19/10/2017
PANJIM-OLD GOA HERITAGE TOUR
Approx Rate: ₹ 820 * Per Person
(A Walk through the Colourful "Old Portuguese Colony"- Heritage Panjim Inn – Gitanjali Art Gallery - Maruti Temple - Panaji Church – Cafe Al Fresco By Bodega - Old Goa Churches - Museum and Art Gallery and Mangeshi Temple )
Break away from the busy schedules of everyday life with these things to do in Goa. They provide an escape where worries melt into the golden sand.
Initially named as Panjim by the Portuguese, Panaji literally means ‘The Land that never floods’ and is the state capital of Goa. Panaji lies on the peninsula looking out on the vast Mandovi River where one can see the boats cruising. Unlike the other state capitals, Panaji is peaceful and laid back with a Portuguese style setting. The crisscross lanes of the area with colourful quarters meet at a junction which used to be a gathering place and a place arrange for the community feasts or a celebration, just like in any old Portuguese colony.
With majestic churches, alleys, terracotta roofs and the flavour of Goan cultures, the Place resembles Lisbon, its twin sister in Portugal. Exploring a little Portugal in this tiny state of India is certainly an eccentric experience.
* Rate is Based on Minimum 12 Pax.
Inclusions
- Panjim Inn
Heritage Panjim Pousada is a relative oasis of tranquility amongst the hustle-bustle of busy streets. It has the distinction of being one of the few Hindu houses in a predominantly Catholic precinct in Asia’s only Latin Quarter of Fontainhas. Initially rebuilt in the 1930’s, this was the Ancestral Home of the well-to-do Ghanekar Family. The central “chowk” or courtyard, the Tulsi plant and signature interiors of a traditional Hindu home have been nurtured with affection to recreate the ambience and aura of a gentile Hindu Mansion of the Colonial Era. An aging breadfruit tree in the front Courtyard provides a touch of green to a heavily built locale.
- Gitanjali Art Gallery
The brown terracotta double tiles of the Verandah Roof, the granite mosaic floor and a curious mix of artificial and natural light filtering through the open “Chowk” has a surreal effect on the Art on display. Painters on exhibit include Vamona Navelcar, Mohan Naik, Suhas Shilker, Praveen Naik, Sadguru and Veenita Chendvankar, Sonia Rodrigues Sabharwhal, Francis D’Souza, Jayashree Patankar, Dietrich Kerky, Shri Shail , Rafael Arya and known Gond & Bhil artists. The gallery also exhibits a large collection of Scandinavian art from the 50's to the 90's including lithographs, serigraphs, linocuts, woodcuts and etchings . The gallery café has been envisioned as a space for people to enjoy an inspirational world of art.
- Maruti Temple
The Maruti Temple is situated on top of the Altinho hill overlooking the Fontainhas district in Panaji. It is dedicated to lord Hanuman, the monkey god and enshrines Lord Hanuman as the presiding deity. The Maruti Temple is also beautifully lit up at night that makes it much visible from a distance.
- Panjim Church
Sitting over a small hillock in the form of a grand white wedding cake, the church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception was initially a little chapel that has built in 1541. The church was reconstructed in the mid-17th century again from the basic foundations. The white washed church houses the second largest bell in Goa that weighs about 2,250 kg and was originally a part of Augustinian Monastery.
- Cafe Al Fresco by Bodega
The Centre is a strong advocate for the arts in Goa, located in the picturesque Altinho hills of Panjim, the Centre houses several exhibition galleries, a large multi-functional space for workshops and lectures, studios, two residency rooms for visiting scholars, artists and faculty, an open-air amphitheatre, an outdoor courtyard that houses Café Al Fresco and a gallery for emerging artists.
- Museum and Art Gallery
The museum was established in 1964 and reorganized in 1981–82. Housed in the convent portion of the church of St. Francis of Assisi, antiquities displayed in 8 galleries include the objects from the prehistoric and early historic period to the late mediaeval period. The importance of this museum lies in the display of the portrait paintings of governors and viceroys, wooden sculptures, pillars, capitals, postal stamps likewise many other objects which belong to the Portuguese period in Goa.
- Old Goa Churches
East of Panaji, lies the site of Old Goa, founded by Adil Shah in the first decade of 16th century. It was being developed by them with a view to shifting their capital from Bijapur. There are a total of 17 monuments in Old Goa – ruins, heritage structures and churches where the faithful gather even today that tell a story of the glory of Goa’s past. And as one prepares to leave, the melodious chimes of the Golden Bell atop the tower at the Se Cathedral can be heard in the distance, its sound, even 400 years later, timeless and as resonant as ever.
- Basilica of Bom Jesus
Built in 16th century is the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket, are enshrined here. This church dedicated to Infant Jesus is now a world Heritage Monument.
- Se Cathedral
This is one of the most imposing churches at Old Goa. Its vaulted interior overwhelms the visitors by sheer grandeur. This Cathedral has five bells of which one is the famous Golden bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the World.
- Church of St. Francis of Assisi
The entrance and the choir are in Manu line style, the only fragment of its kind in the East. The interior is illustrated with exquisite paintings. The adjacent convent now houses the Archaeological Museum.
- St. Augustine's Church Tower
Built in 1602, even before the Basilica of Bom Jesus, and standing at a height of 46 metres, the tower of St Augustine is a spectacular sight. Built out of laterite, this Augustinian Monastery was once one of the largest buildings in Goa.
- Mangeshi Temple
The temple of Mangesh at the Mangeshi hamlet of Priol in the Antruz Mahal (Ponda taluka) has an air of distinctive elegance. Laced with beautiful environs of lush green hills, mango and jackfruit groves, green carpet of paddy fields, swaying coconut palms, this beautiful temple dedicated to Shree Mangesh is a major tourist attraction of Goa.
Itinerary
Pick Up from the Hotel, later visit to "Old Portuguese Colony"- Heritage Panjim Inn, Gitanjali Art Gallery and Maruti Temple. Followed by Panaji Church, Halt for Lunch at Cafe Al Fresco By Bodega. Later visit to Old Goa Churches, Museum & Art Gallery and Mangeshi Temple. Followed by Drop to the Hotel.
Contact us : [email protected]
Telephone: 07769090462 /0832-2220594
