7 Days Road Trip and Splendid Goan & Mahabaleswar Holidays
- Thread Starter AR Ram
- Start date
Nice pictures Ram sir.
I think you always like to go for long holidays (have read your other travelogues), i wish i could also make these type of trips in my Storme.
BTW speed of 195 KMPH is great (even for few seconds)![[clap]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Clap.gif "Clap [clap]")
. Now glued to this post to see rest of the pictures.
I think you always like to go for long holidays (have read your other travelogues), i wish i could also make these type of trips in my Storme.
BTW speed of 195 KMPH is great (even for few seconds)
. Now glued to this post to see rest of the pictures.
Thread Starter
#18
Day 2 : Goa
On 5th August 2013, after breakfast we started at 10.00 am. We wanted to cover few spots at Old Goa, which is about 23 kms from the resort where were staying.
We reached there around 10.30 am and thought we would pay a visit to St Xavier Church known as Basilica de Bom Jesus.
Basilica de Bom Jesus
It is one of the most important attractions of Goa. The Basilica was constructed in 1605 and is world famous for housing the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who is considered by Catholics as one of the patron saints of Goa. The body of the saint is still in very good condition even after more than 400 years, surprising for many scientists. It is taken out and kept for public display once in every decade. 2004 was the year when the body was last removed and displayed.
The basilica is constructed in Portuguese style and the architecture is mesmerizing.
We spent nearly one hour there. There was a light and sound museum inside apart from a photo gallery where the photography was not allowed.
Next we went to the Archaeological Museum where again photography was not allowed. Around 2.00 pm after lunch we left for Chapora Fort.
Chapora Fort
At a distance of approximately 12 km from Mapusa lies the Fort of Chapora. The fort is easily accessible from Vagator over the hill leading to the fort. This fort was also made famous by the hindi bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai which was shot here.
The towering fort perched atop a rock hill, was constructed in 1617 by the Portuguese invaders by demolishing an earlier Muslim structure, in the village of Shahpura, which was meant to be a watch post.
Though the fort was lying in ruins due to neglect, recently efforts have been made to restore the lost heritage and recreate the old magic. It is possible to observe the entrances of two long winding tunnels which served the purpose of supply of logistic requirements to besieged fort defenders. The fort offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the surrounding ocean and shoreline.
We had to climb the hills to reach the fort. Around 3.30 pm we left this place for Fort Agada and reached there at 4.15 pm
Fort Aguada
The grand fort of Aguada was constructed in 1612 in order to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from enemy attacks. Located at a distance of around 22 km from Bardez, Fort Aguada boasts of the first ever light house in Asia. Equipped with ammunition rooms and barracks, Fort Aguada was the first line of defence as far the Portuguese control over the region of Goa was concerned.
Presently serving as the Central Jail, Fort Aguada has witnessed many historical battles and moments some of which have had a direct impact on the fort itself. The tower bell which survived centuries of weather and movements before being installed into the Church of Lady of Immaculate Conception, tells tales of adventures of Fort Aguada.
Around 5.15 pm we left this place and later went for a River Cruise. As the cam battery had gone down I couldn’t click any more pictures.
River Cruise on Mandovi River
Goa, aside from its golden beaches has many things on offer. The place has many scenic rivers making it a perfect location for long river cruises. A must do while in Goa is to take a river cruise tour, which in fact is a major attraction of the place.
River cruises on the Mondovi River run by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) are a must for tourist’s itinerary in Goa. One can choose from the variety of cruise options available - sunset, sundown and full moon cruise from Panaji jetty. Sunset and sundown cruise runs daily but full moon cruise, as the name suggests are conducted only on full moon nights.
GTDC also operates Santa Monica, a luxury cruise liner which can accommodate up to 200 people at a time. The live cultural programs performed on the cruise make it more colorful and exhilarating experience at Santa Monica. On hourly basis, this luxury cruise is also available for special parties.
After dinner we came back to the resort around 10.00 pm
On 5th August 2013, after breakfast we started at 10.00 am. We wanted to cover few spots at Old Goa, which is about 23 kms from the resort where were staying.
