Nisargadhama, Coorg, Karnataka

Nisargadhama Nature Park is 3 km from Kushal Nagar. If I had a chance to meet the brain behind this park I would certainly go after that person for an autograph for such a brilliant idea….Its an island formed by the Cauvery River. A nature park and I would say a unique sanctuary…Entry fee Rs 10 for adult....To enter the park one has to cross river through a hanging bridge , there is a new stronger version  build, since it was under maintenance I was forced to use the old shaky one somehow i felt at ease over it . As I crossed I could see paddle boats fleeted  all set for a ride…

Bamboo forms the major part of the park though I could see few teak here and there. All plants and trees are named with their common and scientific names for the benefit of the visitors and there are sign boards every where leading to River, Deer park, Ayurvedic spa, Elephant ride, cafeteria ,public toilets and shops which sold honey and handicrafts (don’t even think of buying them for they are atrociously costly)   … 
There are cottages available for tourists for stay...There are tree houses swings and bamboo shelter all over to sit relax and enjoy the nature ..I could spot deer and rabbit though not other animals listed in the notice…Though the sun was scorching the walk was enjoyable...


There were stone pavement to walk around…When I couldn't spot animals sitting on one of the tree houses everything seemed artificial….Elephant safari is  the highlight of the park they charge a nominal Rs25 per person,which lasts for 10 minutes around …
Deer in the park seemed quite used to the visitors..There is a shop adjacent to the deer park selling tender cucumber,roasted groundnut..I saw many of them buying tender cucumber to feed the deer..You can feed the Elephant too. The place is extremely well maintained.

 I  stepped into the shallow river..It was so cool looking around on the bank of Cauvery every looks picturesque….I think weekend might get crowded.. Every thing right from the hanging garden made the place such a pleasant treat…My next destination - Dubare Elephant camp…

Trip to Tibetian settlement Bylakuppe, Kushal Nagar ( karnataka)

Nature treat is what I would call this trip, for this trip is to Kodagu or Coorg which is known as the Scotland of India.. Though I couldn’t cover all the places, I tried to visit the main destination… I started at four in the morning contrary to my otherwise holiday schedule….But I was sure that it’s going to be all worth it…Kasargode was still warm and the air condition rendered some life… Jalsoor which is Kerala –Karnataka border and as thr journey moved from Sulia to Madikeri through the still dark blue sky I suddenly realized that there was fog (in April???? Well I was in awe),Even at seven sun was still reluctant to throw his heavy beams, but now there was enough light for me to enjoy  the  lush green all around, I wanted to come back to this place in December already. Madikeri 150 km from Kasargode, as I expected in Coorg famous for its coffee, there were loads of coffee plantations (I even saw Nescafe’s plantation along with other known labels), Cocoa plantations, pepper vines and trees trees and loads of trees. Now don’t think I am all urbanized to talk like this..I live in a place surrounded by coconut palms all around.. Coconut palm don’t count on as tree for me yet (I know I may sound silly but I need loads of branches and sub branchesto be termed as a tree remember the banyan tree’s picture back in kindergarden???)…Madikeri to me felt like a sleepy town where time just slowed down abrubtly, there were people clad on woolen sweaters and scarves at 8 in the morning .The air condition inside the car was warmer when compared to the chilly air out. We had our breakfast at a restaurant..We chose it because that was the only one open….Taste of food depends on your hunger prangs. For me it tasted heavenly , like I  said that I was super hungry.. But the vada were crispy…Karnataka’s food in general do not appeal me rather I have never been able taste some authentic good food…

The first destination Golden temple in Kushal Nagar which 26 km  from Madikeri town .If you are travelling by bus from Kasaragode to Golden temple get on with Mysore bus and get down at Koppa take an auto to the Golden temple..On the way I saw Nisargadhama on my right which would be my next destination..As we took right turn to Bylakuppe few kilometer away from golden temple there were colourful Tibetan prayer flags all over…

Bylakuppe is about 4 km from Kushal Nagar, and it has one of the first Tibetan settlements Lugsung Samdupling in India which dates back to 1961 followed by Dickyi Larsoe.Some history about this place enlightens me with the fact that , during 1950s, Chinese took over Tibet, worsening relation between Dalai Lama and the Chinese authorities, which led him to seek India’s help. The then Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru extended his assistance whole heartedly; and to settle down the refugees in a place were the climate was cooler far away from Tibet.. Now that answered my question why of all places Kushal Nagar so far away far awayfrom Himalaya..

