Sun, Sand &
Sea, relaxing place, freak out place, are some of the descriptions used for one
of the most famous tourist destinations in India – Goa. Becoming a part of the
Indian Union in 1961, Goa has emerged as one of the most visited destination in
India. Beaches like Calamgute, Baga, Candolim, Vagator, Colva, Miramar, the
Temples of Shanta Durga and Mangueshi, and the old Goa Churches (Saint Xavier’s
Cathedral & Basilica of Bom Jesus) are flocked by lacs of tourists every
year.
But Goa, as a
destination has much more to offer other than the above mentioned general
tourist spots. These places are a bit off-beat but give us a larger picture of
the Cultural and Natural importance of the state. Here we try to explore some
of these places.
Tambdi Surla :
Built in the 12
Century, this is Lord Mahadev Temple is said to be the oldest temple in Goa.
This temple is located around 13 km from Bolcornem village inside the Bhagwan
Mahavir Sanctuary and Mollem National Park. Built from the basalt stone, it was
commissioned by the Yadava King Ramchandra and constructed by his minister
Hemadri. As the Kadambas ruled Goa during that time, the temple is the only
specimen of the Kadamba-Yadava architecture in basalt stone. The architecture
is similar to the temples located at Aihole in Karnataka and can be of a major
interest for a person having inclination in monument / architectural
photography. Due to its remote location
deep inside the forest it survived several invasions and the Inquisition of Goa
by the Portuguese. As mentioned earlier, the area around the temple is a forest
reserve and is rich in flora and fauna. According to a legend, a king cobra is
a permanent resident of this temple.
Dudhsagar
Waterfall :
Considered among
one of the tallest waterfalls in India, the Dudhsagar waterfall is located
around 46 km from Madgaon on the Belgum Highway. This four tiered waterfall is
located on the river Mandovi is also a part of the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary
and Mollem National Park. Accessible by walking from the Castle Rock Station,
the area around the waterfall is rich in bio diversity. The waterfall is
spectacular during the monsoon season and is popular among the trekkers and
nature photographers.
Chapora Fort :
The current fort
structure built in the year 1717 was once a part of the Portuguese Empire, the
Maratha Empire and the Kingdom of the Maharaja of Sawantwadi. The supremacy
over this fort changed hands several times before finally becoming the part of
the New conquests of the Portuguese. The fort has views of all the directions
with Chapora river in the north, Vagator Beach in the south and the Arabian Sea
in the west. Owing to its tranquility it has a few visitors. The fort was also
used a film location in the bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai.
Aguada Fort :
Overlooking the
Arabian Sea on the Sinquerim Beach, Fort Aguada was built in 1612 as a defence
guard, firstly against the Dutch and then later on, against the Marathas. Located on the
mouth of the Mandovi river, this fort served as the reference point for the
ships coming from Europe. The fort was once a grand stand of 79 Cannons. The
word Aguada means water and the fort has a capacity of storing 23,76,000
gallons of water, which was one of the biggest fresh water storages at that
time in whole asia. The Light house next to the fort was built in 1864 and was
up and running till it was abandoned in 1976. This fort is one of the popular
tourist spots in Goa.
Saturday Night
Market :
Sprawling over a
hill near Arpora, is the Saturday Night Market. It has developed as a good
alternative to the Wednesday flee market. From handmade leather belts
to Pashmina Shawls, from embroidered cushions to ethnic carpets, traditional
bags, jewellery, apparels and much more. This market also houses food stalls featuring cuisines from across the
globe, and the centre stage that hosts live concerts featuring Rock to Indian
Classical.
You can experience all of the above with
GLOBAL NOMADS
Offbeat Goa Trip Date : 19 May 2016 – 22 May 2016
Trip Cost @ Just Rs 6999/- Per Person
For info and reservations call :
8446382362 / 9867761900
globalnomadsco@gmail.com
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