Goa also known as the "The pearl of the orient" is an ideal holiday destination to be enjoyed at a leisurely pace. Goa lies on the west coast of India, the 25th State in the Union of States of India, were liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 after a 500 year reign. A period long enough to have Portuguese colonial influence which brings in a 'East meets West culture', makes Goa a attractive tourist destination attracting tourists from all over the world. See Goa’s most spectacular sights on a South Goa Sightseeing By Coach Tour. Listen to commentary from a guide as you explore the Sights by coach and foot. . Even better, the experience includes a stop to Mandovi river sunset cruise to be used on the day .
Highlights : Miramar Beach , Dolphin Spotting Boat Ride, Dona Paula Beach , Old Goa Churches (Basilica of Bom Jesus , Se Cathedral , Saint Francis of Assisi ,St. Augustine Tower ) , Shree Mangesh Temple ,Tirupati Balaji Temple , Evening Sunset Cruise on Mandovi River.
Miramar Beach
The word Miramar is derived from Portuguese word, which means ‘viewing the sea’. The beach is famous for its golden soft sand and palm trees. It is said that the sand of the beach looks brighter in moonlight. The two-km long beach is popular and locals and foreigners visit the beach in large numbers. It’s a favourite hangout for a leisurely stroll down as the sun sets on the distant horizon. Another attraction of the beach is that it offers beautiful view of Aguada Fort, built by the Portuguese to safeguard their colony Goa. The fort is located across Mandovi river.
Dona Paula
At the place where two famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea lies the once secluded bay of Dona Paula with the fine view of Marmugao Harbour. This place carries with it an aura both romantic and mythical. Here's a peek into this enigmatic scene.
Old Goa
Old Goa, the erstwhile capital of the Portuguese domination, and the regal capital Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur before the arrival of the Portuguese on the Goan shores, witnesses a profusion of magnificent churches and majestic buildings -Sé Cathedral (St Catherine’s Cathedral), Francis of Assisi Church and Archeological, St. Augustine Tower, Basilica of Bom Jesus and Tomb of St Francis Xavier
Shree Mangesh Temple
Lying on a hillock in a village of the same name, Mangeshi temple is one of the most popular, richest and largest Hindu temples in Goa. A major pilgrimage destination in the beach state, mangeshi temple has an interesting story to tell.It is said that the temple was built on the site of the Zuari River where Cortalim village stands today. When the Portuguese captured Salcete in 1543, devotees moved the deity of Mangeshi to a nearby village that took the name of the temple. The temple as you see today was built in 1744 originally, using donations of a local Maratha ruler.he Mangeshi temple today is a beautiful temple built in the Goan Hindu style of architecture, with distinctive white towers.
Tirupati Balaji Temple
The Tirupati Balaji Padmavati temple is located at Kunkuliem Village in Ponda, Goa enveloped with greenery from all sides. The temple has been blessed by Jagadguru Sankaracharya the Holiness of the Kanchikamakoti Peetam. The Balaji Temple in Ponda is dedicated to Lord Venkateshwara, Lord Ganesha and Goddess Padmavat.Tirupati Balaji Temple's architectural brilliance is a testament to traditional temple design. The intricate carvings, vibrant sculptures, and meticulously crafted interiors reflect a harmonious blend of indigenous and classical styles. The towering gopuram (entrance tower) is adorned with ornate sculptures, announcing the temple's spiritual significance.
