisine.

Mooncrest Restaurant
House No.559, By the Baga River, Arpora, Bardez, Goa, India
+91 832 275790

This delightful restaurant serves Italian, Continental and typical Goan cuisine, complemented by bar facilities onsite.

Mum's Kitchen
"Martins" Building, D B Marg, Miramar, Goa, India
+91 832 229220 / 428282

Serving Goan and Continental cuisine, this is a great place to sit back and relax while enjoying a good meal. Bar facilities and take-away options are available.

European:

Mediterranean Bistro
Calangute - Baga, Goa, India
+91 832 281052

Open from throughout the day, this restaurant serves excellent Mediterranean cuisine and bar facilities and take-away options are available.

The Chippy
Porbavaddo, Calangute, Goa, India
+91 832 279662

Serves British cuisine with a choice of beverages

Mo-jo's Pub & Snack bar
Arpora, Baga, Bardez, Goa, India
+91 832 121827

British cuisine, accompanied by alcoholic beverages

Xavier Beach Resort
Fort Aguada Road, Vaddy, Candolim, Goa, India
+91 832 281489

Serves traditional Goan cuisine and British specialties

Indian:

Maya Indian Grill & Bar
Calangute Baga Road, Goa, India
+91 832 276497

A dinner-only restaurant serving North Indian cuisine

Kebabs & Curries Near Kamat Holiday Homes, Gauro Vaddo,Calangute, Goa, India
+91 832 275931

Specialising in North Indian cuisine, this restaurant also gives the take-away option.

The Hindu Colonia Santa Maria, Cobrawaddo,Calangute, Goa, India
+91 832 277299

This restaurant serves pure vegetarian cuisine, a feature quite common in South Indian restaurants, as authentic Hindu's are vegetarian.

Paris & La Brasserie
Camotim Vaddo,Candolim, Bardez, Goa, India
+91 832 276323

Serves eclectic French, Goan and Indian cuisine

North Goa beach begins from the headland of Fort Aguada just outside Panaji city and moves up north towards the border to Maharashtra. Right from the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, an interrupted stretch of sand lays awaiting tourists, sunbathers and party animals. Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Arambol are the beaches that can be covered in the North Goa Circuit.

South Goa includes Vasco da Gama, Bogmalo, Margao, Colva and Benolem. Being near to the sea, Goa enjoys a maritime climate, with April and May being very hot. The beaches such as Dona Paula, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, Miramar, and Vagator can be compared with the best beaches around the world.

The strong Roman Catholic community, with the active support of the erstwhile Portuguese rulers, has had a number of churches built in this picturesque locale. In Panaji, one must visit the church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian.

The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the statue of Abbe Faria in the capital are other attraction and a must see for lovers of art. The largest of the churches in Goa, the St. Cathedral is in Old Goa and is flocked by thousands of tourists every year. The holy shrine of Basilica of Baby Jesus, also in Old Goa, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among the Roman Catholic world.

Following are some of the national, state and local holidays apart from local village events.

Feast of the Three King
On 6th January the three villages of Reis Magos, Cansaulim and Chandor celebrate this festival with reenactment by local boys of the three kings arriving with gifts for Christ.

Jatra
The Jatra is the feast of the God to whom the temple is dedicated. Best at Shantadurga Temple at Fatropa in Quepem, at Bogdgeshwar Temple in Mapusa and Devki Krishna Ravalnath Temple at Marcela in Ponda. This festival is also celebrated in other temples of importance

Feast of our Lady of Candelaria
Popular Christian festival held on 2nd February at Pomburpa.

Shigmo
Goa's version of Holi, this Hindu festival is held to mark the end of winter. It normally takes place on the full moon day of the month of Phalguna and is widely celebrated by gangs of youths throwing colored water and powder at one another. Tourists frequently become a target-it is in good humor just to excite the tourist. This is not a day to go our dressed in best cloths.

Carnival
The original reason for the carnival was to celebrate the arrival of Spring and it is observed within the Catholic community as three days of partying before the start of Lent. In Panaji the festivities center around a procession of colorful floats which takes place on Sabado Gordo or Fat Sunday. The event is opened by the arrival of King Momo who makes a traditional decree ordering his subjects to forget their worries and have a good time.

