Goa usually represents beaches and parties, it’s a unique state in India. Though the rest of the country was mainly colonized by the British, Goa was under Portuguese rule for almost 450 years. This has resulted in the smallest state of India boasts some of the richest histories, with numerous ancient sites wrapped in their century-old culture and stories. So, come and discover Goa’s rich heritage with Indo West Tours.

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Day 01. Arrival in Goa Welcome to Goa! As you arrive at the Goa airport/railway station, our agent’s representative will receive you and escort you to the hotel, complete check-in formalities and relax for some time. Spend the entire first day of your Goa trip leisurely. Explore the sun-kissed beaches of Goa or try some amazing Goan delicacies like pork vindaloo and Goan fish curry. After leisurely activities on your own, you come back to the hotel and have a goodnight’s sleep.

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Day 02. The second day of your Goa holiday takes you to explore the gems of North Goa. Have breakfast and get ready to embark on a full-day North Goa sightseeing tour. The first attraction that you will visit on your North Goa tour is the ancient Fort Aguada. Aguada Fort is the epitome of Portuguese architecture. This grand fort was built in 1612 to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from the Dutch and Marathas. The fort has a freshwater spring within its battlements that provided water to the ships that would stop by. It’s also how the fort got its name ‘Agua’, the Portuguese word for water. Aguada Fort also boasts the first-ever lighthouse in Asia which was built in 1864. Later, Explore Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, and Anjuna Beach. Overnight at the hotel.

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Day 03. Breakfast at Hotel, You will be visiting the Reis Magos Fort - which was constructed in 1551 by Alfonso de Noronha. In 1707, it was rebuilt and served as a pivotal site acting as a defensive wall during the war between the Portuguese and the Marathas in 1739. The fort was briefly occupied by the British Army (Between 1798-1813) and even served as a prison until 1993 when it was abandoned by the army.

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Afternoons are kept free for beach activities or enjoying the swimming pool at your hotel.

 

Early evening today you will be visiting Mae De Deus Church - is also known as the Mother of God Church and is a breathtaking historical site with Gothic spires and pristine white walls. It’s known to be one of the best Neo-Gothic architectural styles and was constructed in 1873 by parishioners in Saligao. A perfect spot to grab some peaceful minutes off the busy streets, you will fall in love with the attractive illuminations at night.

Late evenings at Calamari Beach Shack which has a fabulous location with live music in the evening. This shack serves some finest fresh seafood or Grill cooked meal and wine, beer, and other spirits. Overnight at Hotel.

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Day 04. Today after breakfast your driver will drive you to Panjim – Visit the Church and Monastery of St. Augustine was constructed in 1602 by Augustinian friars. A part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa), it is considered as one of the biggest churches in Goa and an important tourist attraction in the state. Today, only the ruins of the front portion of the church and the magnificent tower remain. The dilapidated tower can be seen from a distance and one can gauge the grandiosity of the monastery when it was completely intact. Later you will be visiting the Church Of St Francis Of Assisi, This is a 17th-century structure constructed by the Portuguese, a famous Roman Catholic Church that is also the oldest church located in Panjim. Built in 1661 by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars, the church is said to have originated as a small chapel but was later modified to a church in 1521. The church’s three-tier facade has octagonal towers on each side and in the central niche is a statue of St. Michael. Contiguous to the church, the convent now houses a museum that was set up by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1964. The museum contains artefacts, paintings, and sculptures that testify to Goa’s vibrant history.

 

Enjoy your lunch in Panjim on your own at The Black Sheep Bristo or O Coqueiro.

Post lunch you will be visiting the Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church - is a colonial Portuguese Baroque style church that was first built in 1541 as a chapel on a hillside overlooking the city of Panjim. It was eventually replaced by a larger church, and today it is known to house the second largest church bell in Goa. The ancient bell is said to have been removed from the Augustinian ruins of the Church of Our Lady of Grace that existed in Old Goa. True to its name, the façade of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church is painted an immaculate, sparkling white. Continue to visit one of the Largest Churches in Asia - Se Cathedral - and is also known as Sé Cathedral de Santa Catarina. This majestic white beauty is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria and is also known to be the oldest and the most celebrated religious buildings in Goa. The construction of this church began in 1562 and was completed in 1619. It is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa) and is an important centre of the Latin Rite Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. Drive back to your hotel. Evenings are free at the hotel.

 

Day 05. Early breakfast and drive to South Goa {this will be a long drive} Visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus - Constructed from 1594 to 1605 and is known to be the first minor basilica in India. The church is called ‘Bom Jesus’ meaning ‘good Jesus’ or ‘infant Jesus’ and is regarded as one of the best examples of baroque architecture in Goa.

Basilica of Bom Jesus also known as St Francis Xavier’s tomb, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is located in Old Goa in Bainguinim, about 10 km away from Panjim. It is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site (Churches & Convents of Goa) and is dedicated to Goa’s patron saint St Francis Xavier, whose remains can be found here. One of the highlights of visiting the basilica is to view his body, still preserved despite it being over 450 years since his death. Visitors are known to stand in line for hours just to get a glimpse of his body, or to touch it and kiss his feet.

Later you will be visiting Tambdi Surla Temple Surrounded by forested land, Tambdi Surla Mahadev Temple is said to be the oldest temple in Goa. Yes, as per historical records, the temple was established in the 12th century by a minister of the Yadav King Ram Chandra. Even though the temple is built in the Jain style of architecture, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Therefore, it is of great cultural as well as religious significance. As the temple is located amid lush vegetation and is blessed with a serene aura, it wouldn't be wrong if we say that the temple is nestled wonderfully in a heavenly land. While exploring its architectural beauty, you can get lost in its peaceful environment.

 

Explore the sun-kissed beaches of South Goa which are quiet and less touristic. Drive back to your hotel. Enjoy an evening walk through the markets of North Goa. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at Hotel.

 

Day 06. Relish delicious breakfast as the day is kept free for shopping or enjoy the beaches of North Goa.

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Day 07. Departure from Goa Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and you will be transferred to the airport/railway station to reach your home destination, thereby, marking an end to your fun-filled Goa holiday.