Category: Goa

Goa is an erstwhile Portuguese colony, till 1961. Now, it is a state of India , along the Arabian Sea coast.

12th Century Intricately Carved Brahma Temple at Goa

George T. George

Brahma Temple is one of the oldest temples in Goa with an intricately carved 12th century Brahma idol as the main deity.

Brahma Temple or Brahma Karmali Temple as is known officially, has the deity of Lord Brahma, the supreme creator of the holy trinity as per Hindu belief. The deity belongs to 12th century, Kadamba Dynasty period. The Kadambas were good at art, architecture, etc. The deity Brahma is shown in the form of “Trimurti” (combination of three); Trinity of Lord Brahma the creator, Lord Vishnu the preserver and Lord Shiva the destroyer or transformer.

During the Portuguese invasion and subsequent rule of Goa around five centuries back, the idol was taken out of the original temple at Karmali alias Carambolim village in the island of Tiswadi. The idol was later installed at Sattari and then at Valpoi and finally at a small shrine at Nagargaon, on the banks of a stream in a dense forest.

Brahma temple is Goa’s most famous temple.

How Do I Go to Brahma Temple?

Brahma temple is located at the Nagargao village, at around 7 kilometers from Valpoi, the headquarters of the Sattari Taluk in Goa. The temple is at around 60 kilometers from Panaji, the capital of Goa state.

Goa is well connected by all modes of transport. There is an international airport and a major railway station at Goa. Goa is connected by roads to other parts of the country.

Naval Aviation Museum at Goa – Only One of its Kind in Asia

George T. George

Naval Aviation Museum is a military museum showcasing the evolution of Indian Naval Air Arm. Indian Naval Air Arm is the division of the Indian Navy which provides navy aircraft carrier based support to the Navy.

Decommissioned air-crafts at the Naval Aviation Museum, Goa.
Decommissioned navy aircraft at the Naval Aviation Museum, Goa.

The Museum is one among the two Military Aviation Museums in India. This national naval aviation museum is the only one of its kind in Asia.

This national aviation museum consists of the Outdoor exhibit and a an indoor gallery. Navy aviation museum’s out door exhibit has 13 decommissioned navy aircraft on display. Indoor Gallery has separate sections on armament, attire, etc. There are a lot of information on Indian Air Force and Navy and the battles they participated.

Massive INS Vikrant and INS Viraat replicas are also found here. An array of bombs, cannons, torpedoes and sensors are also on display here.

How Do I Go To Naval Aviation Museum?

Naval museum is located next to Goa International Airport on Bogmalo Road off National Highway 17, at Bogmalo. It is at a distance of 6 kilometers from Vasco da Gama, Goa. The Naval air museum is well connected by roads to all parts of the city. There is a railway station at Goa, which is well connected to the rest of the country.

What are the Timings of Naval Aviation Museum?

Naval air museum hours are 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, except Mondays. There is an entry fee of INR 20.

St Francis Xavier Church Where Mortal Remains of St. Francis Xavier is Kept

George T. George

St Francis Xavier Church or Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous church in Goa, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier is held. St Francis Xavier catholic church, a Jesuit church, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Portuguese words ‘Bom Jesus’ means Good (or Holy) Jesus.

The entrance to St Francis Xavier Church in Goa
The entrance to St Francis Xavier Church in Goa, India.

St Francis Church built in baroque architecture (Italian architectural style started in 16th century) is the first minor basilica in India. Palaces and churches were made in this architectural style.

Society of Jesus, (the Jesuits), a male religious congregation of the Catholic Church, was founded by St. Francis Xavier along with St. Ignatius Loyola. St. Francis Xavier died on December 2, 1552 on Sancian Island. His mortal remains was first taken to Portuguese Malacca. After around 2 years it was shipped to Goa. Saint Xavier ‘s body was fresh as it was buried. It is believed that the saint has miraculous healing power.

Mausoleum inside St Francis Xavier Church, where the Mortal Remains of St. Francis Xavier is kept
Mausoleum inside St Francis Xavier Church, where the Mortal Remains of St. Francis Xavier is kept.

St Francis Catholic church allows public viewing of St. Francis Xavier’s mortal remains once in every 10 years during his death anniversary. Last time public viewing was allowed was in 2014 and the Next Public viewing is in 2024.

St Xaviers Church was consecrated in May 1605, for which the works began in 1594. There are paintings based on the life of St. Francis Xavier. The mausoleum was designed by Giovanni Battista Foggini, a 17th century Florentine sculptor. The mausoleum contains a silver casket which has the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.

Bom Jesus Basilica Art Gallery is situated on the upper level, overlooking the tomb of the saint at Francis Xavier church, Goa.

St Xavier church Goa is open on all days.

How Do I Go to St Francis Xavier Church or Basilica of Bom Jesus?

St Francis Xavier catholic church is located in old Goa and is accessible by public transport. Panaji, the capital of Goa is well connected by road, rail and air to other parts of the country.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary in Western Ghats

George T. George

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Western Ghats, in the state of Goa. The Wildlife sanctuary has an area of 208.5 square kilometers. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is also a ‘Project Tiger reserve’, to save Bengal Tigers.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary
Nilgiri Woodpigeon, a Globally threatened bird species, at the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna and many endangered species of animals, reptiles and amphibians are found here in the Wild Life Sanctuary.

This park is a heaven for those interested in bird watching. There is an International Bird Area inside the wildlife sanctuary. Globally threatened species of birds like Nilgiri wood-pigeon, Malabar grey hornbill, grey-headed bulbul Malabar parakeet, white-bellied blue-flycatcher, rufous babbler and crimson-backed Sunbird are found here in this sanctuary. There are a total of 255 species of birds here, out of which 53 birds are known to breed here.

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary has two Forest Department rest houses, one each at Valpoi and Keri.

How Do I Go to Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary Near Goa?

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is in North Goa district and Valpoi is the nearest town to the sanctuary. This Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible by road. The nearest main railway station is the one at Panaji, Goa. The nearest airport is Dabolim Airport, in the city of Dabolim, Goa.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Goa

George T. George

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a small wildlife sanctuary is Goa state, India which is spread over an area of 8 square kilometers.

Bondla Wildlife SanctuaryBondla Wildlife Sanctuary Entrance.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination among school children, nature lovers and tourists. There is a Zoological Park (Zoo), Deer Safari Park, Botanical garden and a Rose Garden.

The park opens at 9 a.m. and is closed on Thursdays. Eco-Tourism Cottages are there for those interested.

Many species of animals and snakes are found in the park. Leopards injured when ventured into human habitations are brought here. The park allows bird watching. Park Range Office provides further information on bird watching.

Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary & Mollen National Park is a nearby wild life sanctuary.

How Do I Go to Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary?

Bondla Wild life Sanctuary is at a distance of around 48.5 kilometers from Panaji, the capital of Goa state. NH 748 connects the park with Panaji. Margao is at around 38 kilometers distance from the wildlife park. Ponda is at 20 kilometers distance from the park. State government owned ‘Kadamba Transport Corporation’ buses connects the park to the nearby cities.