Day 3
South Goa Sightseeing Tour
● We begin our full-day South Goa tour with Shree Mangesh Temple, also known as Shri Manguesh Temple, in Mangeshi Village in Goa after breakfast. This stunning temple dates back 400 years and is devoted to Lord Shiva, who is revered as Lord Mahueshi. According to legend, Lord Shiva disguised himself as a tiger and travelled to Goa after losing everything to Parvati in a dice game. By chance, he startled Parvati, who cried out for help. Lord Shiva then changed back into his natural shape and pursued Parvati back. The term "Mam Grisha" used by Parvati to request assistance gave rise to Manguesh.
● Old Goa's churches and convents are what makes Goa famous. The most famous church in Old Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus, dates back to the 1600s and is not to be missed. It remains a recognizable landmark in Goa and is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. "Good/Baby Jesus" is what Bom Jesus is. As you walk into the Jesuit church, you'll notice the baroque architecture that the Portuguese brought with them, which has been preserved well and earned a spot among the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. We'll also go to the Church of Our Lady, a Gothic-style building constructed in 1541 on a hilltop overlooking Panjim. Antoni Gaudi, a renowned architect of his time, is credited with creating the magnificent structure. It was initially constructed as a chapel, changed its name to Paris in 1600, and underwent a significant renovation in 1609 to become the church that stands today. The recognizable symmetrical zigzag stairs were first erected in the 18th century, followed in 1871 by Goa's second-largest bell tower. The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, a cathedral constructed to commemorate the Portuguese triumph over a Muslim army in 1510 before seizing Old Goa on the day of Saint Catherine's Feast, is the next stop on our tour. It is home to Goa's largest bell. The Chapel of the Cross of Miracles is where some of the most historically significant artwork, paintings, and sculptures can be found. It was reported that the year the Chapel of the Cross of Miracles was completed in 1619, a vision of Christ came.
● If you've been itching to shop in Goa, you'll adore Panjim Market, a haven for those who enjoy shopping for local goods, trinkets, snacks, and anything else you could desire in Goa. Bring something from Goa back, perhaps with gifts to give your loved ones in your native country.
● Yet if being among people has exhausted you, you'll value the peace Dona Paul Beach has to offer. The residents of Dona Paula titled their village with hers to honour her memory following her commitment to improving the village's quality of life. Dona Paula was named after a woman of compassion in Portuguese India named Dona Paula Amaral Antónia de Souto Maior. Nowadays, people adore going to the beach, which is rarely populated and is only frequently frequented during the high season. Admire the stunning picture of Mormugao Harbour, an important trading port for India since 1963, as ships enter and exit after exporting an annual average of 27.33 million tonnes of iron ores.
● Goa's Miramar Beach is another breathtaking location you shouldn't miss. It was formerly known as Gasper Dias Beach and is a popular place to hang out and engage in water sports. Besides offering terrific nightlife, restaurants and bars can also be lined up close to the beach as guests arrive for the party, where delectable Goan fare is served.
● Add flavour to your journey by paying extra for the Mandovi River Cruise. You will be transported on a leisurely boat across the Mandovi River for about an hour, with the sunset serving as your backdrop. Before boarding, guests can enjoy traditional dance performances and live DJ music at the Carnival Village.
● Afternoon at the hotel.