Old Goa

Private, All-Inclusive Tour of Goa

After a 9am pickup at your Goa city hotel, meet your guide and travel in a private air-conditioned vehicle to reach Old Goa, also known as Velha Goa ( velha means old in Portuguese). This was the original capital of the state of Goa and the second capital city established by the Portuguese in India. It was established in 1510 and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Appreciate this slice of history as your guide shows you the Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Born Jesus UNESCO World Heritage  sites Next, visit the Mangueshi Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the state of Goa. It was completed in 1560 and was originally a very plain building. Over the centuries it has been renovated and expanded. Admire the current lavish temple as your guide points out key elements like the Mangesh Linga. Then continue to the Shanta Durga Temple, a large temple complex near the village of Kavalem, before touring a spice plantation in the town of Ponda. The plantation is spread over a large area where TK SPICES are grown. After receiving a traditional Aarti welcome and a garland of marigolds, tour the plantation then enjoy a buffet lunch on site including traditional Goan dishes served on a banana leaf (vegetarian options available).  After lunch, visit the Portuguese Latin Quarters in the city of Panaji, including Fontainhas (or Bairro das Fontainhas, in Portuguese). Here the Portuguese influence is easy to see in the architecture, the narrow streets, and the buildings painted in lively colors.  Continue to the village of Dona Paula near Panaji. Formerly called Oddavell, this village was re-named in honor of a beloved and generous benefactor. It is now home to the National Institute of Oceanography.  Finally, explore Panjim City, the capital of the state of Goa, on the banks of the Mandovi River, including the Baroque Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church on the main square (known as Praça da Igreja in Portuguese), colorful villas, and cobblestone streets. Then sit back and relax for the return to Goa in your private vehicle, arriving at your hotel around 5pm.

Goa Small-Group Shore Excursion Trip with Lunch

Get picked up at the Cruise Port and travel by an air-conditioned minivan in a 6-hour shore excursion in Goa. Visit the Sahakari Spice Farm, lush garden specializing in the cultivation of spices and herbs.Continue to the Basilica of Bom Jesus which was built in the 16th century. This magnificent building is the most popular and famous of all the churches in Goa. The mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier are kept enshrined in a silver casket, which was wrought by Goan silversmiths in 1636-37. Dedicated to Infant Jesus, this church is now a World Heritage Monument.Head to the Se Cathedral, the most imposing of all the churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms visitors with its sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells, among them the famous Golden Bell, the biggest in Goa. This church is dedicated to St.Catherine of Alexandria.You can choose to visit the Church of St.Francis of Assis. The entrance and the choir were built in the Manueline style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. First built in 1517, it was later rebuilt twice, in 1521 and in 1661. The interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings and the floor has a large number of tombstones with coats-of-arms. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.Your tour concludes with a drop-off at Goa port or another location of your choice.

Shri Manguesh Temple, Bom Jesus, Lunch with Goa Port Pickup

9am - You will be picked up from the sea port or your desired location in Goa to begin your full day tour with a professional guide.9:45am - Shri Manguesh TempleA beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located on a Hillock. The 400-year-old temple is known for its elegant structure and the pillars which are considered to be the most beautiful among the temples is Goa. A beautiful seven-story Deepa Stambha (decorative lamp tower), stands at the gates in the temple complex. 10:45am - Shree Shantadurga TempleSet amidst lush emerald hills, this temple is dedicated to Shree Shantadurga Devi. The Temple has an impressive idol of Goddess Shree Durga who mediated between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva and stopped the fierce-full war going on between the two.12:30pm - Tropical Spice Plantation (Lunch Included)Spread over large tract of verdant land, which offers the perfect setting for you to soak in a pure unadulterated nature. Guest are welcomed in a traditional way. Healthy and nutritious food is served in a traditional manner on a banana leaf. Indulge in a riot of colors in the butterfly garden. Delight in the sight of over 75 spices of birds within the plantation. Catch sight of some vary rare and endangered species of birds.3pm - Basilica of Bom Jesus (a UNESCO World Heritage Site)Located at Old Goa, The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The foundation stone was laid on 24th November 1594, and completed on 15th May 1605. Home to the Saint Francis Xavier, the priest responsible to bring Christianity to the region. It is said that the great Saint Francis Xavier had immense powers of healing which is still reflected in the remains of his mortal self. The remains of Saint Francis are kept in a well clad casket.4pm - Se CathedralThis magnificent 16th century monument is the biggest church in Goa, displaying the majestic grandeur of Portuguese rule. The Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria hence it is also known as St. Catherine's' Cathedral. The Sé Cathedral has five bells. The existing tower houses a famous bell, one of the largest in Goa and often referred to as 'Golden Bell' on account of its rich tone which has been immortalized in a Portuguese poem. 5pm - Church of St. Francis of AssisiTo the west of the Se Cathedral is the former palace of the Archbishop that connects the Se Cathedral to the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. This church was built in the 17th century. Attached to the church is a convent, which has been converted into a museum by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1964.6pm - You will be dropped back off to the sea port or your desired location in Goa.

