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Central South Goa in a Private Car

2,800.00

Tour of Central South Goa in a Private Car

The Central South Goa tour in a private car is a perfect alternative to avoid sightseeing with a group of people. You can move at your own pace in your own time. The tour begins at 9.00 a.m. with a pick up from any hotel in North Goa.

Tour Agenda:

The tour begins with a visit to Old Goa where you will see all the main Churches. Basilica do Bom Jesus where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa, are kept in a casket. The construction of this opulent church began in 1594 and completed in 1605. This is one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in India.

Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina was built in honour of St. Catherine (or Sant Catarina as she is known by in Portuguese), in 1510. Governor George Cabral commissioned the Cathedral to be enlarged in 1552. The reconstruction of the church began in 1562 under the reign of King Dom Sebastiao. The cathedral was completed in 1619 and sanctified in 1640. The original building had two towers. One tower collapsed in 1776 and it was never rebuilt. The architectural style of this church is Portuguese-Manueline. The exterior is Tuscan and the interior is Corinthian.

The last church in the area is St. Francis of Assisi Church. This church and convent were established in 1661 by eight Portuguese Franciscan friars who landed in Goa in 1517. The convent was converted into a museum in 1964 and was reorganized in 1982. It has a rare collection of artifacts, maps, and portraits and was set up by ASI (Archaeological Survey of India). The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days of the week except Fridays.

St. Augustine’s Tower is the last stop of the Old Goa Church tour. The St. Augustine’s church was constructed in 1602 by Augustinian friars who arrived in Goa in 1597. When the plague broke out in 1835, the church and monastery were abandoned. Due to negligence, the tower collapsed in 1842. The church bell was then moved to The Immaculate Conception church in 1871. The church had four towers though only one remained. According to recent discoveries there were eight chapels, four altars, and a convent.

Once you are done with the Old Goa tour you will move towards Mangueshi Temple in Priol, Ponda. This temple was formerly situated in Cortalim, it was then moved Sancoale on the banks of River Zuari, and finally to the present location in Priol, Ponda. The main deity of the temple is Bhagavan Manguesh, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. At 450 years, this temple is one of Goa’s oldest temples.

Please avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless clothes if you choose to enter places of worship.

While in Ponda you can have lunch at the Sahakari Spice Plantation where you can sample authentic, delectable Goan food. The Entry Fee costs 400 INR per pax and is not included in your payment for the Tour of Central Soth Goa in a private car. You will also get an insight into local spices, how it is used in Goan cuisine and its healing values. The elephant ride and elephant shower are also not included in your package. This is an optional stop. You can go anywhere of your choice as long as it is en route.

Since your next stop is Panjim, you can have your lunch in any restaurant here. Once you are done with lunch you will get a chance to see the Nossa Senhora da Immaculada Conceição (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church) better known as Panjim Church which was constructed in 1541 by the Portuguese sailors at their first port of call. The design style of this beautiful church is Portuguese Baroque. The Augustinian bell, the second largest bell in Goa, was installed here in 1871.

The colourful and vibrant Panjim Municipal Market is the next place in Panjim. You can spend a little time window shopping, and exploring this historic landmark. If you’re looking for inexpensive kitchen appliances and household items, this is your place. You can also get crockery, bedcovers, garments, fruits, vegetables, and accessories. You can also check out the tiny shops that sell glass bangles.

One cannot leave Goa without a visit to Miramar Beach however brief it might be. This beach was formerly known as Prada de Gaspar Dias after the landlord of the area and was later renamed Miramar Beach by the Portuguese. This is where the Arabian Sea and the Mandovi River meet. You can see Fort Aguada to the West and Cabo Raj Bhavan towards the South. As you drive towards Dona Paula you will see food stalls. You can try out the chaats, shawarmas, gollas (ice lollies), or grab a cob of the corn (butta) to go.

Dona Paula, a quaint little place is your second last stop of the Tour of Central South. This place packed with history and folklore starting with the Governor’s palace, Cabo Raj Bhavan, formerly known as Cabo Raj Niwas. The Fort and the palace were originally a monastery built in 1540 and was home to monks until 1594 when became home to the Governor. There’s a shrine dedicated to Nossa Senhora de Cabo (Our Lady of the Cape). There is also a grotto dedicated to Dona Paula. You will not be able to enter the palace but the drive to the gates is also rewarding with its picturesque view of Fort Aguada, Nerul Hill, Miramar Beach, and Caranzalem Beach. The next tourist attraction here is the British Cemetery which was built around 1802. The first tomb dates back to 1808 and the last tomb dates back to 1912. It is estimated that there are 103 tombs in this cemetery. Opposite the entrance, beneath a mango tree, there is an old forgotten well. The final tourist spot is the famous Dona Paula Jetty which is closed for renovations but we can request our chauffeur to take you there. At the far end of the jetty, one can see the statue of Robert Knox and his wife. The view from the top is magnificent and the sunsets are exceptional.

Your Tour of Central South Goa is now about to come to an end at the Sunset Boat Cruise, your final stop for the day. If you wish you can go on a cruise which costs 300 – 350 INR per person. The day ends at 6:30 pm with the drive back to your hotel room.

What to wear and to carry:

Please wear light cotton comfortable clothes since you will be out in the open for a good part of the day. Wear comfy sandals or shoes since you will be walking around a lot. Please carry your sunhat/ cap and wear sunblock. Please remember to stay hydrated. Please carry your camera. You can also carry some snacks to munch on the way since you will be driving around for a good part of the day.

Tour Cost and Pickup Locations:

The cost of the Tour of Central South Goa in a Private car costs 2800 INR. You will be picked up from the following locations Calangute, Baga, Arpora, Nagoa, Candolim, Sinquerim, and Nerul. The rates will differ for Vagator, Anjuna, Siolim, Arambol, Ashwem, Morjim, Mandrem, Panjim, Mapusa, and Porvorim. Kindly check with us and we will let you know. If you would like to continue your tour beyond 6:30p.m. then there will be an added fee.

Please book The Central South Goa Tour in a Private Car in advance to ensure that you get the day of your choice.

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