Margao

About the place

The second largest city of the state after Panaji, Margao is known for its trade and commercial activities. It is also the headquarter of South Goa district. Margao serves as the area’s main trading centre for local fish and farm produce. The city holds some of the old monuments, churches and beautiful markets.


Religious Spots

Church of the Holy Spirit

Located at the centre of a picturesque colonial enclave, the Church of the Holy Spirit is a legacy of the Portuguese era. It was built in 1565 on the site of a damaged Hindu temple, adjoining the Jesuit College of All Saints. It was attacked by Muslim rulers several times and was rebuilt in 1675. Its white washed façade is flanked by two towers topped by domes and embroidered with lanterns. The grand interior hall has stucco ceiling.




Monuments

Municipal Building

Municipal Building

The Municipal Building at Town Square is a huge colonial structure that houses a library with books in different languages namely Hindi, Marathi, Konkani, English and Portuguese. Just behind the Municipal Building, to the south are the Margao’s lively markets selling day’s catch of fish and fresh FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.


Sat Burnzam Gor : An imposing mansion called Sat Burnzam Gor is located on Agostinho Lorenco Street which is one of the worth visiting sites in South Goa. Built in 1790, this huge and impressive building is the only surviving example of a house with pyramidal roofs in Goa. Though most of its roofs have been destroyed now, it still retains its old charm.




Other Attractions

Covered Market : The Covered Market, close to the Town Square sells everything, from grocery items to apparels and flowers. A row of shops towards the north of the market sells locally prepared wines.

Loutolim : Just 10 km to the northeast of Margao is a small town, once an important Portuguese administrative centre. It has numerous old mansions and stately buildings situated close to the main Church Square.

Monte Hill : Another small chapel in Margoa is located on top of Monte Hill. Although one cannot enter this tiny chapel, the view across Margao’s rooftops of the entire southern coast is spectacular.




How to reach

By Air : The Dabolim airport at Panjim is the nearest airport to Margao.

By Road : Margao has well maintained road networks that connect most parts of Goa and also the neighboring states. There are regular buses available from Margao to various parts of the state.

By Rail : Margao is an important railway station in southern Goa, located 2 km away from the city centre.

Vasco da Gama

About the place

Vasco da Gama or simply “Vasco” is the largest city of Goa in terms of population. It is a planned city with clean streets flanked by old structures alongside modern buildings. The city is very close to Mormugao Harbour.

Vasco da Gama is the main commercial centre of Goa where many important economic activities take place. The Mormugao Harbor, situated 4 km away from Vasco, is a very important port and is the core from which ship vessels are sent off to other countries. The trade mainly deals in minerals such as iron ore and spices. It is a natural harbor which docks ships from almost all over the world.


Religious Spots


Saint Andrews church

Saint Andrews Church is one of the most imposing structures in Vasco and is the 400-year old monument.




Museums

Naval Aviation Museum

Situated close to the Bogmalai Beach, the naval museum provides a rare glimpse of the origins and evolution of Naval Aviation Wing. The main attraction here is the aircraft exhibition. The entrance of the museum is modeled like the interiors of an aircraft carrier. When you enter the museum, you are faced with various exhibits ranging from armament and weapons to sensors and equipments. There is also a picture gallery inside the museum with photographs related to Indian Naval Aviation.




Beaches

Bogmalo Beach

Vasco is also famous for its Bogmalo Beach, a site that offers some mouthwatering local cuisines in rough and ready huts. The Bogmalo beach is clean and not too much crowded. You can have the pleasure of swimming which is safe and is also approved for Open water diving courses. The prime attractions here are the guided dives to shipwreck sites and coral beds off the coast.




How to reach

By Air : The Goa International Airport at Dabolim is the nearest airport to Vasco (4 Km).

By Road : Vasco da Gama is well connected by road to other towns and cities of Goa. There are regular buses from Panjim and Margao to Vasco.

By Rail : The railway station is located at the center of the town. A number of trains that connect destinations in neighboring states depart from here.

Old Goa

About the place

A magnificent complex of cathedrals, churches and museums spread along a 1.5 km stretch, marks the site of Old Goa. It was the capital of Portuguese colony in India until the mid-18th century. Following a series of epidemics in the mid-18th century, the capital was shifted to Panaji (or Panjim), the present day capital of Goa.

