Goa Beaches : Goa beaches make for that
perfect picture postcard setting that enchants
tourists. Fringed by coastal trees and lapped
by waters of Arabian sea, options are in plenty
: tourist can soak up the sun for that perfect
tan, leisurely sip the famous feni, go for a brisk
surin or take part in adventure sports.
The tropical climate that prevails for most part
of the year is a pleasant experience for visitors.
Most beaches have derived their names from adjoining
villages or villages where they fall in. covering
131 km of the coastline, goa has many beaches
to choose from. In fact, one can have the pick
of the best.
Se Cathedral Church: The
Se Cathedral nearby is dedicated to St. Catherine,
as it was on her feast day, 25th November 1510,
that Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. Believers
are awe-struck to hear of the Cross of Miracles,
which is placed in the cathedral, its earlier
church having been destroyed. People have had
a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock
on which it was found was said to spout water
while, today, the Cross is slowly growing. Earlier,
it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics
of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public
Temples of Goa : Despite the
Portuguese influence that dominated Goa over the
centuries, it is fascinating to see how such a
large number of Hindu temples have survived here.
Uprooted from place to place, the presiding deities
were preserved and worshipped, at times, even
in the houses of pujaris (priests), till they
were ultimately ensconced in their present-day
abodes. Some such old temples of Goa, which are
noted for their natural beauty and simple architecture,
have certain basic features, as in the days of
yore, of being surrounded by betel nut trees,
coconut groves and lakes of pure water. When you
enter any of these temples you are welcomed by
the sentinels-the great pillars of light.
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