| Sightseeing Highlights
The main attractions here are the nearby beaches of Baga, Calangute and Anjuna, which to many are the main Goa party hubs. Home to some of the busiest and most popular pubs and eating joints of Goa, these beaches are always crowded and in demand.
If you want a break from the beaches, you can visit the church of our Lady of Miracles, locally known as St. Jerome. It is famous for its annual feast and is considered sacred by all communities.
Another interesting day trip can include Hindu holy places like the temple of Lord Bogeshwar and Hanuman that are counted among some of the most important Goa temples.
For those who are interested in architectural history, a visit to the Mascarenhas Mansion is a must. This beautiful mansion was built during the Portugal rule and is an excellent example of the Portuguese architectural style. It is packed with antique furniture, paintings, sculpture and has priceless vases and chandeliers.
Other Activities
You must do shopping at the weekly Friday bazaar that can turn out to be a hidden treasure trove of items. You can pick up souvenirs, dry fruits, spicy sausages, handicrafts and many other products.
Mapusa is located about 13 km from Panjim and is one of Goa?s
main commercial centres. It is known as Mapsa in the local terminology
and under Portuguese rule, was written as Mapuca. This city is the
gateway to most of Goa?s
famous beaches in the north. Mapusa is most famous for its weekly
Friday markets that have gained an incredible reputation among
tourists. The market has a lot of local flavour with people from
surrounding villages and towns coming to buy and sell their various
products such as agricultural produce, locally-grown fruit, dried fish,
toddy vinegar, spices, clothes and other items. |
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