It seems there were plans to settle those fled to India, till a time when they can return to Tibet ... But as we see that never happened (lucky we) even after decades.. Refugees kept pouring in transforming the camps settlements and further to larger ones as we get to see it today.

The Buddhist Monastery was re-established in 1972. The

monastery is home for ­­­5000 (as per records but I would like to settle down to a more

 fathomable figure) lama (nuns and monks both are called lama, I didn’t know till know how

ignorant) of Sangha community. I could see many monks all ages and nuns going about their work and worship..A kid or monk okay now let us settle down to kid monk in maroon and yellow robe (about 10 -12 yr old) busy rolling a dosa and trying to get it all in a gulp winked at me as he passed by only to startle me later flinted a smile across my face too, after all kid would be a kid with all unharmful prank and not a kid Buddha…. Old monks gathered outside the monastery compound some with rosary some just chatting away.. Group of young monks were even chatting over mobile phone (oooh!!!!) did I just say mobile???  Oh yea I did..  There  are

monks not just from Tibet but also from Nepal, Bhutan and Sikkim…It houses five monastery of Lugsung Samdupling settlement of which Namdrolling monastery is the most famous other monasteries are Sera monastery,  Nyingma monastery,Sakya monastery, Nyingma monastery. There are two monastery of Dickyi Larso settlement.. There’s also a religious college known as shreda and hospital.

The Golden temple

The golden temple was completed in the year 2000.Even a person like me completely ignorant about architectural styles could say that it was a beautiful blend of contemporary and traditional styles...I entered the temple through a gigantic red door and i stopped ubruptly stunned to see three large golden statues of Lord Budha (in the middle), Buddha Amityus(on his right) and Guru padmasambhava(to left). Budha Amitayus means, the Budha of limitless light, Guru padmasambhava was the Indian pandit who took the Vajrayana teachings to Tibet 1200 years ago, before Indian Budhism was destroyed by invaders..The altar was colourfully decorated with flowers and incense.. In spite the grandeur Lord Budha seemed all calm and serene untouched by the magnificence around..The statue of Lord Budha is 60 ft. in height (from base) while the height of the other two statues(Guru Rinpoche and Budha Amityus) are 58 ft. They are made of copper, plated with gold.Inside the statues are scriptures, relics of great beings, small clay mould stupas and small statues that symbolizes body,speech and mind of Buddha...It is believed that getting to see these statues,venerating them, circumambulating and making offering s generates faith,peace,wisdom,loving kindness and compassion in ones's mind cleansing from unwholesome thoughts and action..(all this I learnt from the notice inside the temple)...

About Lord Budha and he renouncing his throne in search of wisdom and life itself is all well known isn't what I didnt know was was about Guru as per Budha's prophecy Guru Prinpoche was born 12 years after the passing away of Budha, by lake Dhanakosha, in the land of Oddiyana (present day Afghan-Pak border).He is considered to be an emanation of Budha Amitabha who excelled in the exoteric teachings of Vajrayana Mahayana Budhism. In the eighth century, the thirty eighth King of Tibet, Trisong Deutsen, invited him to Tibet to establish Budhism. Through his immense compassion for the people of Tibet, Guru Rinpoche not only gave various exosteric and secret tantric teachings during his time, but also concealed many treasures for the benefit of the future generations. As such,all Tibetans conside him to be very kind and revere him as the second Budha. Budha Amityas chieved Buddhahood countless eons ago but his activity remains connected with granting long life..

He resides withe consort Bhadrapalika, son Chandraprabha and a huge retinue of immortal teachers in the pure land of limitless virtue..According to Buddhism, the life of all people becomes short and they die prematurely due to committing non-virtuous actionsWhosoever hears the name of Budha amityus, will have his/her lifespan extended...I wish I could go near the statue but alas the guests are limited to certain perimeter…There were cushions for guests..I didn’t dare to make any noise for the fear for ruining the aura the place  carried.. And for once I saw all tourists following the theme of silence…

The walls were full of colourful mural art depicting Lord Budha's life... I must say they were magnificiently alluring also reminding me of many temple kerala with mural art..The painting on both sides of the statues depicted the 25 disciples of Guru Rinpoche who attained high realisations through the practice of Dzogchen Teachings. On the walls behind the three statues were theGoddesses of Offering.. The painitings on both sides of the thirs floor show the life story of Lord Budha and the twelve great teachers of Dzogchen..Those on both sides of the second floor represent the eleven throne holders of the Playul tradition and the great scholars and masters of Nyigma tradition. The mural on the first floor mainly show the various deities of the three roots namely Lama, idan and Dakini.

