Adil Shah’s Palace Goa | Image Resource : wikimedia.org
Adil Shah’s Palace,Goa: Adil shah’s palace is one of the oldest historic monument in Goa. The look of this palace is quite different and unique. Unlike other palaces it has tiled roof which is quite similar to the castle in South India. This palace was built by the famous mughal ruler Adil Shah.
Fortification Wall of Aguada Fortress Goa | Image Resource : wikimedia.org
Fortification Wall of Aguada Fortress Goa: This is a picture of the fortification wall in aguada fortress. We were just hanging around Aguada beach, That when we saw this fortress and we decided to check it out. The wall is situated within the premises of Fort Aguada. If you are visiting this fort you may also check out the lighthouse adjacent to it.
Our next destination in Goa was the Tambi Surla Mahadev Temple.It is one of the oldest temples in Goa situated at a place called Tambi Surla. The ancient Mahadev temple of Tambdi Surla endured from the Portuguese because of its location, as it was rested next to a water stream in the core of a small clearing that is concealed in the dense jungle. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. We reached the temple in the evening and explored the serenity.
Tambdi Surla Mandir | Image Resource : wikipedia.org
The temple has a porch supported by pillars and there are three stepped entrances. The temple is constructed by adopting the Hemadpanthi style of architecture and is made by a fine, weather-resistant, grey and black basalt. This Mahadev temple is also significant as it is proclaimed to be the only specimen of Kadamba-Yadava building present in basalt stone existing in Goa. Due to this reason, the temple has been stated as a secluded historical testimonial by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is a great step as protection of such monuments would allow many future generations to witness the evidences from our past.
This temple is known to be built in Jain style in the era of twelfth century. There are many attention-grabbing minutiae about its construction which has raised many doubts and curiosity about the origin of the temple. It is strangely built in an area that is rather inaccessible and at a distance from the core settlements of the time. The magnitude of the temple is also very small, unlike the most Goan temples. And lastly, the pinnacle of the temple is incomplete.
The Lingam | Image Resource : wikipedia.org
There is a ‘Shivlinga’, a representation of Lord Shiva, mounted on a podium inside the internal sanctum. Locals believe that a huge King Cobra resides permanently in this barely lit sanctum. During the time of Hindu festival ‘Mahashivratri’ that comes during the months of February/ March, hundreds of devotees gather here to offer their prayers.
We enjoyed the calmness spread around at the temple, with surrounding grasslands. The temple is positioned at the base of the Anmod Ghat that acts as a connection between Goa and the state of Karnataka.
The next trip of ours was filled with more fun and adventure. Unlike our earlier visits to the beautiful and picturesque natural locations and churches holding sacred significance in the first two days of trip, our next destination had epical significance. We were going to the Arvalem caves that were located in the Bicholim town of North Goa. We hired a cab to the town, and then we hired bikes to cover the nine kilometer stretch to these caves. That decision proved to be the ultimate fun…riding bikes with friends on the roads of Goa!!
Arvalem Caves | Image Resource : gtdchotels.com
We reached the caves which were easily accessible by road. I must say, Goa has got a very rich “cave Heritage”. We spoke to a few villagers about the caves and almost everyone in the village addresses these as the ’Pandava Caves’, and we were told that back in the fifth and sixth century, the five Pandavas, from the very reverent Hindu epic Mahabharata, took refuge in these caves of present Goa when they were in exile.
We entered the beautiful caves and noticed the striking architecture. The five caves were carved out of one single laterite rock. Inside the caves, Shivlings of different shapes and sizes were placed and are carved out of granite. There are some inscription crafted on the second linga resembles scripts of Sanskrit and Brahmi.
Arvalem Waterfall | Image Resource : panoramio.com
We moved around the complex that consisted of two major caves and a residential chamber.There was no entry fee to explore the caves and owing to this, many tourists visit the caves to get an intriguing and enriching journey back into the ancient times.
We were clicking numerous pictures and were exploring the caves. That was a sheer combination of fun with knowledge…isn’t it? We then moved to the Arvalem waterfall that was located in the vicinity. That was like cherry on the cake and all five of us had immense fun time splashing water over one another. We spent a long time there and even had food at the local village ‘dhaba’. The local dishes sometimes taste better than the complex international cuisines. That was a place worth giving a call.
Arch of Viceroy In Old, Goa | Image Resource : wikimedia.org
Arch of Viceroy In Old, Goa: Arch of viceroy in city of old goa is also consider amongst one of the major attraction in Goa. During ancient times, it was one of the main gates to enter the city of Old Goa. This was built by Viceroy Francisco da Gama in 1599 to honor Vasco da Gama.
Church And Convent of St. Francis Assisi, Goa | Image Resource : wikimedia.org
Church And Convent of St. Francis Assisi, Goa: According to the priest, St. francis of assisi is one of the most beloved saints around the world. We recently visited church and convent of st. francis assisi. This ancient church was built in 1661 by the portuguese. Therefore, it one of the oldest church in Goa.
Church of St.Augustine, Goa | Image Resource : wikimedia.org
Church of St.Augustine, Goa: According to the priest, twelve augustinian monks came to Goa in 1572 and later this church built by them. This church is considered amongst the oldest churches in Goa. The construction of the church was completed in 1602 AD. According to the locals the church was once amongst one of the most beautiful churches in the city but was damaged during the invasion of portuguese.
The Backpack Man 