We reached there around 10.30 am and thought we would pay a visit to St Xavier Church known as Basilica de Bom Jesus.
Basilica de Bom Jesus
It is one of the most important attractions of Goa. The Basilica was constructed in 1605 and is world famous for housing the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who is considered by Catholics as one of the patron saints of Goa. The body of the saint is still in very good condition even after more than 400 years, surprising for many scientists. It is taken out and kept for public display once in every decade. 2004 was the year when the body was last removed and displayed.
The basilica is constructed in Portuguese style and the architecture is mesmerizing.
We spent nearly one hour there. There was a light and sound museum inside apart from a photo gallery where the photography was not allowed.
Next we went to the Archaeological Museum where again photography was not allowed. Around 2.00 pm after lunch we left for Chapora Fort.
Chapora Fort
At a distance of approximately 12 km from Mapusa lies the Fort of Chapora. The fort is easily accessible from Vagator over the hill leading to the fort. This fort was also made famous by the hindi bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai which was shot here.
The towering fort perched atop a rock hill, was constructed in 1617 by the Portuguese invaders by demolishing an earlier Muslim structure, in the village of Shahpura, which was meant to be a watch post.
Though the fort was lying in ruins due to neglect, recently efforts have been made to restore the lost heritage and recreate the old magic. It is possible to observe the entrances of two long winding tunnels which served the purpose of supply of logistic requirements to besieged fort defenders. The fort offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the surrounding ocean and shoreline.
We had to climb the hills to reach the fort. Around 3.30 pm we left this place for Fort Agada and reached there at 4.15 pm
Fort Aguada
The grand fort of Aguada was constructed in 1612 in order to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from enemy attacks. Located at a distance of around 22 km from Bardez, Fort Aguada boasts of the first ever light house in Asia. Equipped with ammunition rooms and barracks, Fort Aguada was the first line of defence as far the Portuguese control over the region of Goa was concerned.
Presently serving as the Central Jail, Fort Aguada has witnessed many historical battles and moments some of which have had a direct impact on the fort itself. The tower bell which survived centuries of weather and movements before being installed into the Church of Lady of Immaculate Conception, tells tales of adventures of Fort Aguada.
Around 5.15 pm we left this place and later went for a River Cruise. As the cam battery had gone down I couldn’t click any more pictures.
River Cruise on Mandovi River
Goa, aside from its golden beaches has many things on offer. The place has many scenic rivers making it a perfect location for long river cruises. A must do while in Goa is to take a river cruise tour, which in fact is a major attraction of the place.
River cruises on the Mondovi River run by Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) are a must for tourist’s itinerary in Goa. One can choose from the variety of cruise options available - sunset, sundown and full moon cruise from Panaji jetty. Sunset and sundown cruise runs daily but full moon cruise, as the name suggests are conducted only on full moon nights.
GTDC also operates Santa Monica, a luxury cruise liner which can accommodate up to 200 people at a time. The live cultural programs performed on the cruise make it more colorful and exhilarating experience at Santa Monica. On hourly basis, this luxury cruise is also available for special parties.
After dinner we came back to the resort around 10.00 pm
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Nice pictures Ram sir.
I think you always like to go for long holidays (have read your other travelogues), i wish i could also make these type of trips in my Storme.
BTW speed of 195 KMPH is great (even for few seconds). Now glued to this post to see rest of the pictures.
I think you always like to go for long holidays (have read your other travelogues), i wish i could also make these type of trips in my Storme.
BTW speed of 195 KMPH is great (even for few seconds)
. Now glued to this post to see rest of the pictures.
I love long drives and holidays. Hope you will be doing a trip soon in your Storme. Best wishes.
Ram Sir,
Another Excellent travelogue from you
All are wonderful pics
I never visited beyond Mysore.But, your TL made me to do a virtual trip.
Jog falls and Goa is in list to visit in feature. for sure, your TL will help me during the time of visit.
Waiting for the More pics![[:)]](https://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/images/smilies/Smile.gif "Smile [:)]")
Another Excellent travelogue from you
All are wonderful pics
I never visited beyond Mysore.But, your TL made me to do a virtual trip.
Jog falls and Goa is in list to visit in feature. for sure, your TL will help me during the time of visit.
