RCI EV Issue 8 Spring Summer 2013
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OLD GOA<br />
Visiting Old Goa is quite the experience and<br />
one feels totally transported back in time<br />
wandering around its corridors and by-lanes.<br />
Goa has some of the best and oldest churches<br />
- so make a point of visiting a shrine or<br />
two during your holiday and appreciate the<br />
culture and architecture. The Basilica of Bom<br />
Jesus, located in Old Goa is a UNESCO<br />
World Heritage site. Containing the tomb<br />
and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, this<br />
3-tiered structure of Doric, Corinthian and<br />
Composite styles is a must visit for firsttimers!<br />
Mary Immaculate Conception Church<br />
in Panjim is also an intriguing piece of<br />
architecture. When visiting South Goa a must<br />
visit is a trip to the Church of St. Alex this is<br />
the oldest church in GOA and the first chapel<br />
church situated on the banks of the Angoddi<br />
Tollem Lake.<br />
BEACHES<br />
Goa has endless beaches including Palolem<br />
Beach one of the worlds top beaches,<br />
located in South Goa. North Beaches steal<br />
the limelight but the South beaches can<br />
be calmer and beautiful. Asvern Beach and<br />
Calangute Beach are both in North Goa.<br />
Dotted with shacks and lounges be prepared<br />
to kick back with a Mojito or Pina Colada.<br />
Among the exotic beaches of South Goa<br />
Arassim Beach and Utordo Beach are also<br />
very popular. If you are after peace and<br />
quiet, Aganda Beach is well worth a visit.<br />
It is unspoiled and untouched by fisherman<br />
and tourists with a serene beach setting<br />
located near the town of Maordo.<br />
If you plan your trip to Ashwem anywhere<br />
in between September to February don’t<br />
forget to check out the Olive Ridley turtles.<br />
Ashwem is the nesting place for this rare<br />
species of turtles.<br />
WATER SPORTS<br />
Goan beaches are filled with water sport<br />
opportunities including water skiing, jet<br />
skiing, scuba diving, banana boat or take<br />
a sunset/moonlight boat cruise along the<br />
Mandovi River. You might be lucky enough<br />
to do some dolphin spotting while you are<br />
enjoying your cruise.<br />
TOUR THE SPICE PLANTATION<br />
Visit the Spice Plantation in Ponda area<br />
called Sahakari Spice Plantation. This<br />
hidden gem is the largest spice plantation<br />
in the region. There are regular tours so<br />
you can learn about the different spices<br />
including Peri Peri (hottest chilies in<br />
the world). You will be welcomed in a<br />
traditional way by offering Aarti, Kumkum,<br />
and a garland of flowers. Then you will be<br />
served with herbal team. Enjoy a healthy<br />
and nutritious Goan lunch, served in the<br />
traditional manner on a banana leaf.<br />
SPLASH WITH THE ELEPHANTS<br />
A fun thing to do when visiting Goa is<br />
to bath an elephant. The Tropical Spice<br />
Plantation will not only give you a<br />
traditional cultural and history tour but you<br />
will be treated to an amazing experience<br />
with their gentle giants (elephants).<br />
28 SPRING/SUMMER <strong>2013</strong>
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