Goa In India: Fun And Religiosity
Goa, called the “pearl of the East”, perfectly combines temples, old houses and churches with beaches and the sea. A unique story and landscapes that you will not even be able to imagine until you are there. We invite you to take a tour of Goa … will you join us?
Goa, former Portuguese colony
The history of this region of India is truly vast and draws attention not only for its natural beauties, but also because it offers native and Portuguese traditions alike. The capital of the state of Goa is Panaji (or Panjim), one of the most charming in the entire country.
Since the 1960s, this area has received a large number of tourists, about 2 million a year, especially “hippies” and pilgrims who wanted to visit both its Catholic and Hindu sanctuaries. When you arrive in Goa you will not be able to believe that you are in India. The dominance of Portugal for 450 years has given it a different and western air.
The beaches are really beautiful and in the surroundings we find churches and a large Christian population, something rare in India where the majority profess Hinduism. Also 25% of the residents are Catholic… And this is a good amount!
A walk through Goa
Several rivers converge in Goa and form very beautiful waterways to make a journey between estuaries, bays and coves. It is good to know that a good part of these tributaries are used to transport their iron and manganese manufactures to the port of Mormugao (another place you can visit).
The capital is located on the banks of the Mandovi River, but there are other important cities such as Margao, Vasco da Gama, Mapusa, Old Goa, Mapusa and Ponda.
If you want something calmer and breathe culture in every way, you can opt for smaller towns in the beach area (such as Candolim or Calangute) or inland (Canacona and Chaudi).
On your way through Goa you cannot miss the Dona Paula beach, Agonda (or turtle beach), Ponda Taluka and its temples, Old Goa (with monuments, temples and convents from the 16th century), the old Portuguese forts from Cabo de Rama and Fort Aguada and the Bondla, Cotigao, Dr. Salim Ali (bird) and Mahavira wildlife sanctuaries.
The churches of Old Goa
They are a reminder of the presence of the Portuguese in the area. Several religious orders settled here to make Goa their starting point in the evangelization of Asia.
Goa’s magnificent religious and historical ensemble is a World Heritage Site. In it we can observe a great variety of architectural styles and some constructions date from the 15th century. Among the most important churches in Goa we find:
Be Goa Cathedral
It was built as the seat of the bishopric in 1534 and is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. The works finished almost a century after starting: in 1631. It is a 91-meter-long building, the largest built by the Portuguese in Asia, and has three naves, three portals and a single tower (erected in 1766 ).
Church of Our Lady of the Rosary
It was erected in 1543 and it is the oldest that still stands. At first it was a parish and although it is small and looks like a fortress, inside you will marvel at its tiny towers and Gothic domes.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
In 1542 San Francisco Javier and his company of Jesus arrived in Goa and from there began the evangelization works. The only thing that survived from the Jesuit complex was this basilica, which follows the typical template of a single nave. Here are the mummified remains of the Navarrese missionary.
Goa and its beaches
In Goa you will find some of the best beaches in Asia. Thus, after having covered the impressive heritage of the region, you can take a dip in the sea and enjoy its magnificent sandy areas. We recommend the following:
Vagator
It is said that it is the best but that is up to each one. What we can affirm is that it is the largest, although in reality there are 3 united beaches: one for those who love tumult, another for those who prefer tranquility and privacy and the third which is famous for its sculpture with Shiva’s face on the rock.
Arambol
It became fashionable a decade ago and since then it is the place chosen by the “hippies” of the 21st century. This culture has established itself on a stretch of the beach for one simple reason: you fall in love with it as soon as you arrive! Every night you can dance to the rhythm of the instruments and stay there to watch the sunrise.
Ashvem
A quiet place, with transparent and calm waters. .. although it is not difficult to access you will find a semi deserted beach. Without a doubt a paradise that is worth knowing.
Anjuna, Agonda, Khola Beach… there are countless beaches in Goa, but keep in mind that Goa’s tourist season begins in late September and ends in early March, during the cool, dry months. Monsoons, storms and hot temperatures appear between May and June!
