What is so unique about travelling- that first, it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. Let me tell you the story of Goa in this edition. Goa has a hundred thirty kilometres long coastline on the golden Konkan coast of the western ghats along the Arabian sea. Undoubtedly, for both national and international tourists, this small Portuguese enclave is the favourite destination. The name is derived from the Konkani word `Goyan’, which means a patch of tall grass. It is neatly divided into two districts north and south Goa. But before coming to its exquisite beaches, its famous churches, forts, architecture let me tell you briefly about its history
Historical journey
Around the 3rd century, BC goa was part of the grand Mauryan empire. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur and later the Chalukyas of Badami ruled the place. Other dynasties followed, including a short-lived Muslim rule. Thereafter, the Vijayanagar Empire established itself for almost a century. Around 1469 AD, With the arrival of Sultans of Gulbarga this era ended. Then the rule passed on to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Thereafter, Goa soon became a bone of contention between the Dutch, English, French and Portuguese, all vying for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the rule of Portuguese prevailed in Goa. Alfonso de Albuquerque led the invasion. After ruling for four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after India’s independence, the Portuguese handed over possession of this colony to India. Tom Chitty in his ‘Journey through India says ‘ architecture, flavour and lifestyle to its history, Its unending beaches, the pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical hills and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms – all make it a fairytale land for the traveller’.
Architectural landmarks
Goa is famous for its beaches, nightlife, adventure sports but if you have a keen interest in history and architecture, it is the place for you. The state has architectural landmarks that leave the visitors wonderstruck. These architectural landmarks in Goa are a perfect blend of Portuguese, Indian and Mughal styles and every street you visit, you will come across a stunning piece of architecture that reflects the state’s rich past. Let’s talk about a few of them.
Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most popular churches and an architectural marvel. Its located in old Goa. It was consecrated in 1605 and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for its baroque architectural style that dates back to the late 16th century and one hardly find this architectural style in India. Since hasn’t been rebuilt or plastered, it still flaunts its rustic charm from all corners.
Se Cathedral is amongst the oldest churches in Goa and also one of the largest in Asia. Its architecture in a mix of Gothic and Portuguese styles. While the exterior is in Tuscany style, the interior is in Corinthian style. The major draw is also intricately and wonderfully carves 15 altars. It has a giant bell also known as ‘Golden Bell’.
Very close to Se Cathedral is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. It is another architectural landmark in Goa. Its rich carvings, paintings, decorations and designs on the altars make it special. Apart from that, the archaeological museum housed in the covenant building next to church is a must visit the place. The museum features a gigantic statue of Alfonso Albuquerque, along with several sculptures and artefacts. The architecture is a blend of Baroque, Tuscan and Corinthian.
Goan forts
Situated on the banks of river Tiracol is fort Terekhol. Converted into a heritage hotel now, it still stands tall as a 17th-century Portuguese masterpiece and spellbound its visitors with its design and architecture. This architectural landmark is lauded for its glorious history and the mesmerizing views of the Arabian Sea, the Querim beach and the landscape.
Chapora Fort
Chapora Fort is one of the important historical landmarks of Goa. It was built in red laterite stones by Adil Shah, the Bijapur King. It was restructured in 1617 under the rule of Portuguese. Go inside and explore the escape tunnels for emergencies. One also gets the scenic view of the Arabian sea, Chapora River, Anjuna beach and Vagator beach. Besides, if you are a Hindi movie buff you must visit this fort as one of the scenes of the iconic movie ‘Dil Chahta Hai’ was shot here.
Fort Aguada is situated at the estuary of Mandovi river. This was built by Portuguese in 1612 to save old Goa from Marathas and Dutch. Aguada in Spanish means water. Inside the fort, there was a freshwater spring that provided water to sailors and thus got its name. Its architecture exhibits various aspects of Portuguese style. Interestingly, Fort Aguada is also known for having Asia’s first-ever lighthouse.
Only fun, no academics
If you are in Goa for fun and not academics there is still plenty to do. North Goa is full of beaches and fun activities. From music to traditional Goan food to markets you can indulge yourself in. On the South bank of the river Mandovi, Panaji is the capital of the state. The Portuguese heritage is visible everywhere in the architecture, the many churches, the friendly casual ambience and the bars and cafes. But if you are looking for a quieter place just travel ten kilometres from Panaji to Old Goa, the former Portuguese capital. It is worth spending a day here. If you love beaches and want to spend time there you will have plenty to choose from. Goa beaches of Siquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Morjim, Vagator and Arambol are famous. Also popular are Miramar and Dona Paula. In South Goa, Palolem, Benaulim, Majorda, Vraca and Colva attract attention.
The good thing about it Goa is that people with all kind of budget can go there as there a is variety of places to stay and eat. During the sixties, Calangute beach used to be called paradise but slowly the action has shifted to adjacent beaches as well. A number of resorts, hotels and shacks, restaurants and eateries have sprung up. So the diving line between different beaches have slowly blurred.
Therefore, the dividing line between Calangute and Baga no longer exists. Anjuna Beach is famous for its Wednesday flea market and its ability to attract all kinds of eccentrics and die-hard hippies. People with a taste bud can choose from a plethora of Goan delicacies like vindaloo, sorpotel and xacuti. Bebinca is a Goan dessert that goes very well with vanilla ice cream. The local spirit feni, made from either coconut or cashew nut, is famous.
Saving the coastline
The remarkable growth has drawn various businesses ranging from hoteliers and restaurateurs to its shores. The city is attracting investment from all over India. But as the city is growing and investment is coming, there is a lot of constructing activity is happening especially around Panjim. Panjim is also in the smart city list. Governor of Goa Mridula Sinha sound a note of caution regarding the developmental activities and says ‘Growing population and haphazard development along the coasts and environmental pollution increase the vulnerability of coastal areas and its ecosystems to sea level rise. In Goa, the development has been rapidly growing in the last few decades. But our state is trying its best to strike a balance between infrastructural development and environment,. One hopes her words ring true and Goa remains the same where people go and enjoy and breathe fresh air, a scarce commodity in most part of the country.