Goa Beyond Our Imagination

MANDREM BEACH   Mandrem is know for its quite 2 quite beaches, home to tucked away cafes, yoga retreats and resort Hotels. The beach has casual shacks serving seafood and western fare, while a handful spots also offer Italian, French and Global Cuisine.   The beach is family friendly, safe and has a lot of cafes around the beach. The beach is silent and not too crowded. Many excellent restaurants like Dunes,  Artjuna, Tom Yam Thai and the Riva Resort. Good shopping for clothes jewellery and basic essentials.  

  Hungry? Here Are A Few Must Try Dishes  Food is something that excites most of us, especially when it comes to Goan food. The Goan cuisine offers a wide variety right from veg to non-veg.   GOAN FISH THALI The Goan Fish Thali is a must try when in Goa. It is one of the most famous Goan Cuisine. people long to eat the Goan Thali.  Served on a ornate Silver Thali, the Goan Thali comprises of Prawn Curry, Goan Rice, a Fried Fillet of Kingfish or a fish of your choice, Clam Sukhem (Dry),  Crab Xecxec, Dry Prawn Kismoor, a Vegetable, Salad and Sol Kadhi (made of Kokum and Coconut Milk.    Though Goan Cuisine is incomplete without Fish but it also carters to the Vegetarians. The Veg Thali consist of Goan Rice, Bhakri, Goan Daali Thoy, Kele Ambat (Plantain Gravy), Dal (lentils), a Vegetable, Salad, Papad, Pickle, and Sol Kadhi.  GOAN VEG THALI       Another famous Goan Dish is the CHICKEN CAFREAL.  Chicken Cafreal is a traditional ...

  MAHADEV TEMPLE, TAMBDI SURLA  A 12th century Shaivite Temple in the Kadamba style   dedicated to  Lord Shiva  and an active place of Hindu worship.      Built in the Kadamba style from Basalt, carried across the mountain from the Deccan Plateau by craftsmen.  It is considered to be the only specimen of Kadamba architecture in Basalt Stone preserved and available in Goa. Due to its remote location in a clearing deep in the forest at the foot of the Western Ghats  the Temple has survived untouched.   There is a Ling mounted on the pedestal inside the inner sanctum and the local legend has it that a huge KING COBRA is in permanent residence in the dimly lit interior.      The temple consist of  Garbhagriha, Antarala  and a pillared  Nandi Mandapa  built of Basalt.    The four pillars , embellished with intricate carvings of elephants and chains support a stone ceiling decorated with finely...

  SAFA MASJID     Safa mosque or Safa Shahouri mosque located at Ponda within Goa, India. It is a sixteenth century Islamic monument.       The mosque has a complex consisting of garden and fountains. The terracotta tile roof accommodates a rectangular prayer hall.  It is an ASI protected monument of national importance in goa.     The Mosque was built in 1560 by the Bijapuri Ruler Sultan  IBRAHIM ADIL SHAH I    who was one of the oldest rulers in India about 2 Km from the center of Ponda. It is one of the oldest Mosques in Goa.  Safa  is Arabic for  PURE .   The star attraction of Safa Masjid is the huge laterite stone masonry tank with turquoise waters that is located within the mosque complex. The tank has over 40  hammams  built in Mihrab style of architecture. 

   Our Lady Of  I mmaculate Conception Church   Goa is not only known for its beaches and night life but also for its churches. One of the most famous churches in Goa is the  OUR LADY OF IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH .   Here masses are celebrated everyday in English, Konkani and Portuguese. The church was first built in 1541 as a chapel on a hill side overlooking the city of Panjim, it was then replaced by a larger church in the 1600s as a part of Portuguese Goa's religious expansion.  In the 18th century the stairways in the symmetrical zigzag form were added to the church.   The second largest Church bell in Goa was installed in a bell tower in 1871.  It was formerly at the Augustinian Monastery on Holy Hill, and was retrieved after the monastery was damaged.          

               GOA, Its Food And Culture When we imagine Goa the first thing that comes to our minds is parties, alcohol, fun and mostly the lively night life, but there is also a side of Goa that is beyond our imagination which includes restaurants , beaches, spooky places, forts and water parks Temples, Churches and Mosques.  Mapusa Market Looking for a place for local and handmade stuff ? You should definitely visit the Mapusa market. It has always been one of the main center for trading and shopping in Goa. The market opens at around 9 am and shuts down by 7pm. One can find just about anything at Mapusa. Items ranging from antiques and Goan pottery to handicrafts, rare fabric and textiles, clothing, exotic spices, fruits, vegetables, meat, jewellery.        The Pottery Market Jewellery, Fabric and Bags The FRIDAY Market at Mapusa Friday is the day when objects sold can be brought at meager prices as there is no mi...

  BASILICA OF BOM JESUS     The basilica of Bom Jesus is a catholic basilica located in the goa situated in the Konkan region of India. It is both a pilgrimage Centre and also the most iconic monument of all the churches.       This Jesuit church is India's first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best example of baroque architecture and Portuguese colonial architecture in India. It is one the seven wonders of Portuguese origin in the world.      The basilica is located in old goa, former capital of Portuguese India, and holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.   

