Shri Shantadurga Temple, Kavlem
More than 450 years old, the Shantadurga temple is situated in the foothills of Kavalem village. Goddess Durga was said to act as a mediator between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu’s fierce war, and was given the name Shanta, meaning ’peace’. The temple was originally situated in Keloshi, but relocated during Portuguese rule. The present temple structure was built between 1713 and 1738 under the reign of Shahu Maharaj.
Location
Mardol, Ponda Taluka, Goa, India
Phone Number
+91 832 2312557, +91 832 2319900
Shri Mahalsa Temple, Mardol
Shri Mahalsa Temple in Mardol is dedicated to Mhalsa Devi, fondly known as Mhalsa Narayani, the Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu. The 450-year old temple is famous for its huge brass bell and its Palkhi festival.
Location
Mardol, Ponda Taluka, Goa, India
Shri Damodar Temple, Zambaulim
Shri Damodar Temple is situated on the banks of the Kushawati River in Zambaulim, about 22km from Margao. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva serves as a place of worship for both Hindus and Christians.
Location
22km from Margao, Zambaulim, Goa, India
Shri Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla
The Shri Mahadev Temple at Tambdu Surla was constructed in the 12th century as a dedication to Lord Shiva, by the Kadamba Yadava dynasty. It is the oldest temple in Goa, and contains intricate relief carvings on stone that occupy a very prominent archaeological position in Indian history. The deity is positioned so that it basks in the first rays of the rising sun. The Shri Mahadev Temple is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), and should be on your list of attractions to visit if you have an affinity for ancient heritage.
Location
65km from Panaji
12km from Molem
Shri Naguesh Temple, Bandora
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this temple was built in 1413 AD during the rule of the Vijaynagar empire and has great archaeological importance. It is one of the few temples in Goa that have withstood Portuguese conquests. The temple underwent major renovations during the rule of Shahu Maharaj. The main attractions at this temple are the Deepsthamb and the Kunda in which you can see the reflection of the Naguesh idol.
Location
Pharmagudi-Kavalem-Ponda road:
800m from Pharmagudi
26.2km from Panaji, Panaji-Belagavi Road, Goa, India
Church of Lady of the Rosary
The Church of Lady of the Rosary is located right opposite the Basilica of Bom Jesus Church. It was built between 1544-1549, and is one of the most visited places in Goa. It is one of the oldest surviving catholic churches in Goa — a standing testimony of the early Portuguese conquests. The church was the brainchild of Alfonso de Albuquerque, who wanted to construct a religious structure right where he had defeated the Sultan of Bijapur, Adil Shah, in 1510.
Location
Holy Hill, Old Goa, India
The Rachol Seminary
The Rachol Seminary, also known as the Patriarchal Seminary of Rachol, was founded in 1560 from the remains of a Muslim fort. Fragments of St. Constantius’ remains are said to be enshrined here since 1782. The seminary has great religious significance as it is one of the pillar stones promoting Christianity in Goa.
Location
7:30 am to 6:30 pm
except during mass hours
Dudhsagar Falls
Dudhsagar Falls are the fifth tallest waterfalls in India with a plummeting height of 1,017 feet and a width of 100 feet. These waterfalls are situated along the Goa-Karnataka border, high up on the Mandovi River’s watershed. They hold great importance for Goa’s ecosystem as they are surrounded by the mystifying Mollem National Park.
Location
60km from Margao, Mollem National Park
Eastern border of Goa-Karnataka
Cabo Palace (Cabo Raj Niwas)
Cabo Palace, also known as Cabo Raj Niwas and Cabo Raj Bhawan, is situated opposite Fort Aguada on River Mandovi and currently houses the Governor of Goa. Formerly home to a Franciscan monastery and later the Viceroy during Portuguese rule, it was built in 1541 to guard the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. Today, the Cabo Raj Bhavan is used to carry out political duties like swearing ceremonies and other official occasions.
Mayem Lake
Located in the Bicholim district of Goa, Mayem Lake is a beautiful freshwater lake where tourists can enjoy a romantic paddle boat ride. It is one of the more popular tourist destinations in Goa and boasts an extremely relaxing ambience surrounded by picturesque forests, lush landscapes, and a calm, sparkling lake. The Goa Tourism Development Corporation has also constructed a resort here for lodging purposes.
Location
Bicholim Taluka, North Goa, India