Panaji Heritage walk with cultural evangelist and archaeologist

We begin our walk from the Latin quarters of Fontainhas, the residential quarters designed for the Portuguese Bureaucrats and servants. This was one of the earliest settlements in Panaji city. The quarter has retained its heritage look with the small crowded lanes flanked by the typical bright Portuguese styled houses. Our walk takes u past a wishing well, Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Temple on the hill dedicated to lord Maruti and the Geetanjali Gallery of modern art exhibitions. Tobacco SquareWe visit the square which got its name from Tobacco trading over the river. Later this square served as the police headquarters, a customs and mint area and currently accommodates the General Post Office and the Sao Tome Chappel. We walk past bright coloured buildings set on the backdrop of the river Mandovi. We will also walk to the Mermaid Garden and statue of the world famous hypnotist Abbe Faria.Palace of MaquinezesOur next destination is the headquarters for the International Film Festival of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa. The Palace of Maquinezes or Palacio dos Maquinezes was built in 1702 and originally belonged to two brothers, Diago da Costa de Ataide e Tieve and Cristovam da Costa de Ataide e Tieve, known by the name of Maquinezes. In 1842, the Portuguese used the nearly 150-year old Palace to house the Goa Medical College. This grand palace has been part of many Bollywood films such as Golmaal.Panaji City ChurchThe Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is often used to represent Goa in Bollywood films. The church was constructed on this hill for the sailors in the year 1541 after demolishing a temple. Later in the early 17th century it was renovated and constructed in the Baroque style of architecture. The church houses a large church bell in Goa that was brought here from the fallen monastery of Old Goa.Mahalakshmi TempleWe visit a unique temple dedicated to the goddess of wealth, Mahalakshmi. It is the only temple constructed in Goa with the permission of Portuguese after years of wanton destruction of temples.  The temple  board also founded one of the most eminent institutions for the spread of education in the regional languages. Noon- End of tour

Ultimate Yoga Week

Arrival - Welcome to Goa! Most of you will be flying in from all corners of the world, so you’ve reserved this day to arrive, check-in and get settled into your rooms. You will organize a communal dinner so that you can meet your companions. For those of you who aren’t exhausted, they’ll organize a trip to the night market. Day 1 - Yoga Deep Dive and Beach Time You will kick start your week by diving head first into a yoga practice session at the rooftop studio followed by introductory indoor classes. Once the day gets a bit cooler, we’ll head to the beach and spend some time in the water. Day 2 - Explore Goa and 24 Hour Wi-fi Detox Goa was a Portuguese colony for over 450 years which is why the Goan way of life is quite unique. You’ll start off by exploring Panjim, the capital city followed by a tour of Old Goa. You’ll then make our way further inland to give you a glimpse into village life. Day 3 - Backwaters, Birds, and Meditation The campsite is located right next to the backwaters of a protected bird sanctuary. You’ll kick start the day kayaking around and then finish off with a bird-watching boat tour. You’ll have the afternoon free to take some time for yourself. Day 4 - Yoga and Crazy Indian Market Day This will probably be the most hectic day of the week because you’ll sneak a peek into the Indian market scene. Lots of sounds, sights, and smells to experience as you move from the local market to the hippie market. Day 5 - Indian Cultural Immersion Today, you'll focus on giving you a deep dive into various elements of the traditional Indian culture. You’ll explore the tenets of Ayurveda before getting into the thick of things in the kitchen. The night meditation will calm you down before bed. Day 6 - Hippies and Friends After your daily yoga and breakfast, you'll make your way to Arambol beach, which is quite famous for its hippie movement. This is also your last dinner together, so they’ll make it special by hosting a small goodbye ceremony. Departure - Time to Say Goodbye The magical week together has come to an end. Some of you will head back to your regular lives and others will leap into another adventure. You’ll be around to help you with any of your travel needs.

Essential Collection - Glimpse Of Goa

This tour will truly show you an entirely new side of Goa that is sure to take you by surprise. Start your drive to explore the historical Temple - Mangueshi Temple at the Mangueshi hamlet of Priol in the Antruz Mahal (Ponda taluka). This beautiful temple dedicated to Shree Mangesh is a major tourist attraction of Goa.You will continue your drive to visit the famous Old Goa church, which will clearly show its historical glory, rivalling that of Rome. When you set foot inside the Basilica, you will see a stunning display of architectural pieces in wood, stone, gold and granite. Immediately right opposite lies the Se Cathedral Church, which is a magnificent 16th century monument. The Se Cathedral Church is the largest church in Asia and was commissioned by the Portuguese Viceroy, Redondo in order to display the grandeur and power of his nation.On the last part of your half day tour you will travel to the Capital city of Goa. This is a pleasant little riverside city presenting old heritage buildings with sloping red tiled roofs, white washed churches, alongside modern low rise structures. Why not try some authentic local cuisine or take a little time out for shopping. Your knowledgeable guide on the day will give you all the information you need on where to purchase those lasting souvenirs.At the end of the tour you will be returned to the port in plenty of time to meet your ships departure.