  MIRAMAR BEACH  Miramar is the beach area of the Goan capital Panjim, also known as Panaji and is one of the most visited beaches in goa. It is one of the two only beaches in Panjim, other being Caranzalem beach. Miramar beach is said to be one of the cleanest beaches in goa and it offers the opportunity to view the stunning sunset.    It is a romantic gateway for adventure freaks, beach lovers and honeymoon couples. At Miramar beach, one can get pleasure and satisfaction with same interesting activities like fishing, bird watching, shopping and strolling around.  Miramar beach listed amongst the most popular beaches of goa due its location. This is also a hot spot to celebrate local festivals. clean filled with soft sand; it is quite a destination for evening walks and early morning strolls.       

  CHAPORA FORT  Chapora fort located in Bardez, goa, rises high above the Chapora river.  The site was the location of a fort built by Muslim ruler Adil shah called Shahpur.    It is now become a popular tourist spot and offers a view north across the Chapora river to Pernem, southern over Vagator and also far out to the Arabian sea in the west. 

  PALOLEM BEACH The most popular beach of south goa, Palolem is also one of the most picturesque beaches in the state. Enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms. Palolem is popular amongst family vacationers as well as backpackers and young crowds. This beach is as perfect for quiet laid-back holiday as for partying.  Palolem beach doesn't have much options for nightlife  except for its unique silent noise party at its southern end.  Café del mar and silver star - cocktails $ dreams are also where you can go for some good time at night. Sometimes, full moon parties are also hosted on Palolem beach.       

  FORT AGUADA   Along with churches Goa also has a lot of forts. Fort Aguada is a well preserved seventeenth century Portuguese Fort along with a light house.  LIGHT HOUSE    Built in 1864 on a hill located to the west of the fort is one of the oldest in Asia. It was then replaced by by a new Light House in 1976 after serving for about a century.  There was a Large Bell on the light house which was found in the ruins of Saint Augustus Monastery in Old Goa       The fort was originally  constructed in 1612 to guard against the Dutch. This fort stands on the south of Candolim at the shore of Mandovi River.    

  AN UNEXPLORED SIDE OF GOA : CABO DE RAMA Away from the crowd amidst nature a silent place, doesn't it sound like paradise? An ancient fort, a short trek and the most astounding view of the Arabian Ocean flanked by beautiful mountain and lots of palm trees. This is precisely what  Cabo De Rama  in South Goa is! Cabo De Rama Beach ,  also known as  Cab De Rama  by the local citizens. A beautiful wild beach in South Goa. Situated 28 Km from Margao, 19 Km from Agonda and 2 Km from Cabo De Rama Fort.     The Legend Of Cabo De Rama : How Did It Get Its Name?     The legend and lore of   Cabo De Rama Fort   were associated with Lord Rama, his beloved wife Sita and his brother Laxman . It is said that they sought refuge here when they got expelled from the kingdom and sentenced to a 14 years exile in the forest of India and that is how  Cabo De Rama Fort  got its name.     The panoramic view of the Arabi...

    CALANGUTE     A town in the north goa district of  the India. Famous for its beach, the largest in north goa and a popular tourist destination. The tourist season starts from end of September and last till march.  The place has a lot to offer to the tourist right from food to jewellery, clothes and trinkets.  Aligned with dense palm and coconut trees, the beach is a perfect place to relax and enjoy with your loved ones.   It will offer you a one - of - a - kind beach experience, one that is tranquil and idyllic, and cannot be found elsewhere in goa.   watersports  The beach gives the best thrilling experience like scuba diving, kayaking, banana tube boat ride, parasailing, snorkeling, sportfishing, knee boarding, jet skiing etc.     One of the most easiest and fun water sport in goa is the '' Banana boat ride''. The ride is preferred by both young and old adults also children find it thrilling.  ...

    BUTTERFLY BEACH A trek 2 Km from from the parking is worth the place. An awesome place to hangout and enjoy the see.   The best time to visit is in the morning. If you are a beach lover and you love to swim in the Ocean visiting this place is a must.    As the name suggest  BUTTERFLY BEACH  is the abode of numerous beautiful butterflies.   The most beautiful sight is during low tides, when the seashore widens the beach is filled with crabs and goldfishes.    Sea urchins, sea cucumbers and even redfish are common sights here.   The water is clear and looks bluish green. The beach is surrounded by a lot of rocks. It was given the name  Butterfly Beach   when trees on the hill side bloomed, one could see a lot of butterflies here.  

  JAPANESE GARDEN  It known for its aesthetic beauty and charming scenery. located on a hilltop, in Vasco Da Gama the garden accentuates the beauty of nature and thus provides a sharp contrast to the artifice of modern civilization.     A small garden away from any popular attraction with a play area for children. A point on the left corner from where one can enjoy the beautiful view of the sea and relax. The sunset looks very pretty from the point, also one can climb down the cliff  to the beach and click pics. its sided by green hills and rocky beach.          

    ASHWEM Looking for a place to calm and relax? Ashwem Beach is the best place for you. The beach is less crowded and one can find families most of the time. The place is very peaceful and its great to be here during sunset. A perfect place for a swim, yoga and exercise. The beach is lined with upscale and gorgeous resorts and restaurants. There are also a lot of adorable dogs that like to spend the day chilling under your sunbed and come out for cuddles very often.  The beach is known for its beauty and solidity.       The restaurants on the beach serve fresh seafood and local delicacies using the best ingredients and authentic recipes. you can also enjoy mid-day meals, evening snacks drinks etc.  Another attractive feature of this beach is that is that it is very clean and well maintained well by the local authorities as well as the tourist who visit the place. when in Ashwem don't miss the breathtaking sunset. Beautiful Ocean views framed by the s...