Vasant Panchami JATRA
Hindu's festival, best celebrated at Shantadurga temple in Queula at Ponda, in Mangesh temple at Priol, in Mahalsa Temple at Mardol which are in Ponda This festival is also celebrated in Ajoba Temple at Querim in Pernem and in Mahalaxmi Temple at Amone in Bicholim

Mahashivratri JATRA
Hindu's festival, best at Siroda and Ramnath temples both in Pond and at Sanguem; also good at Harvalem, Kavlem and Mangesh Temples. This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Shiva.

Urs of Shah Abdullah
Muslim's, death anniversary of saint Urs of Shah Abdullah. On this day of 17th February Muslims sing lyrical Muslim devotional songs called quawwalis, often sung through the night at Ponda

Good Friday and Easter
The Easter celebrations are marked by huge church services; the congregations often overflow into the streets or the services are held outside to accommodate everyone. Christian families mark the event with large clean gathering.

Feast of our Lady of Miracles
Held in Mapusa 16 days after Easter. This particular festival is famous for its common celebration by large numbers of Hindus and Christians.

BEACH BONANZA
From mid-April onwards successive Sundays see Colva Beach becoming the scene for this small festival featuring live music, dancing and entertainment.

IGITUN CHALNE
Occurring in May this is one of the most distinctive festivals in Goa and is specific to the temple of Sirigao in Bicholim Taluka. Igituna Chalne literally means fire-walking and the high point of the festival which occurs at night when devotees of goddess Lairaya walk across a pit of burning coal to prove their devotion.

GOA STATEHOOD DAY
Celebrated on 30th of May, State holiday to celebrate Goa becoming the 25th state of Indian Union on May 30, 1987.

DUSSEHRA/DHAROTSAV
Hindu's festival, this is extremely popular ten-day long festival begins on the first day of the Hindu month of Ashvina. The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil and culminates in the burning of the effigy of the demon king, Ravana. In Goa, the main puja of this festival is performed at the place of work. Machinery, tool, vehicles etc., are cleaned and garlanded with flowers and worshipped.

DIWALI (DEEPAVALI)
This Hindu festival also known as the Festival of Lights is second in importance only to Ganesh Chaturthi and marks the victory of Good over Evil. Symbolically lamps are lit morning and evening within the homes of the worshippers. Celebrated During October / November

Feast of our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Held on or around 8th December in Panaji and Margao accompanied by a large fair.

CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas is celebrated as a holiday throughout Goa and India. Goa's Catholics flock to midnight mass services traditionally called Missa de Galo or Cock Crow as they go on well into early hours of the morning. Christmas Day is marked with large family gatherings and feasting.

NEW YEAR'S EVE
Jubilant celebrations on the 31st of December, in the form of all-night street parties and beach parties anticipate the good things the New Year will bring.

Goa is the first ever Indian state to introduce professional football in the country. The top five Goan football teams are Churchill Brothers Sports Club, Salgaokar Sports Club, Dempo Sports Club, Vasco Sports Club and VLM Sports Club. Goan Footballers have brought many a laurel to the state and the country at national and international arena. Today there are 150 registered football clubs and 3407 registered players in Goa. If you are a football lover and in Goa, to know the latest happening, just get in touch with

Goa Football Association 2nd Floor, Padmavati Towers 18th June Road, Panaji Goa - 403 001.

Trekking
Though Goan inland does not have high mountains, small or medium sizes hills not exceeding a couple of thousand feet in height offer some chances to go for a short trekking. Some old temples are also located on hilltop and trekking the way up amidst a deep jungle is an enjoyable experience.


Golf The Leela Beach and Ramada Renaissance, both in south Goa, have small nine hole courses.

Bullfights
It doesn't pay to be a matador in goa. Here, bullfights are between two bulls, no matador needed. The fighting season starts around early October and lasts till May. The most popular locations are in one of the villages around Panjim like Taleigao (the most famous fights are held here), Santa Cruz or Caranzalem. They are also held near and around Margao in south Goa at the villages of Velsao and Benaulim. The fights usually begin around 4 pm, after siesta to the sound of taped Konkani music.