There were deities painted in expression of wrath, male and female deities in union. According to Tantric Budhism, peaceful deities wear silk garments and ornaments of precious metals and stones whereas wrathful deities wear the skin of living being and bone ornaments. To understand their significance, one has to study Tantric Budhism in detail.

What I picked up from studying the small notes at the temple was that Budha appear in wrathful form or in union with the female deities in order to harness human as per degree of mental stature..Budha's union with their consort represent the need for the union of compassion and wisdom.Without which there would be no enlightening.

Adjacent to the golden temple there was a prayer hall, for few minutes I was held back mesmerized in the hypnotic chanting gongs, pipes and conch shells all playing to a mystic rhythm… It was as though all transcended to another world all together. I went around the smaller monasteries as well…Gardens were impeccably maintained..One interesting part were sparrows all around.. I haven’t seen them in a long time… I sat and listened to the monks chant their Mantra's while others played long hornpipes and Conch shell. Huge drums beat hypnotic beats to the chanting. It is a kind of experience one will never forget…

In addition to the Golden Temple, Namdroling has temples devoted to Vajrakilaya (the wrathful manifestation of Buddha's purity), Tara (the female Buddha of compassion and action), and several others. Namdroling, the largest monastery of the Nyingma school is magnificent to look at too. It had three storey…Namdroling has 2000 monks and nuns and provides education from early grades to the equivalent of a PhD in Buddhist studies (Khenpo). The main lama at Namdroling is Penor Rinpoche. Few meter down the road there’s the nunnery ani gompa. Its temple can be entered by women, men can enter only with special permission..I got into a classroom when the class was on a break and was excitedly going about it looking at the classroom artifacts…
There was a canteen with Tibetan cuisine, I saw monks and nuns taking their bites and drink... Guess it was like a college canteen for them.. Monastery is inspiring by every word. There was a miniature model of monastery in Tibet..
There is a book shop with books on Budhism and history of the place..

There is shopping complex across the road near to the cark parking…fI had my share of mini shopping of fenshui things ..In the parking lot I came across Coorgies and that was the first time I got to see them live errrr , I meant I have only seen them in television, women with their saree pleats from back…From a trans –Himalayan trip im slowly descenting to ground level zero..

My next destination Nisargadhama..

Thirukarugavur – Punainallur

Being home includes temple visits. Tamilnadu is an ideal place for that reason , there are “n” number of temple with long standing history ,myths and believes attached to it. I love the history part of the temple that allures me to it..One of them is the temple of Sri Garbarakshambigai in Thirukarugavur, 28km from Tanjavur railway station. For me it was a journey from Trichy to Tanjavur  from then onto  Thirukarugavur. I set of early  in the morning, waking up at 4:30 am ( your not allowed to look surprised ,mom woke me up)..I took a passenger train from Trichy to Tanjavur at  7:10am as I missed the train at 6:00 am. I bought idly and vada, man you get amazing idli at Neethus kitchen at Trichy station.. It was Jan 14 Pongal day, there was quiet a rush in the station for the train.. Another great part I lodged myself  into the moving slowing train to get myself  a window seat…Plugging onto my favourite music with the local people getting to their home and family for the festival as great. The journey took me through the outskirts of  Trichy with not many dwellings …Fields had painted itself into many colours, light green to darker to golden yellows to brown tinted yellow…Many species of strokes were happily flirting through the shrubs and bushes..It looked as though I was on a safari through a miniature sanctuary…

