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
Fort Tiracol
Standing tall along the coast of the River Tiracol, this fort provides a scenic atmosphere and a beautiful view of the river, making it a major tourist attraction in Goa. It was originally constructed by the King of Sawantwadi in 1746, but was acquired by the Portuguese under the reign of Viceroy Dom Pedro De Almeida. This fort stands as a testimony to the revolt between Almeida and the Portuguese forces. Today, it houses a heritage hotel but tourists can visit it via a 30-minute ferry ride.
Location
Querim, 42km from Panjim, Goa, India
Fort Chapora
Built on an earlier structure constructed by Adil Shah, Fort Chapora was rebuilt by the Portuguese in 1617. The main intention behind its construction was to keep away the Hindu rulers that were eyeing this prime location near Anjuna beach.
Location
10km from Mapusa, near Anjuna Beach, Goa, India
Fort Cabo de Rama
Fort Cabo de Rama derives its name from Lord Rama. Legend says that he and his wife Sita took refuge at this fort when they were exiled for 14 years. This fort withstood gruesome battles between the Portuguese, Marathas, Muslim invaders, and Hindu kings, and was used as a prison by the British. There’s a church inside the fort that is still a place of prayer for devotees.
Location
Canacona Taluka, South Goa, India
Fort Aguada
Fort Aguada is a well-preserved 17th-century Portuguese fort gets its name — meaning water — thanks to its freshwater springs that satiated the thirst of sailors who passed nearby. It was constructed by the Portuguese to ward off attacks by the Dutch and Marathas, and as a checkpoint for ships arriving from Europe. Smaller than other forts in India, it consists of a lighthouse and the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, a property of India Hotels.
Location
18km from Panjim, Bardez Taluka, North Goa, India