Waiting for the More pics
Thread Starter
#24
Day 3 : Goa
On 6th August 2013, we started at 10.00 am after the breakfast. We thought that we would spend the day at beaches. First we were proceeding to Dona Paula which is 20 kms away from the resort. We reached there at 10.00 am.
There is view point at a hill top, connected with small bridge over the sea and one can see an excellent view of sea from top.
Dona Paula Beach
This exquisite seashore delight located to the south of Miramar is a small atoll knoll. The long stretches of silver white sand on Dona Paula, promises its visitors a gala time.
Dona Paula de Menzes was the daughter of a Portuguese Governor of Goa who fell head over heels for a local fisherman hunk Gasper Dias. However, fate had decided otherwise and the lovers had to seek solace in death through the vast stretch of engulfing sea. The beach has many legends attached to it and one has it that Dona Paula still emerges out on full moon nights wearing only a pearl necklace.
Around 11.00 am we left the place for Miramar Beach which is only a few kms away.
Miramar Beach
The River Mandovi traverses the lands of Goa and finally descends into the great Arabian Sea forming a marvelous spectacle. The Miramar beach is a silent spectator to this beautiful union and provides an opportunity to its visitor to enjoy the same.
Situated in Panjim, Miramar offers pristine white sandy beaches, beaming sunshine lined with a canopy of palm and coconut trees. A stroll down the beach is sure to set tingle your taste buds with the aroma of food, drinks and an amazing blend of crowd! The view of the setting sun from Miramar beach is stunning and is not to be missed.
A word of caution however, it is safe to be on the beach than waters due to the strong undercurrents.
The beach was not crowded much because of the noon time. Around 12.15 pm we wound up from here and next on the list was Vagator Beach that’s 40 kms away. We reached there around 1.30 pm.
Vagator Beach
The Vagator beach has something, which very few beaches can boast of - its beautiful silver sandy stretch has huge red cliffs overlooking it. These imposing stalwarts also ooze out two fresh bubbling springs just near the shore making for a spectacular sight.
Further, the magnificent Chapora Fort situated at the northern end makes it picturesque. Dotted with black lava rocks, golden sands & blue waters make
Vagator - a beach to look out for.
The weather was very pleasant there and breezy too. There are lot of shops around the parking area.
Around 1.45 pm we left the place for Anjuna beach which was only a couple kms away. On the way we had our lunch at a restaurant. We reached Anjuna Beach around 2.30 pm.
Anjuna Beach
Jagged laterite boulders welcome you to the land of Goan rave. Enchanting red cliffs kiss the golden sandy shoreline with waves hitting relentlessly. The coconut plantation roof and plethora of restaurants and food joints offering sumptuous lip smacking sea food delicacies are some of the simple pleasures here.
The famous full moon parties which provide an amazing opportunity for the visitors to get a taste Goan entertainment are a big draw here. The laid back attitude of the locals and the excitement in the air makes a trip to Anjuna beach memorable.
The beach is located around 16 km from Bardez and its white sand and the red laterite rocks are simply amazing to see. Tourists can visit this beach during Christmas and New Year time, which are celebrated in grandeur at the beach. Besides, the beach also offers activities such as parasailing, yachting and windsurfing for visitors to enjoy
There were lots of shops around the parking area too. After spending some time there we left for Baga Beach which was little crowded.
Baga Beach
The Baga beach is sandwiched between the two bigger cousins, the Candolim beach and the Calangute beach. The beach is somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa.
Apart from the usual beach activities and tasty food Baga beach also offers an opportunity to enjoy Wind Surfing between January and March. There are operators who are eager to conduct short training modules and provide the required gear to undertake the same. The National Wind Surfing Championship is also conducted every year around September - November at the Baga beach.
From here we went to Coco beach where there was no crowd at all. And the beach was also looking isolated.
The last visit of the day was Calangute Beach, one of the crowded beaches in Goa.
Calangute Beach
The Calangute Beach, located around 17 km from Bardez, is famous for being the first beach to inculcate the hippie culture in the 60's and 70's. The hippies were edged out slowly as the mainstream tourists started to flock Goa in search of peace and enjoyments of a tourist place.
