Goa – The Archaeological Museum

The Archaeological Museum is the most popular museum in Goa. Set up by Archaeological Survey of India in 1964, it was recognized in 1982. Now, maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it is one of the most visited places in Old Goa. It is located around 9 km from Panaji.

About Archaeological Museum – The museum has rich and rare collection of objects that found throughout Goa. The museum also provides an opportunity to sight the quality of Goa’s medieval past, as well as an impressive array of sixty portraits of the Portuguese viceroys and governors of Goa, wooden sculptures, pillars, capitals, ceramics, coins issued by various Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese rulers, postal stamps likewise many other objects which belong to the Portuguese period in Goa.

The collections of the museums are displayed in 8 galleries found in this gallery are simply awesome, and that is why it become an important place to visit in Goa. The portraits are displayed utilizing both natural and artificial light. The main areas of the museum consist of the Key Gallery, the Portrait Gallery, and the Sculpture Gallery. The main hall of the museum is in the ground floor and it is flanked by a 6 meter tall statue of Alfonso de Albuquerque’s (first governor of Goa) in its entrance gate.

Timing: All days of the week 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed on Fridays

Admission Fees: Rs. 5/- per head (Children up to 15 years free), Rs.100/- for foreigner. Video photography by the visitors is not allowed.

It can be easily covered with in an hour (again it depends on person to person and their interest).

Goa - Mangeshi Temple

The 450-year-old Mangeshi Temple in Goa is located in Priol village of Ponda taluka. It is also known as Shri Mangesh Temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple stands out in the village with its simple yet exquisite structure. From Panjii its around 22 Kms away and takes close to 40 mins to reach. The temple also features a magnificent water tank, which some believe is the oldest part of Mangeshi Temple in Goa.

There is a gate just outside the premises with parking for vehicles. Though, the car goes till the main stairs of the temple, the tourist vehicles are not allowed while local vehicles are allowed inside the gate. Visitors have to walk for around 10 minutes to reach the temple. There are shops on both sides of the road towards temple from the gate. 

History & Architecture of Mangesh Temple:

It is believed that the original temple was located at Kushasthali, once known as Cortalim. However, during the Portuguese inquisition, several temples were destroyed in Goa. To protect the temple from meeting a similar fate, the devotees transferred the Linga from the temple to Priol.

It was in 1560 when the shifting of the Linga occurred. Since then, Mangeshi Temple was renovated twice, once under the reign of the Marathas & another time in 1890. The final renovation occurred in 1973 when a golden kalash (holy vessel) was fixed atop the dome.

The architecture of Mangesh Temple reflects a mix of Hindu, Christian and Muslim influences, and is illuminated during the annual Jatra, which is held in January. Domes, pilasters & balustrades are prominent features of the temple. Other notable features of the temple are:

• Multi Story Deepstambh (multi storied lamp tower)
• Chandelier (inside the main hall of the temple)
• Water Tank

Temple is open for visitors from morning 6.00 AM to 10.00 PM all days of weeks. Entry to temple is free for visitors. 

Photography is not allowed inside the temple. We can click pics out side the temple. 

Crowd was very minimal inside the temple, it took 5 mins to complete the Darshana. Spent some time around the temple clicking pics and headed back. Next plan was to visit The Archaeological Museum, Old Goa. 

Goa – Aguada Fort

Goa is not only a happening place or most visited tourist place but also a historical place. It holds lots of history too. One such place in Goa is Aguada Fort. It is the largest and most preserved fort in Goa, Aguada fort is today the most prized and crucial fort of Portuguese.

Aguada Fort History: Aguada Fort was built to guard and defend the Portuguese stronghold in Goa against the Maratha and Dutch invaders. Owing to its location at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River, it became the most prized fortress for the Portuguese back in the seventeenth century.

The Aguada fort got its name ‘Aguada’ from the word Aguada (in Portuguese language Aguada is water), this name kept as it is because of the three fresh water springs inside it. Aguada fort built in 16th century; Aguada fort was once the attracted attention of around 70 cannons.

Fort Aguada Architecture: Aguada Fort is a good example of the Portuguese military style of architecture. It was constructed using laterite stone, which was found in abundance in Goa. The fort is categorized into two parts – the upper part and the lower part. The upper part was designed to serve as a fort and a huge watering station. The lower part extended a safe berth for the ships belonging to the Portuguese rulers. There are strongholds that surround the fort on three sides while the fourth side has a gateway that faces the Mandovi River. 

Aguada Fort is not just a monument; it’s a place where a significant part of Goa’s history was shaped. One can enjoy the scenic beauty of the fort and capture some stunning photos of the fort.

Timings – Its open for visitors from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM every day

Entry Fee – Rs. 25/- for adults no extra charge for Still cameras.

Goa – Arambol Beach

Arambol Beach in Goa is about 50 kilometers from Panaji. It is situated at northern part of Goa. Compared to other beaches in Goa its very peaceful and equally beautiful. This beach is not that well known among Indian visitors. 

Even though the Arambol Beach is located in far north end of Goa, we can reach this place without any issue. We can get cabs easily to reach this place, but felt bit expensive. Each time they charged different amount! 

We booked Lotus Sutra Resorts for our stay at Arambol for 2 days. Its located next to beach, but because of the heavy rain entry to beach was restricted. Even the cottages and most of the resorts were covered. Since it was off-season place was not looking so happening! 

We visited this place at wrong time, but compared to other beaches in Goa it was not much crowded and it was very peaceful. 

Arambol Beach Attractions: 

Both rocky and sandy in nature, Arambol Beach in Goa also has a freshwater lagoon or lake near the coast. The small lake is fed by hot springs and is a popular haunt for resident hippies at Arambol Beach in Goa. The laid-back environment at the Arambol Beach in Goa, coupled with the natural landscape, attracts many vacationers from other places in Goa. This long uninterrupted beach with well-made tracks is a great spot for walking and partying all night.  

We can go for a small trek near Arambol Beach which gives you a wonderful view of the Arambol Beach. From the place we stayed it took 20 mins walk to reach the peak. Rain gave break for some time and we thought of going for a quick walk and check out. Got few good pics and by the time we started descending it started raining again. It made us to rush to the resort. 

Since it was off-season most of the shacks were closed and there was no any water sports/activities were happening. Not much to do, just clicked few pics when rain permitted us to do so  

But planned to visit this place once again in season to enjoy the beautiful beaches around.