South Goa Tour by Goan Experience

South Goa Tour

In the Morning (From 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM) proceed to visit the St. Augustine Tower: Defying the vagaries of the weather, the lofty tower is the only surviving one of the four that once stood there. The church when intact was perhaps the biggest in Goa. The church was built on top of the Monte Santo (Holy Hill), between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars who landed in Goa in 1587. The church was considered as one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world along with El Escorial and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora. Another chapter to its history was added recently with the unearthing of the tomb of Queen Ketevan of Georgia
Se Cathedral: dedicated to the St. Catherine of Alexandria, this is the most imposing of all the churches in Old Goa. Its valued interior overwhelms visitors with the sheer grandeur and the elegant crafted structure spells genius. The Se Cathedral was built to commemorate the victory of the Portuguese under Afonso de Albuquerque over a Muslim army, leading to the capture of the city of Goa in 1510.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: The most popular and magnificent edifice of the 16th Century, Basilica of Bom Jesus - a UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket enshrined here. The Jesuit church is India's first minor basilica, and is considered to be one of the best examples of baroque architecture and Portuguese Colonial architecture in India. It is one of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. Millions of Tourists & Devotees flock every year to witness this holy miracle.
Shri Mangueshi Temple - The main temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Shiva. Bhagavan Mangesh is worshipped here as Shiva linga. The complex also has shrines of Goddess Parvati and God Ganesha. It is visited by thousands of devotees every year, and Festivals and periodical devotional activities are conducted with great zeal.
Shri Shantadurga Temple: Dedicated to the Goddess who mediates between Vishnu and Shiva, Shantadurga, the temple is famous shrine for devotees. The temple complex is on the slope of the foothills of a mountain chain, surrounded by lush vegetation. There is a main temple and three smaller temples of other deities which have been built on three sides of the temple. The temple consists of a collection of pyramidal roofs with a dome.
Later visit to Spice Plantation - located in Ponda, a village untouched by pollution. It is spread over large tract of verdant land, which offers the perfect setting for you to soak in a pure unadulterated nature. Here you will be welcomed with herbal tea followed by a guided tour of the plantation in which you will hear about various spices, medicinal plants and their uses. At the end of the guided tour you have the opportunity to pick up some local products before relishing home-cooked healthy and nutritious goan authentic food, in goan style on a banana leaf.
Post lunch visit to Dona Paula Jetty - the Lovers Paradise – this idyllic rocky tourist attraction lies at the spot where the Mandovi and the Zuari rivers meet the Arabian Sea. It provides a magnificent view of the Mormugao harbour on one side and the open stretch of Arabian Sea on the other side.
Miramar Beach - it lies near the confluence of the Mondovi River and the Arabian Sea at the distance of 3 km from the Panaji, Miramar beach is a lovely and enchanting golden beach of soft sand covered with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea. This beach was originally popular as the 'Gasper Dias Beach' and it has peaceful surroundings and solitude, which draws thousands of tourists at this place to rejuvenate and take the pleasure of a tranquil atmosphere.
As you drive through Panjim - the capital city of Goa, a lovely little town along the banks of the Mandovi river. The town has done an excellent job preserving its Portuguese heritage, and visitors can wander the narrow winding lanes and admire the old houses with their overhanging balconies, enjoy viewing its unique colonial architecture.
In the evening enjoy Sunset Boat Cruise: one hour evening boat cruise on the scenic River Mandovi with Live DJ Music before heading back to your hotel.

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