Though the beach is very popular and crowded, the long stretch available to tourists ensures that everybody gets a place of his own in the crowd. Apart from the regular beach activities, Calangute is also famous for its rave parties which go on for hours, and days sometimes, while the party gang hops from one party to the next. Ideal time to visit this beach is from November to February.
During our visit it was raining there intermittently there. However we had a good time by eating and small shopping. Though the beach was crowded, the life guards there were always alert and equipped to face any eventuality.
Around 5.30 pm we wound up from here.
Dona Paula Goa - YouTube
to be continued .....
On 6th August 2013, we started at 10.00 am after the breakfast. We thought that we would spend the day at beaches. First we were proceeding to Dona Paula which is 20 kms away from the resort. We reached there at 10.00 am.
There is view point at a hill top, connected with small bridge over the sea and one can see an excellent view of sea from top.
Dona Paula Beach
This exquisite seashore delight located to the south of Miramar is a small atoll knoll. The long stretches of silver white sand on Dona Paula, promises its visitors a gala time.
Dona Paula de Menzes was the daughter of a Portuguese Governor of Goa who fell head over heels for a local fisherman hunk Gasper Dias. However, fate had decided otherwise and the lovers had to seek solace in death through the vast stretch of engulfing sea. The beach has many legends attached to it and one has it that Dona Paula still emerges out on full moon nights wearing only a pearl necklace.
Around 11.00 am we left the place for Miramar Beach which is only a few kms away.
Miramar Beach
The River Mandovi traverses the lands of Goa and finally descends into the great Arabian Sea forming a marvelous spectacle. The Miramar beach is a silent spectator to this beautiful union and provides an opportunity to its visitor to enjoy the same.
Situated in Panjim, Miramar offers pristine white sandy beaches, beaming sunshine lined with a canopy of palm and coconut trees. A stroll down the beach is sure to set tingle your taste buds with the aroma of food, drinks and an amazing blend of crowd! The view of the setting sun from Miramar beach is stunning and is not to be missed.
A word of caution however, it is safe to be on the beach than waters due to the strong undercurrents.
The beach was not crowded much because of the noon time. Around 12.15 pm we wound up from here and next on the list was Vagator Beach that’s 40 kms away. We reached there around 1.30 pm.
Vagator Beach
The Vagator beach has something, which very few beaches can boast of - its beautiful silver sandy stretch has huge red cliffs overlooking it. These imposing stalwarts also ooze out two fresh bubbling springs just near the shore making for a spectacular sight.
Further, the magnificent Chapora Fort situated at the northern end makes it picturesque. Dotted with black lava rocks, golden sands & blue waters make
Vagator - a beach to look out for.
The weather was very pleasant there and breezy too. There are lot of shops around the parking area.
Around 1.45 pm we left the place for Anjuna beach which was only a couple kms away. On the way we had our lunch at a restaurant. We reached Anjuna Beach around 2.30 pm.
Anjuna Beach
Jagged laterite boulders welcome you to the land of Goan rave. Enchanting red cliffs kiss the golden sandy shoreline with waves hitting relentlessly. The coconut plantation roof and plethora of restaurants and food joints offering sumptuous lip smacking sea food delicacies are some of the simple pleasures here.
The famous full moon parties which provide an amazing opportunity for the visitors to get a taste Goan entertainment are a big draw here. The laid back attitude of the locals and the excitement in the air makes a trip to Anjuna beach memorable.
The beach is located around 16 km from Bardez and its white sand and the red laterite rocks are simply amazing to see. Tourists can visit this beach during Christmas and New Year time, which are celebrated in grandeur at the beach. Besides, the beach also offers activities such as parasailing, yachting and windsurfing for visitors to enjoy
There were lots of shops around the parking area too. After spending some time there we left for Baga Beach which was little crowded.
Baga Beach
The Baga beach is sandwiched between the two bigger cousins, the Candolim beach and the Calangute beach. The beach is somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa.
Apart from the usual beach activities and tasty food Baga beach also offers an opportunity to enjoy Wind Surfing between January and March. There are operators who are eager to conduct short training modules and provide the required gear to undertake the same. The National Wind Surfing Championship is also conducted every year around September - November at the Baga beach.
