GTDC Old
Goa Heritage View, Goa
We almost feel a sense of guilt that we have
got the very best locations all over this beautiful state for our
Residencies. Nothing however can beat the unbeatable
location of the Old Goa Residency, which stands
peaceful and serene in a quiet garden, in a quiet World
Heritage Site. Yes, we are lucky – just as you will
be when you occupy one of our spacious, airy rooms for as long as
you like. Our rates at the Old Goa Residency are
deliberately kept low so that tourists from all
over the world, the country and even from far flung areas of Goa
itself can avail of this opportunity to browse quietly through history
itself. Old Goa will open your eyes to history
not just of Goa, but of the Kadambas,
the Chalukyas, the Portuguese,
Christianity and Hinduism.
There are works of art, breathtaking in themselves but surreal when
seen in their entirety when you move from one magnificent old building
to another. Where else will you find so many churches,
along with a Basilica and a cathedral? An ancient
Hindu temple.
Old Goa is a bonanza for those interested in history,
art, culture and atmosphere. And where better to experience it all
with the Old Goa Residency as your base, with world
treasures just a leisurely walk away. Take your pick of world heritage
monuments such as Bom Jesus which houses the body
of St Francis Xavier in a tomb of exquisite
Goan and Italian workmanship, Se Cathedral, St Francis of Assisi,
St Cajetan, the Christian Art Museum, the Tower of St Augustine,
which are just a minute’s walk away from this place. After
that you can walk down the broad centuries old brick road that leads
off to one of the greatest old churches –
Santana of Talaulim. A week is not sufficient to
explore the treasures of Old Goa and the places
of interest around. You will need at least two weeks.
The Residency has 45 rooms in four blocks with double rooms either
AC or non-AC.
The elegant lobby opens into the restaurant “Sukhsagar”
which caters to a wide variety of tastes. A large hall on the first
floor where weddings and family functions are celebrated, is very
popular with residents from the surrounding villages for all their
major functions. A wide sunny patio can be transformed into the
perfect open air venue for an informal fun evening, or a romantic
celebration at night.
Nearby
Places to Old Goa Heritage View, Goa
You can take your pick or visit every place of
historic interest. The churches of Old Goa are
a must St Cajetan, Our Lady of the
Mount, St Francis of Assisi Church and
Convent, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral,
Church of Our lady of Rosary, the Archaeological
Museum, the Christian Art Museum, the ruins of the Church
and Monastery of St Augustine, The Chapel
of St Catherine, the Viceroy’s Arch, Gateway of the
Place of Yusuf Adil Shah, Royal Chapel of St
Anthony (opposite the ruins of the Church of St Augustine)
Convent of Santa Monica. The temple of
Brahmapur is just up the road to Ela. Further afield lie
the beautiful islands of Chorao and Divar. Chorao
is famous for its Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
Divar is larger with its beautiful church dominating
the island, you will find beautiful old mansions
of a time that is fast disappearing. Finally there is Carambolim
lake with its exotic feathered visitors from as far away
as Siberia.
Old Goa is a spiritual place, best experienced
in early morning or in the lengthening shadows of evening, where
you can almost hear the whispers of those gone by, telling you that
this particular place by the banks of the Mandovi was beloved by
all who walked these same broad avenues centuries ago.
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