This is second time I have got a chance to visit Goa.This was trip which was arranged by my husband's office. There were more than 150 people ,including kids,who were part of this trip . We have left Pune on 11th October.We all have bookings on Nizamudin-Goa express train.The right time of the train was around 4:30 from pune ,but that day train was late by 1 hr. Initially we and one other family had a dispute for the seats ,but finally we were settled down .
Reached Goa on 12th morning.They have booked one 5 star resort called country inn near verca beach .The buses were waiting outside the station .We reached the resort around 6:30 .Had a good welcome drink . we spent the morning of day 1 in beach.In the evening we have booked a local car and visited the Panjim market.
I got a shop which has good collection of artifacts, antiques, and other trinkets.
Day 2 morning the resort people had a half day sight seeing.They took us to shanta durga temple ,Marogoan market and Colva beach.In the evening we had a DJ night and function at resort .
Day 3 we left for Pune in the morning. This time I have enjoyed the beauty of nature in the rail journey.It is really very beautiful and enjoyable .We will find many tunnels and Ghats through which the train will move.The scenery between Dahi sagar and Castle rock stations are really very beautiful.
Though I have not visited many places in Goa in this trip but it was memorable .I had a good time at resort and beaches I have visited. Below are the places I have visited this time.
Varca Beach Goa: The Varca Beach is one tourist destination that is not so famous in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The Varca beach is quieter and cleaner when compared with the other renowned beaches in Goa. Along with the usual relaxing and rejuvenating activities like sun bathing you may indulge in Dolphin watching and boat trips. It is time to enjoy the nature at its best at the Varca beach.
Colva & Benaulim Beaches: The Colva and the Benaulim Beaches happen to be amongst the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The white powdery sand on the shores of the Arabian Sea along with the swaying palms and the sensuous sun creates the picture perfect holiday spot. The beaches are at a mere distance of two kilometers and make excellent holiday destinations.
At the Colva beach you must check out the local market for some good bargains. The market offers a wide range of items from daily food items to souvenirs. There are artifacts, antiques, and other trinkets that make excellent gift options. In terms of food do check out the Portuguese delicacies that are available in abundance at the seashore. Its time to treat all your senses at the Colva and the Benaulim beaches.
Shree Shantadurga temple: Situated 33 kms from Panajim, Shree Shantadurga temple has an impressive idol of Goddess Shree Durga who mediated between Shree Vishnu and Shree Shiva and stopped the fiercefull war going on between the two. She is flanked by Vishnu and Shiva on both the sides. The original place of Shree Shantadurga devi was at Keloshi. From there devi was shifted to Kavlem during the rule of portuguese government. This current temple structure of Shree Shantadurga devi was built during the period from 1713 a.d to 1738 a.d. Many renovations have been done over the years to the main temple and to the temples of other deities besides the agarshala [guest house] which is built on three sides of the temple.
Lady Of The Immaculate Conception Church : This church is placed on the hillside and just high above the Adil Khan Palace. This church is the first church of Goa, was built in 1541. In front of the church is the view of Municipal Garden, hotels, boutiques etc.
The Dudh Sagar waterfall : It is situated around 60 km off Panaji. It is connected to the other places in the state like Panaji and Margao with a road and railway network.Perched on the lofty peaks of the Western Ghats, the Dudh Sagar waterfalls offer unrivalled beauty, and amazing scenery full of exquisite charms when in full flux after the monsoon showers. It is perched on the lofty heights of the Western Ghats and falls from a height of 603 metres. I have seen this place from the train.