From here we went to Coco beach where there was no crowd at all. And the beach was also looking isolated.
The last visit of the day was Calangute Beach, one of the crowded beaches in Goa.
Calangute Beach
The Calangute Beach, located around 17 km from Bardez, is famous for being the first beach to inculcate the hippie culture in the 60's and 70's. The hippies were edged out slowly as the mainstream tourists started to flock Goa in search of peace and enjoyments of a tourist place.
Though the beach is very popular and crowded, the long stretch available to tourists ensures that everybody gets a place of his own in the crowd. Apart from the regular beach activities, Calangute is also famous for its rave parties which go on for hours, and days sometimes, while the party gang hops from one party to the next. Ideal time to visit this beach is from November to February.
During our visit it was raining there intermittently there. However we had a good time by eating and small shopping. Though the beach was crowded, the life guards there were always alert and equipped to face any eventuality.
Around 5.30 pm we wound up from here.
Dona Paula Goa - YouTube
to be continued .....
Thread Starter
#25
Thread Starter
#26
Thread Starter
#27
Video clippings of Goan Beaches
Miramar Beach Goa - YouTube
Vagator Beach Goa - YouTube
Anjuna Beach Goa - YouTube
Baga Beach Goa - YouTube
Calangute Beach Goa - YouTube
Miramar Beach Goa - YouTube
Vagator Beach Goa - YouTube
Anjuna Beach Goa - YouTube
Baga Beach Goa - YouTube
Calangute Beach Goa - YouTube
Thread Starter
#29
Thread Starter
#30
Day 4 : Goa
On 7th August 2013, we started at 9.00 am, and day’s first schedule was to visit Shri Mangueshi Temple, that’s around 35 kms from Calangute. By the time we hit the road there was a reasonable amount of traffic on the way, however not heavy. One thing I noticed in Goa that the motorists are well disciplined and well mannered. We took Panaji – Belgaum route and reached the temple around 10.15 am. From the parking area we had to walk a km to the temple, and the weather was also good.
Shri Mangueshi Temple
The phenomenon of destruction and desecration of religious places also succeeded the victory march of armies. There is no dearth of places with such history. The Mangueshi temple in Priol tells a similar story wherein the temple, originally located in Kushasthali (Cortalim) was shifted under the fear of destruction (by Portuguese) to Pirolim which was under the control of Adil Shah of Bijapur.
The temple underwent numerous repairs thereafter and the external architecture of the temple amply reflects profound influence of Mughal, Portuguese as well Hindu architecture. The sanctum holds an idol of Lord Manguesh who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Note: Foreigners are not allowed inside the temple, citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason
We spent an hour there, had a very good dharshan. Around 11.15 am we started from there and reached the resort by 12.30 pm. It was drizzling on the way too. Rest of the day we spent our time at the resort itself.
On 7th August 2013, we started at 9.00 am, and day’s first schedule was to visit Shri Mangueshi Temple, that’s around 35 kms from Calangute. By the time we hit the road there was a reasonable amount of traffic on the way, however not heavy. One thing I noticed in Goa that the motorists are well disciplined and well mannered. We took Panaji – Belgaum route and reached the temple around 10.15 am. From the parking area we had to walk a km to the temple, and the weather was also good.
Shri Mangueshi Temple
The phenomenon of destruction and desecration of religious places also succeeded the victory march of armies. There is no dearth of places with such history. The Mangueshi temple in Priol tells a similar story wherein the temple, originally located in Kushasthali (Cortalim) was shifted under the fear of destruction (by Portuguese) to Pirolim which was under the control of Adil Shah of Bijapur.
The temple underwent numerous repairs thereafter and the external architecture of the temple amply reflects profound influence of Mughal, Portuguese as well Hindu architecture. The sanctum holds an idol of Lord Manguesh who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Note: Foreigners are not allowed inside the temple, citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason
We spent an hour there, had a very good dharshan. Around 11.15 am we started from there and reached the resort by 12.30 pm. It was drizzling on the way too. Rest of the day we spent our time at the resort itself.
