By: David H.
Submitted: 2011-12-06 04:46:53 | Word Count: 530
In spite of being one of the smallest states of India, it requires number of days to explore entire Goa and to enjoy the true essence of its beauty. Goa is known for offering exotic sea views, exciting and colorful social life, vibrant entertainment and above all the pristine and magnificent beaches.
Besides beaches, it also offers a range of natural landscapes and temples that are famous for its magnificent architecture with eye catching festivals and feasts. This magical state of India has become a hot tourist spot with the arrival of hippies during sixth decade of the last century. It turned out as one of the major turning points in the history of the state's tourism. From that point of time, Goa has emerged as one of the premier tourist destinations in the world.
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Entire state of Goa is full packed with a range of marvelous attractions that mesmerize the visitors and compel them to visit the state again. Though the beaches have always been the major attraction, one would not afford to miss the world heritage sites and the world renowned attractions in form of the Bom Jesus Basilica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. When it comes about the temples of Goa, the Saraswat Temple, Shanta Durga Temple, Shri Nagesh Maharudra Temple and Ganapati Temple are some of the most significant temples that hold a great significance among locals.
Most of the temples and churches of Goa are concentrated around the town of Old Goa. It is also home to the very famous the Basilica of Born Jesus church known for its amazing and splendid architecture and sacred heritage. This church is designated as a World Heritage Monument. The meaning of the word Bom Jesus is 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. It was the first church of India who was accorded the status of Minor Basilica in the year 1946.
The design of the church is inspired from the St. Paul Church. One can also visit a modern art gallery that is located just besides the church. This art gallery is considered as one of the largest art galleries in Asia. The church is also a proud venue of a sound and light show exhibiting the life of Christ, St. Francis Xavier and Blessed Joseph Vaz with a feast that take place on December 3, every year.
Goa offers a range of marvelous temples that exhibit the enthusiastic and interesting history of the locals. The temples in Goa are like a mark of pride and glory for entire state. In spite of the fact that the state had been ruled by Portuguese for years a large number of Hindu Temples are still into existence.
Shri Mangeshi Temple is one of the most visited temples in Goa that is situated just around nine kilometers of Ponda. The temple is situated right amidst the lush greenery on a hill. Shri Bhagavati Temple is also a very prominent temple situated in Pernem and estimated that it is around five hundred years old. This temple had survived the Portuguese inquisition and during that time the deity was moved from the house of Shree Kichkar of Taliwada.
