India Trip Overview
There is more to Goa than miles of beaches. On this full-day shore excursion visit temples, churches and a spice plantation in Goa. The vibrant charm of this state comes alive as you drive past villas and tree lined streets. Having been under Portuguese occupation for over 450 years, Portuguese influence is visible everywhere especially in the architectural styles of the buildings and the churches.
Highlights
• Seven story decorative Lamp Tower, Mangueshi Temple
• Pyramidal structure of Shanta Durga Temple
• Visit to a spice plantation
• Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Largest church in Asia, the Se Cathedral
Additional Info
Duration: 9 hours
Starts: India, India
Trip Category: Shore Excursions >> Ports of Call Tours
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What to Expect When Visiting India, , India
There is more to Goa than miles of beaches. On this full-day shore excursion visit temples, churches and a spice plantation in Goa. The vibrant charm of this state comes alive as you drive past villas and tree lined streets. Having been under Portuguese occupation for over 450 years, Portuguese influence is visible everywhere especially in the architectural styles of the buildings and the churches.
Highlights
• Seven story decorative Lamp Tower, Mangueshi Temple
• Pyramidal structure of Shanta Durga Temple
• Visit to a spice plantation
• Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Largest church in Asia, the Se Cathedral
Stop At: Mangeshi Temple, Mardol, Goa 403115, India
You will be picked up from the pier or from your hotel in the morning and driven to the village of Mangueshi that is 20 miles away from Mormugao. Situated in the village is the largest and the most beautiful temple of Goa. The original temple dates back to the 16th century and the present building has been renovated several times since. The temple is dedicated to God Shiva. The seven story decorative lamp tower that stands at the entrance to the temple is the most striking piece of architecture of this temple complex.
Next visit the 18th century Shanta Durga temple. The temple stands at the foot of lush green mountains and has a unique architectural style. Unlike most Hindu temples, this has a pyramidal shape. The stained glass panes of the roman arched windows are also unique.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Tropical Spice Plantation, Arla Bazar Keri, Ponda India
After the visit to the temple, drive over to a spice plantation and enjoy a Goan lunch (beverage excluded). After lunch spend some time exploring the plantation and the butterfly garden there. There are over 75 species of birds that can also be seen here.
Duration: 3 hours
Stop At: Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa Road, Goa Velha 403402 India
Your next stop will be the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was completed in 1605 and is one of the best pieces of baroque architecture in India. The Basilica contains the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier, who brought Christianity to Goa.
Also situated in Old Goa is the magnificent 16th century Se Cathedral, the largest church in Asia. The building is Portuguese-Gothic in style with a Tuscan exterior and a Corinthian interior.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Off National Highway 4 Nr. Archaeological Museum, Old Goa 403110 India
The last stop on the itinerary is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Built in 1661, the architecture of the church is a mixture of Tuscan, Baroque and Corinthian styles. The walls are covered with paintings of events in the life of St. Francis.
At the end of the tour, you will be dropped back at Mormugao Port or your hotel.
Duration: 1 hour
