1) Bondla Wild Life Santuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the exquisite wildlife sanctuaries in Goa besides the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary at Mollem. It is a good place for excursions and a very beautiful and serene place located 55 kms from Panjim. Bondla forest is also famous for the varied species of animals. The hills to the south east of this forest are dominated by wild animals and reptiles such as leopards, jackals, langurs, pythons, wild boars, bison and serpents. It is also a very significant place in terms of its 'Rehabilitation Centre' wherein injured animals are taken care of and nursed back to health. The zoo provides an excellent environment to breed and research animals.

2) Usgalimal Rock Carvings

The mysterious rock carvings of Usgalimal were discovered in 1993 by the villagers of Usgalimal, which is situated at about 16 kms south of Rivona in the Sanguem taluka in south Goa. The villagers informed the archaeologists about the traces of prehistoric settlement who were led outside the village to a bend in the river Kushawati. Here they saw a shelf of laterite, which due to the monsoon floods was covered in a layer of mud that was swept downstream. Once they cleared this it was seen that the rock had carvings of around one hundred distinct figures, which included images of bulls, spirals, lines and human figures. The carvings are known as ‘Petroglyphs’, because they were created by chipping away the outer surface of the rock using some tool. The Usgalimal rock carvings are now one of the most important prehistoric sites in western India as they are thought to date between 20 and 30 thousand years ago from the Upper Palaeolithic or Mesolithic eras. These rock carvings are open to the public although they are submerged during the monsoon season, and casts of them have been placed in the Goa museum.

3) Divar Island

Divar Island lies on the Mandovi River in Goa and is home to some fascinating people and cultures. The Divar Island is also well known in Goa due to a festival celebrated here fondly known as the Bonderam festival. Bonderam is a carnival that takes place every fourth Saturday of August, when each part of the village takes out their floats for the parade. In the olden days, this place was a home to the massive Hindu population of Goa but when the Portuguese started religious victimization, its residents escaped and moved to other parts of Goa. Another reason for the abandonment of this place was a Plague epidemic. Divar Island is a lovely and peaceful place to explore and one must make a visit to this serene place whilst in Goa.

4) Naval Aviation Museum

It is the only Naval Aviation Museum that exists in Asia and is also one of the only seven naval aviation museums that exist in the world. It has a prized collection of vintage and serving aircraft, their engines, armaments and much more. It displays the real aircraft that span the retries history of the naval aviation in India. Also present at the museum are the Indian navy's first helicopter, the Hughes Hu 296c, the jet- trainer vampire, the anti- submarine Alize, the multirole dove and the fighter sea Hark (an Indo-Pakistani war veteran). However the sea harrier jump jet that is in frontline service with the Indian navy currently is the prize exhibit here. Naval memorabilia is displayed inside the museum building. In the armament room lie vintage torpedoes, rockets, and depth charges all deployed in previous wars. It showcases the rich history of Indian Naval Aviation. A day at the museum is a must for all visitors to Goa.

5) Salim Ali Bird Santuary

Located on the beautiful island of Chorao, this is one of the most beautiful and scenic bird sanctuaries found in Goa.. It is the only bird sanctuary in Goa and dedicated to Goa's famous ornithologist, Dr. Salim Ali. This sanctuary is an extreme delight for any nature lover, especially anyone interested in bird watching. The sanctuary itself is spread out over some 420 acres and is a best to visit during the winter when a horde of migratory birds also make the sanctuary their home.

6) Casino Cruise

Casinos in Goa are an integral part of the nightlife in Goa. They are not unique to Goa and have been started to promote tourism in the state. In fact Goa is now known to be a home for some of the finest casinos in India that offer the best of casino gaming. Casinos in Goa can be found on boats anchored in the Mandovi River, and onshore in some upmarket hotels. Their motive is to provide the best of gaming and entertainment experience to its guests. The casinos in Goa offer all the major games to casino lovers. Black Jack, American Roulette, Rummy, Stud Poker, Baccarat and Flash are some of the games they offer. Besides these games, one can also get drinks such as exquisite cocktails, mock tails and hard liquor. Some of the most famous casinos in Goa include Deltin Royale, Deltin Jaqk, Casino Carnival, Casino Pride, Casiona Palms, etc.

7) Museum Of Christian Art

The Museum of Christian Art is a home to heritage monuments today. When it was set up, in 1994, it was the only museum of Christian art in Asia The museum is located in the Convent of Santa Monica in Old Goa, Goa. The Museum which has enriched the cultural heritage and history of Goa is a project of the Archdiocese. Every object displayed in the museum, reflects the immense wealth of the Churches of Goa. Richly embroidered vestments, chalices and other sacred receptacles made out of precious metals and inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones, gorgeous paintings and statuary, carved ivory, all this and more is on display at the museum of Christian Art.

8) Splash Down Water Park

Splash Down is one of the coolest water parks located in Anjuna Goa. The facility boasts of 5 pools, a variety of slides, flumes and other interesting features. Splashdown is a great place to spend quality time with your family and friends. It is a place where a dash of adventure mixed with a splash of fun and freedom makes you forget your age and all your troubles. Be it a birthday party, family get together or a festival splash down is the place to be in. There is also a larger water park in South Goa called Froggyland which has a wave pool, lazy river and amazing waterslides.

9) Mall De Goa

Mall De Goa is the largest mall in Goa, located right on the NH17 highway in Porvorim, Goa. The mall is spread across 1,80,000 square feet. It was inaugurated at the hands of former Defence Minister and Chief Minister of Goa Manohar Parrikar on 27 February 2016. Mall de Goa comes harnessed with the best comforts for shop owners and consumers. It contains more than 82 retail stores with a mix of international and national premium brands. It also has food courts, restaurants, family entertainment zones and an INOX multiplex. Popular brands such as Marks and Spencer, Dunkin’ Donuts, Accessorize, Big Bazaar and Shopper Stop can be found here. The food court has Mc Donald’s, KFC, Ritz Classic and some other local cuisines. It also has the parking facility for more than 300 car parking on two levels. This mall has now become a hallmark of Porvorim.

10) Salaulim Dam

The Salaulim dam lies on the Salaulim River at about 5 km from the Sanguem town. It is Goa's biggest man-made water storage source that is also a favourite picnic spot for locals. During the monsoons, the misty outlook of the Western Ghats against the backdrop of the dam is truly breathtaking. One can spend hours here in its scenic beauty. The unique design of semi-circular channel which forms a cascade of water which flows into the Salaulim River creates a magnificent sight. Salaulim dam is a part of the Salaulim Irrigation Project and today a major source of water supply for both industrial and domestic purpose in South Goa.

Posted On : 18/02/2019

Written By : Goan Gypsy Girl