Mormugao, Goa, India

Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada, located on the outskirts of Candolim, is one of the best-preserved among Goa’s many Portuguese forts. Its red-stone ramparts plunge sheer into the sea, creating an impenetrable barrier at the entrance to the Mondovi River delta. Throughout its many centuries of history, Fort Aguada has never surrendered to an enemy, and today a significant part of its grounds is occupied by an operating prison. The rest is open to visitors. Nearby is Sinquerim Beach.

Basilica of Bom Jesus

One of the most visited tourist attractions in Goa, the Basilica of Bom Jesus truly deserves its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the remains of Saint Francis Xavier, the Portuguese missionary, are kept. “Bom Jesus” is a term most often used in reference to the Infant Jesus. It can be translated as “good, holy Jesus.” The church was consecrated and opened in 1605. The building’s architecture is a wonderful example of the Baroque style. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the most richly decorated churches in Goa. The church interior is both beautiful and refined. The floor of white marble is inlaid with semi-precious stones. The basilica’s altar is adorned with intricate carvings and gold plating. In a silver reliquary, the body of Saint Francis is kept.

Beaches of South Goa

Bogmalo Beach - very touristic. Excellent sandy shoreline surrounded by palm groves, complete infrastructure with a recently reopened diving school, and new beach equipment. Seafood in local little restaurants is arguably the best along the entire Goan coastline. The sand at Majorda is not snow-white, but the surroundings are so picturesque that they more than make up for this drawback. During low tide, the ocean leaves crabs, sea stars, sea urchins, trepangs, and many other sea dwellers on the sandy shore of Majorda Beach. Colva Beach - the heart of the touristic south of Goa. Today, Colva offers hotels and restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Colva’s busyness is deceptive-just move a little away from the center of the beach and you can come across completely secluded spots.

Kotiagao Nature Reserve

Cotigao is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Goa and the most accessible in terms of location. A visit to Cotigao is recommended for those who want to see multi-tiered jungles and rare plants. You can stroll through the sanctuary grounds along eight well-kept trails ranging from 500 to 5000 meters. There are two forest lookout towers in the sanctuary, located 6 and 9 kilometers from the entrance. On one of the trees, there is a small cottage that can be reached via a very steep staircase 20 meters high. From there, you can enjoy a view of the watering hole, and this is one of the ways to see wild animals in their natural habitat. Of course, there have long been no tigers or leopards here, but you may well spot buffalo, bears, gazelles, panthers, porcupines, and hyenas.

Market in Mapusa

In Mapusa, tourists and locals traditionally come in real crowds. It’s all because of the Friday market, which covers the whole city, turning every lane into a colorful shopping area where you can buy practically anything. A trip to the market is an unforgettable event. This incredibly colorful spectacle is not only due to the huge variety of goods, but also because of the well-dressed women wearing bright, multicolored saris in honor of the fair. Here you can buy all kinds of fruits and the famous giant Moira bananas, spices with aromas that can make your head spin if you’re not used to them, elegant painted ceramic pottery, bright vibrant fabrics, and much, much more.

The Abandoned City of Hampi

The architectural complex “Monuments of Hampi” is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These ruins are all that remains of Vijayanagara, the former capital of the Vijayanagara Empire. Hampi village is recognized among Hindus as a religious center thanks to the Virupaksha temple, which is still in operation today. The architectural and sculptural forms of Hampi are mentioned in the “Ramayana.” Many of the events described in the epic took place in these very places. Most of the buildings of Hampi were built by Krishnadeva Raya during the period from 1509 to 1529. The temples, colonnades, gopuras, and giant sculptures of Hampi will surely amaze your imagination.

The Charm of Old Goa

The beauty of Goa lies not only in its sand, sunshine and waves, but also in magnificent churches and unusual temples. North of the city of Ponda, near the village of Priol, there is the Shiva Mangeshi Temple, one of the largest and most visited temples in Goa. Behind the temple, beyond a wall of dense forest, stands another well-known temple - the Shri Shantadurga Temple. After visiting the Indian temples, you will travel to Old Goa to visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus. This is where, in a silver reliquary, the remains of Saint Francis Xavier are kept. Next, you will visit the Se Cathedral, which is one of the largest churches in Goa. The vaulted interior impresses visitors with its grandeur. The cathedral has 5 domes, among which is the famous Golden Dome.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

You will visit the highest waterfall in the Indian jungles. The route to the waterfall leads through remote villages of Goa, past rice fields and swaying palms to the foothills of the Western Ghats. At the reserve, you will go on a jeep safari through the jungle to the waterfalls. Here you’ll be treated to fantastic scenery, boulders and bridges made from stacked logs. At the waterfall, you will be able to swim, sunbathe on the rocks, or relax in the shade of the trees. The program will continue with a visit to a spice plantation, where you will be welcomed in an Indian traditional manner, be told about the plants grown here and have a delicious lunch served on a banana leaf.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can check it after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.