A walk through the streets of Old Goa can offer you glimpses of the architectural marvels of the Portuguese era. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, Old Goa encompasses a range of European styles, from sober Renaissance to exuberant Baroque and Portuguese Manueline.

Religious Spots


Se Cathedral

Situated at Senate Square, Se Cathedral is a magnificent church that was the largest in Asia during the 16th and 17th century. It was designed in 16th century by Julio Simao and Ambrosio Argueiro and took 80 years to complete.

The cathedral has a 30-m high Tuskan-style façade flanked by two square bell towers, of which only one exists. The golden bell hanging from one of these towers, offers melodic tones. The interior with intricate Corinthian detailing has a 76-m high central nave.

Church of Our Lady of Rosary

Situated on Holy Hill, the church of Our Lady of Rosary is one of the Goa’s earliest Manueline-style churches decorated with castle like turrets and painted with baskets of flowers. From this height, Alfonso de Albuquerque watched the re-conquests of Goa on 25th November 1510.

St. Cajetan church

In 17^th century, Pope Urban III sent Italian priests to Golconda, India. But they were refused entry and for this reason they settled in Old Goa. They erected a beautiful church which resembles with the church of St. Peter’s in Rome. It is dedicated to their founder St Cajetan.The church has a distinctive dome and interior. Adjacent to it, lies a monastery which is now a college of theology.

Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount

The church of Our Lady of the Mount is situated on the top of a hill and can be approached by a lane that leads off the Cumbarjua Road. It was built by Alfonso de Albuquerque after his victory over Yusuf Adil Shah. The church has recently been restored and is open to visitors.



Monuments

Basilica of Bom Jesus

The Basilica of “Bom Jesus” is revered by Roman Catholics all over the world since it houses the relics of Goa’s patron saint, Francis Xavier. Built by the Jesuits in 1594, this grand structure has a three-tiered façade of granite, detailing features of five styles of architecture; Roman, Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and Composite.

Tower of St. Augustine

Once the largest church in India with a grand five-storeyed façade, St Augustine’s now lies in ruins. Erected in 1512 the Gothic-style church was abandoned in 1835. The church had grand staircases and galleries and a library that rivaled the one at Oxford, in the 17th century. Today, only the soaring bell tower is saved.

Viceroy’s Arch

Viceroy’s Arch

The Viceroy’s Arch built in 1599 by Francisco da Gama, was a symbol of Portuguese triumph. It was built in memory of Dom Vasco Da Gama and was the main gate into Old Goa. Over 1,000 ships a year brought new arrivals to Goa in the 17th century. They passed under this laterite archway.





Museums

Old Goa Archeological Museum

Once Goa’s largest monastery, the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi (built in 1517) now houses the Goa archeological museum. A huge bronze statue of Alfonso de Albuquerque, moved from Panaji, dominates the entrance hall.

Among other objects of interest are images of Luis Vaz de Camees, Vishnu with ten incarnation, Surya, Gajalakshmi, wooden sculpture of John the Baptist, ivory sculptures of Jesus Crucification, bronze statue of Albuquerques (first governor of Goa), hero stone, sati stone, Persian and Arabic inscription, portrait paintings of Vasco da Gama, Com Joa de Castro,Portuguese arms like rifle, swords and daggers.

The museum is open from Saturday to Thursday and entry is based on tickets.



How to reach

Old Goa is situated in North Goa district, 9 km east of Panaji. There is a frequent bus service from Panaji and it takes hardly 20 minutes to reach Old Goa. The bus stop is opposite to the the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Most of the churches and monuments of importance are located around the bus stop. One can also hire a taxi or auto from Panaji to reach Old Goa.

Sarnath

About the place

In the deer park of Sarnath Gautama Buddha first taught the Dharma, and Sarnath is the place where the Buddhist Sangha came into existence through the enlightenment of Kondanna. Sarnath is at a distance of 10km from Varanasi.

Sarnath is also known as Mrigadava, Migadaya, Rishipattana, Isipatana.

The Emperor Ashoka, who spread Lord Buddha’s message of love and compassion throughout his vast empire, visited Sarnath around 234 BC, and erected a stupa here. Several Buddhist structures were raised at Sarnath between the 3rd century BC and the 11th century AD, and today it presents the most expansive ruins amongst places on theBuddhist trail.


Religious Spots

Chaukhandi Stupa

Chaukhandi Stupa issaidto be built by Emperor Ashoka. It is the first monument seen by the people when they enter Sarnath.

