Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI)

Beaches
With about 105 kms of coastline, the primary attraction of Goa lies in the beaches. The main among them being:

Miramar Beach

Conveniently located; only about 3 kms from the capital city Panaji, this lovely beach with golden soft sands and lined by palm trees is one of the most popular beaches both with the tourists and the local populace.

Calangute Beach

This beach lies in North Goa and is a stretch of about 7 kms. Known as the Queen of Beaches, it is one of the most popular beaches and offers facilities like beach and water sports to the tourists. Calangute is a perfect tourist haven, complete with shacks and stalls under the palm trees selling everything from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells.

Baga Beach

It is about 10 kms west of Mapusa and is actually an extension of Calangute Beach. It is smaller than Colva and Calangute and I ideal for those looking for a bit of peace and quiet.
The night life in Baga is the liveliest in Goa and is the perfect synthesis of Western and Goan cultures.

Anjuna Beach

It has been the haunt of the flower generation for ages and has now become popular with the younger generation. Known earlier for the trance parties, it is now famous for the full moon parties for the younger generation. The Wednesday Flea Market of Anjuna is famous for its bric brac and the eclectic items that are on sale.

Vagator Beach

It is one of the most photographed beach of Goa. It is an ideal place for people looking for a smaller destination yet desiring endless opportunities of fun and frolic.

Colva Beach

In south Goa, this is one of the most popular beaches. It is Goa’s longest beach with 20 kms of white sand fringed with palms and drenched with sun.

Churches

Mae De Deus Church

This Church at Saligao was built in 1873 and has an unusual Neo-Gothic structure but is painted white like the other baroque churches of Goa. The shrine of the miraculous statue of Mae De Deus was brought from the convent of Mae De Deus at Old Goa. The Church looks magnificent at night.

St. Cajetan

Built in about 1661, modeled on St.Peter’s in Rome, the facade of this Church has two belfries and tall Corinthian columns and four niches with figures of the apostles along the three doorways. The main Altar is dedicated to our Lady of Divine Providence.

Se Cathedral

This is the largest Church in Old Goa. It was completed in 1652. The main Altar is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria.

Church of the Immaculate Conception

Situated in Panaji, it was built in 1541. The real beauty of this Church can be seen at night. As soon as evening sets in, this huge monument is transformed into a glowing specter. The Church bell here is believed to be the second largest in the world. The best time to visit the Church would be during the feast which is celebrated on 8 December every year.

St. Jerome’s Church

Situated at Mapusa in North Goa, this Church was built in 1594 and the main Altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Miracles.

Holy Spirit Church

This Impressive Baroque Church with its classic Goan Facade dominates the old market square at Margao, South Goa. The main Altar is dedicated to the Holy Spirit and the Feast day is on 10th June.

Temples

Dattamandir Temple

This is a 100 year old temple that has a beautiful surrounding hill covered with palms, on the banks of the River Mandovi. The most important festival is the Datta Jayanti which is held in December each year. A visit to this temple during the festive season is believed to have cured many people of an unstable mind.

Mahadev Temple

Tambdi Surla temple tucked into the forest foothills, is a beautifully preserved Pre-Portuguese temple from the Kadamba-Yadava period.

Shri Mangueshi Temple

It is to the North-West of Ponda. This 18th Century temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva’s incarnation as Manguesh, is set on a hill and is the most important Hindu temple in Goa.

Shri Shantadurga Temple

It is one of the oldest and largest temples dedicated to Shantadurga, the wife of Lord Shiva and the Goddess of Peace. Kavlem Zatra in February is marked by a procession of devotees accompanying the deity in a palanquin.

Historical Places

Boca de Vaca Spring

The most fascinating aspect of Boca de Vaca Spring is that nobody actually knows the source of the water and it is believed that this particular spring is 700 years old. One has to underground for 200 yards atop see through glass panels to reach the mouth of the spring. One can see a variety of fishes through the glass panels.

Dona Paula

At the place where two of Goa’s famous rivers meet the Arabian Seais the secluded Bay of Dona Paula named after the wife of a Portuguese Nobleman. A white pavilion stands on a rocky islet at the end of the Bay. In 1969, a sculpture of Mother India and Young India was added. The platform affords the view of the Arabian Sea and the Mormugao Harbor. The official residence of the Governor is also in Dona Paula. Dona Paula also has ample opportunities for water sports like boating, water scooters, fishing etc at the jetty point.

Aguada Fort

The fortress of Aguada was built in 1612. A 19th Century lighthouse is situated inside the fortress.

Ancestral Goa

In the village of Loutolim is ancestral; Goa which is a village model depicting Goa’s illustrious past. Visitors are given a guided tour illustrating the interesting details of village life. It is a mock village featuring the fisherman’s shack, the farmer’s home, the Taverna, the landowners impressive house.

Viceroy’s Arch

The main road in front of the Church of St. Cajetan leads to the river Mandovi through an archway called the Viceroy’s Arch. It was built by Francisco da Gama the great grandson of Vasco da Gama to mark the Centenary of Vasdco da Gama’s discovery of the sea route to India.

Wildlife

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary

It has an area of 240 Sq. Kms and is the largest wildlife preserve in Goa. In Molem National Park which is in the center of the sanctuary herds od deer, Indian Bison, monkeys, Malaysian giant squirrel, cobras and pythons are a common sight. It may be possible to sight elephants and tigers.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctaury

it covers an area of only 8 Sq. Kms and animals such as the Indian Bison, black faced langur, jackal and wild boar can be spotted here. This preserve is also a treat for bird watchers and butterfly spotters. A mini zoo, elephant rides, botanical rides and deer safaris are added attractions.

Other Places

Mayem Lake
The picturesque Mayem Lake is just 35 kilometers from Panaji, encircled by rolling lush hills is an ideal picnic spot with paddling boat facilities. Those interested in experiencing rural Goa can stay at the Mayem Lake Cottages.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Literally meaning the Sea of Milk these falls are situated at the Goa- Karnataka border. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes, forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa. It is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers.

Goa Science Centre Miramar PanajiGoa Science Centre – The wonderland of science

Located on the picturesque Miramar Beach in Panaji, Goa Science Centre provides a perfect ambiance for exploring science through hands-on expositions. One can learn science through discovery process here. An ideal setting for family based outing to have fun-filled edutainment. Listed below are attractions you will come across.

Science Park

Experience & explore science while playing with swings, pulleys, see-saw, water wheels, gear train etc.. & prehistoric animals.

Science of Ocean

The ocean is mysterious. Knowing these mysteries is interesting. Explore various aspects of ocean science & phenomenon through interactive exhibits.

Fun Science

Here exploring science is a fun-filled activity. See water coming from tap without pipe connection, laugh at yourself in funny mirrors, float ball in air, play virtual drums and many more.

3-D Fantasy shows

Experience the thrill of 3-D movies where objects come virtually out of screen I Daily 5 Shows of 15 minute duration.

Other Attractions

Cyber lab, Taramandal, Sky observation, Exciting demonstrations, Science shows, Computer awareness programmes and many more.

Visiting Hours : 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Open on all days except Holi & Diwali)

Address: (National Council of Science Museums) Marine Highway, Near Sharda Mandir School, Miramar Circle, Panaji, Goa – 403 001 (Phone: 91 0832 2463426. Email: gscp1@dataone.in)