SIGHTSEEING

Ponda

Ponda city in Goa is the place where Hinduism is at its maximum. It can be easily tagged as the heart of Hinduism in Goa. During the Portugal rule, many Hindus abandoned their houses located near the coasts and proceeded towards the interiors of Goa. A large number of them went to Ponda and settled there. The population grew in size and today Ponda has the maximum number of Hindus dwelling in Goa. This is the reason why Ponda is also known as the “Temple Town of Goa”. When you travel to Ponda, make sure you visit all the temples which give a boost to tourism in Ponda.

Ponda Tourist Attractions Shree Shantadurga Temple

Shree Shantadurga Temple of Ponda is a very important and famous temple in Goa. It is said that the Goddess who is worshipped over here is the Goddess of Peace and settles quarrels amicably. Legends say that she amicably solved a major dispute between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.

Shree Mangueshi Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shree Mangueshi Temple located in Ponda is a major Hindu temple visited by many devotees. This temple is said to have been built during the 18th century and its white tower a popular landmark. It is located on top of a hill and looks stunning amidst serene locales.

One of the ancient Hindu temples in Goa, the Naguesh temple is dedicated to Lord Naguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Courtesy a stone plaque found near the temple, the origins of Sri Naguesh temple can be traced back to 1413, when the region was under the rule of Veer Pratap Devraya of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire.

Shree Nagueshi Temple

Unlike most of the Hindu temples in Goa, the Naguesh Temple was spared the threat of persecution by the Portuguese and the temple has been in existence in its original location for centuries. The present structure of temple is the culmination of an extensive renovation process undertaken in 1880. The temple Sabhamandap has a gallery on both sides that contains intricate wood carvings depicting the events of Ramayana on one side and wooden images of Astadikpal and Gandharva on the other.

Located within the temple precincts is a magnificent tali or water reservoir surrounded by palms. The reservoir is built in such a way that standing at a certain location around the tali, a person can view the reflection of the idol of Lord Naguesh and the lighted lamps in the inner sanctum.

How to Reach Naguesh Temple
The Naguesh temple is located 4 km east of Ponda, off the NH 4A connecting Ponda to Panaji.

Colva Beach

Colva beach in Goa is one beach which is usually less crowded. There are many shacks lined up along the Colva beach which offers you delicious Goan cuisine to be washed down by innovative cock-tails. Sit in one of those shack, savour the mouth-watering food while looking at the vast sea in front of you.

Though there are eating joints and hotels around Colva, the Colva beach still manages to keep its serenity in tact. Unlike Anjuna or Calangute, Colva beach in Goa gained popularity only lately. Over the years, many hotels and buildings have sprung from nowhere in and around these beaches in Goa. Colva beach is one of those beaches in this small Indian state of Goa that is developing at a very good pace.

About 2 km away from Colva beach is the Benaulim beach, which is more peaceful and serene than the Colva beach. Benaulim provides an escape to see nature in its full bounty with few tourists to disturb its peace. One can still see spot old Portuguese houses.

Miramar Beach

Miramar Beach is the nearest beach from the capital of the Goa, Panaji. The beach is just 3 km from Panaji in the north of the state and a km away from Dona Paula. It lies adjoining the estuary of the river Mandovi as it opens into the Arabian sea.

Dona Paula Beach

Goa Dona Paula beach, associated with a romantic myth, is one of the hottest tourist spot in Goa. People throng the Dona Paula beach not only to enjoy the sun and the sea but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The Dona Paula Beach offers an opportunity to the tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap seaside goods from local vendors.

There are several shops along the beachside, which sell variety of goods ranging from eatables to clothes. Fishermen-turned-local vendors also sell straw hats, lace handkerchiefs, and spices in these shops. Feni and port wine-the two Goan liquor specialties-are a must buy and local liquor is easily available. Indian handicrafts and jewelery are available at the Indian Arts Emporium in Dona Paula.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular wildlife sanctuary in Goa and is also the smallest one. It is spread over an area of merely 8 square kilometers. Though it is very small in area, it boasts of a rich variety of flora and fauna. Many tourists come and visit this sanctuary to explore the exotic wildlife here.

Ponda also has other temples like Shree Mahalsa temple (dedicated to Lord Shiva), Shree Chandreshwar Temple and Shree Mallikarjuna Temple, which are located further down south.
By Air
The Dabolim airport is the nearest and about 33 Kms to Ramnathi. From the airport you can hire a cab to reach the required destination.
By Rail
The nearest railway stations are at Margao and Karmali at a distance of 20 kilometers from Ramnathi.
By Road
Ponda is well connected to all major places in Goa by a wide network of roads. One can reach Ponda from neighboring state of Karnataka by taking the National highway 4A.