It is a lofty mound of brick - work whose square edifice is surrounded by a Octagonal tower.


Dhamek Stupa

Dhamek Stupa

Dhamek Stupa is the most remarkable structure at Sarnath. It is cylindrical in shape with, 28 mts. in diameter at the base and 43.6 mts. in height. The Dhamek Stupa is built party of stone and partly of brick. The stone facing the lower part is adorned with delicate floral carvings of Gupta origin.

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar

Mulagandha Kuti Vihar is the modern temple erected by the Mahabodhi Society. The temple was made by Kosetsu Nosu, Japan’s foremost painter and a rich repository ofBuddhist literature. The ancient Mulagandha Kuti Temple is among the brick ruins ofSarnath.

Museum

Sarnath Museum

Sarnath Museum has a rich collection of Buddhist sculptures comprising numerous Buddha and Bodhisattva images.

Other Places

The other places of Interest at Sarnath are the Dharmrajika Stupa, magnificent Lion capital, India’s National Emblem at Sarnath Museum, the Saddharmachakra Vihar’s at excavated ruins.

How to reach

By Air : The nearest airport is Babatpur : 30 Km.

By Rail : Sarnath is directly connected by Varanasi - Gorakhpur Exp. 0549/0550 and Varanasi - Bhatni - Varanasi Exp. 0551/0552.

By Road : Sarnath, is 10 - km from Varanasi, and is well connected by road to other destinations of the state.

Jhansi

About the place

Jhansi, the gateway to Bundelkhand, was a stronghold of the Chandela kings but lost its importance after the eclipse of the dynasty in the 11th century. It rose to prominence again in the 17th century under Raja Bir Singh Deo who was a close associate of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir. However, its greatest claim to fame is its fiery queen Rani Laxmibai.

Historical Places

Jhansi Fort

Jhansi Fort

Jhansi Fort was constructed in the 17th century fort and was made by Raja Bir Singh on top of a hill as an army stronghold. The Karak Bijli tank is within the fort. There is also a museum which has a collectiion of sculpture and provides an insight into the history of Bundelkhand.




Museum

Government Museum, Jhansi

The Government Museum of Jhansi has the weapons, statues, dresses and photographs that represent the Chandela dynasty and a picture gallery of the Gupta period are the highlights. There are also terracottas, bronzes, manuscripts, paintings and coins.


Rani Mahal

Rani Mahal the palace of Rani Laxmi Bai has now been converted into a museum. It houses a collection of archaeological remains of the period between 9th and 12th centuries AD.

Other Places

Laxmi Tal, Gangadhar Rao-Ki-Chhatri, Shri Kali Temple, Laxmi Bai Park.

How to reach

By Air : Nearest airport is Gwalior Airport – 98 km.

By Rail : Jhansi is well connected by an excellent railway network. Shatabadi Express (2001/2002) is one of the fastest luxury trains in India, provides the easiest access to the Jhansi from important stations between Delhi and Bhopal. Other important rail services to Jhansi are :

- 2137/2138 Punjab Mail (Firozpur/Delhi-Mumbai)

- 1057/1058 Dadar-Amritsar Express (Mumbai)

- 4677/4678 Jhelum Express (Jammu Tawi-Pune)

- 2627/2628 Karnataka Express (Delhi-Bangalore)

- 4067/4068 Malwa Express (New Delhi-Indore)

- 1449/1450 Mahakaushal Express (New Delhi-Jabalpur)

- 2615/2616 G.T. Express (New Delhi-Chennai)

- 2621/2622 Tamil Nadu Express (New Delhi-Chennai)

- 2723/2724 A.P. Express (New Delhi-Secundrabad)

- 6687/6688 Navyug Express (Jammu Tawi/Delhi-Mangalore)

- 4309/4310 Dehradun-Ujjain Express

- 7021/7022 Delhi-Hyderabad Dakshin Express

- 1107/1108 Bundelkhand Express (Varanasi-Gwalior)

- 1015/1016 Kushinagar Express (Mumbai-Gorakhpur)

By Road : Jhansi, is situated on National Highway No. 25 and 26, is linked by a good network of roads. Some major road distances are :

Agra – 221 km, Khajuraho – 176 km, Datia – 28 km, Shivpuri – 100 km, Kalpi – 142 km, Gorakhpur – 563 km, Lucknow – 297 km, Kanpur – 220 km, Lalitpur – 93 km, Delhi – 414 km

Mehrangarh Fort , Jodhpur , Rajasthan

There are a number of galleries in the Mehrangarh fort including elephant howdah gallery, palanquin gallery, daulat khana, armory gallery, paintings gallery, turbans gallery, etc.

