Essay Example on Wander through Fontainhas Goa’s Latin Quarter

Wander through Fontainhas Goa’s Latin Quarter A UNESCO World Heritage Site Fontainhas is a charming town that exudes colonial era vibe at every nook and corner Visitors can wander through the cobbled streets and gaze at the traditional colourful Portuguese houses and structures Two of the most beautiful attractions are the Chapel of St Sebastian which is known for its pristine white facade and the Maruti temple that rests on Altinho hill and offers unbeatable view of the town The other sight that makes quite the impression is the Gitanjali Art Gallery that houses impressive artwork from 1950s to 90s It s recommended to stay at least for a day in one of the many Portuguese mansions turned boutique hotel and experience the authentic Goan hospitality Explore the Old Goa Founded in the 15th century Old Goa is one of the most historic cities in Goa The city was abandoned in the 18th century due to widespread plague in the area However what stands today are the beautiful churches that were developed in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule and are recognized as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Some of the most impressive ones are the Basilica of Bom Jesus that is a true archetype of Baroque architecture as well as holds remains of St Francis Xavier well known Spanish missionary the 16th century Se Cathedral that stands out with its giant bell called the Golden Bell and the Church of St Francis of Assisi 

To stroll around Old Goa is to enjoy an anthology of a mix of Baroque and Portuguese style of architecture Marvel at the historical forts Goa is home to several forts that play a crucial role in its history Some of the most prominent ones are the 17th century Chapora Fort that offers panoramic vistas of the sea and beaches nearby the Aguada Fort which was established in 1612 by Portuguese and its highlight is the 19th century lighthouse within it the Terekhol Fort which now functions as a heritage hotel and also houses 100 year old church and the 16th century Reis Magos fort that is famed for its breathtakingly beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and Mandovi river as well as the gallery that display works of the famous cartoonist Late Mario Miranda Stand in awe of the Portuguese Mansions Goa was colonized by Portuguese in the 1500s and they brought with them a unique style of architecture which is evident at every nook of the state A visual reminder of the same are the majestic Portuguese mansions which have retained their old world charm Some of the notable ones that are open to public include Casa Araujo Alvares which is an 18th century mansion complete with European antiques and photos Palacio do Deao that stands out with its Hindu and Portuguese architecture and the Menezes Braganza Pereira House which is a 17th century mansion adorned with antiques Italian marble floors Belgian crystal chandeliers and several other relics Trek to Dudhsagar Falls 

There are several waterfalls near Goa that make for a wonderful daytime excursion One of the must visit is the Dudhsagar falls which is a four tiered cascade situated in the middle of deciduous forest This exquisite waterfall falls from a height of 310 meters forming a milky froth down below that will leave you awestruck To admire the beauty of the fall you need to trek to its summit It isn t an easy trek but brimming with abundant beauty which makes it worth the effort You can also reach the falls via jeep run by local travel agencies Go wildlife watching Goa boasts incredible wildlife and you can catch a glimpse of the stunning creatures at the many national parks and sanctuaries sprinkled throughout the area Some of the must visits include the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park Safari and treks are available in these parks that create perfect opportunity to get up close with the diverse flora and fauna as well as experience nature at its rawest