Museum: Mehrangarh fort houses one of the finest museums of Rajasthan. The museum displays an array of items including old royal palanquins, arms, costumes, paintings, decorated period rooms, etc.

Apart from the palaces, there are one cenotaph and one temple worth visiting. The cenotaph, Chhatri of Kirit Singh Sodha, is situated to the right beyond the main entrance. The cenotaphs pay tribute to the valorous soldier, Kirit Singh, who laid down his life defending his land from the army of Jaipur. The Chamunda Devi Temple is located at the southern end of the fort and displays Durga in her furious mood.

A walk on the ramparts at this end provides some really eye-catching views of the old city. Numerous houses painted in blue colour instantly draw the attention of the tourists. In the earlier time, only Brahmins could get their house painted in blue, however, today more and more people use this colour to ward off the monotony of the desert region. It is also believed that the colour blue spreads freshness in the house and as such highly useful.

Junagarh Fort, Bikaner, Rajasthan

Junagarh Fort, one of the popular monuments in Bikaner, was built between 1588 and 1593 AD by Raja Rai Singh (1571-1611), one of Akbar`s generals. Initially it was called Chintamani. The present name was given to the edifice when the rulng family shifted to Lalgarh Palace. Junagarh is one of those forts that have remained unvanquished even today. Despite the successive wars and invasions the fort of Junagarh could not be conquered. Till date this fort remains one of the most massive structures of north India. Today it stands as one of the most important places of attraction in Bikaner.

As far as the Junagarh Fort is concerned, the outer walls are 3,205 feet in circuit, reinforced with thirty-seven pavilions silhouetted against the skyline. Lines of windows and balconies impart a harmonious domestic character and fragment the austere strength of the structure. The main entrance of the fort is through the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate (1593), in front of which in the courtyard is the Joramal Temple. Royal weddings and births were celebrated in the Har Mandir chapel. On the nearby walls can be seen two groups of suttee hands. Two great warriors, Jaimal and Patta, mounted on painted stone elephants, guard the gateway. Within the walls are a series of palaces built by successive rulers. The fort and palaces are beautifully preserved and well maintained. Each palace contains particular treasures.

In the second courtyard lies the Karan Mahal (1631-9) which was built by Karan Singh. This palace leads to Durgar Niwas. It is a beautiful enclosure with painted walls and a white marble tank, filled with coloured water during Holi. Lai Niwas, with its richly painted floral motifs, is the oldest apartment and was constructed in 1595 AD. The Gaj Mandir is located over the Karan Mahal. This was built between 1745 and 1787 AD as a suite of royal apartments. The Chatra Niwas is a small pavilion on the roof of the Gaj Mandir, built by Maharaja Dungar Singh (1872-87) and decorated with English plates embedded in the plasterwork which depict scenes from a series of English prints of `Oriental Field Sports`.

Chandra Mahal or Moon Palace, built together with the Phul Mahal and Gaj Mandir by Gaj Singh (1746-87), is beautifully painted. The Phul Mahal or Flower Palace has elaborate inlaid mirror work. This contains Bhika`s bed, a tiny resting-place. Anup Mahal built between 1669 and 1698 and decorated later by Maharaja Gaj Singh, is an exquisite building with a stunning Coronation Hall in red and gold. The Raj Tilak Hall, as it is known, is enriched with ornamental lacquer work and opaque glass inlay. One antechamber is vivid aquamarine blue inlaid with gilt. Another room contains the famous hindola or swing, a rare specimen. The Anup Mahal is the epitome of all the gorgeous exoticism of the East, the fabulous treasure-house of a desert prince.

Other palaces include the Chetar Mahal and Chini Burj of Dungar Singh (1872-87). The Ganga Niwas, with its fine carved sandstone facade and beautiful audience hall, was added in the late 19th century by Ganga Singh (1887-1943).

The Junagarh Fort has an excellent library of Persian manuscripts and ancient Sanskrit books and an impressive armoury. However, Junagarh fort is one of those rare forts in Rajasthan that have not been constructed atop a hill.