I reached Tanjavur station at 8:20 am. I was planning to take a bus  to the temple. An auto driver came to me asking  if he could help me with anything , upon enquiry about distance and things he offered to take me to the temple and back to station for 300 bucks and since I was new to the place and had no knowledge about the bus frequency I took that option.. Upon few clarifications and questions I started off.. And indeed I opted for an auto because  I didn’t come across even a single bus to the place till I got back…Till the road takes a left turn to the village panchayat ,  NH  in a very bad state….Jumping few inches from the seat every few seconds, I was reminded of the fevicol ad of few years back… About 7 km from the temple,  Pongal celebrations were at its peak ..Rangoli with wishes were all over the roads and houses. Temporary  natural stove made up of three bricks smeared with cowdung were all set to cook pongal .. Vendors selling bunches of sugarcane, turmeric saplings and all necessities for the festivities were busy with their last minute sales.. All  cow, ox  had their horns painted in vibrant colours …Sounds like a Bharathiraja’s movie frame isn’t ,I felt the same.

I didn’t know until I reached the place that, this temple is one of   the five temples which collectively make the “Pancha Aranya sthalam” (temples amidst  forest). Others are Alangudi, Avalivanallur, Haridwaramangalam and Thirukollambudhoor. If one visits these five temples on the same day, in the mentioned order, and offers prayers he is believed to be let of all his sins. And that person would have no rebirth…

Sri Garbharakshambikai temple is situated on the banks of the river Vettar  in Thirukarugavur. Thirukarugavur means the place where foetus is protected. “Karu” means foetus in Tamil. The place got its name because of the story, which is said to have happened hundreds of years ago. It’s about a couple Nithiruvar and Vedhika who longed for a child.  Yearning for a child they set on pilgrimage. They prayed in many shiva temples before reaching “Mullaivanam” known then. Thousands of years back it was a garden of "Mullai" (jasmine) flowers, hence the name "Arulmigu Mullai vana nathar temple ". Vedhika realised that she was pregnant.  Overwhelmed with happiness the couple decided to stay back believing that it was the blessings of Mullaivananathar. One day in her state of pregnancy exhaustion, she failed to take notice of a sage Oorthuvapadhar thus failing from her duty of hospitality. Predictably the sage cursed for death to the child in womb.. Helpless Vedhika ardently prayed for mercy  to Goddess Parvathi who appeared before in  the form of Sri Garbharakshambikai  taking  away all  her pain offering protection to the baby by keeping the baby in a pot till it attained full development…This reminds me about the incubator wherein the premature babies nurture till maturity… Even before science goes for the new findings our tradition had scope for it… Goddess gave   healthy baby to the couple. Vedhika, fell at the feet of Sri Karbharakshambikai and prayed that she should take a permanent abode here for the generation to come.. .  The pond opposite to the temple is supposed to have been dug by Kamadhenu.  This was to provide milk to the child.  This tank is known as “Ksheera Kundam”.  Thus the Goddess then came to be known as Garbarakshambiga or Karukathanayaki. The whole story is painted on the wall of the temple  Driver told me that according to the local villagers there has been no pregnancy related death of the mother or the child. There were no miscarriages either… To get married to the right person unmarried girls seek her blessings. They buy two garlands of flower, ghee and lamps from the office..Ghee is offered to the goddess, its placed on the feet and various mantras are chanted by the priest..Girls draw kolam with the powder provided  in front of deity and pray..One garland is given back which is to be hung back home..It is believed that within six months the girl would be married to the right person…Couple seeking children  offer ghee which is given to them after chanting mantras by the priest ..The ghee should be in taken every night for 48 days…While pregnant ladies are given castor oil which is to be applied over the abdomen for safe delivery..The best part of goddess is she blesses a girl with marriage and child....In temple I saw a couple praying for child, another couple expecting their first baby getting castor oil, girl praying for marriage and finally a couple and family who had come for a

thanksgiving worship after the birth of child..They placed the baby on the silver cradle  of the temple and took the baby for a “pradkakshina” (going around the temple)..It’s another form of offering I was told.. All around me there were different emotions enfolding ..Watching all of it was indeed a human experience close to heart..

Main deity is Lord Shiva called as ‘Mullaivananathar’,the shiva linga is self manifested..There’s no abhishekam done as the linga is made up of anthill mud…  the Linga is merely pasted with a kind of musk called ‘Punuhu.’..It is believed that people with any disease offer Punuhu Chattam will be cured completely..All pradosham days are considered important as in all Shiva temple..

Coutesy:Punainallur temple website

The guy  who gave  me ghee from temple office counter told  me that on full moon day of the Tamil month of Panguni (March-April) moon’s rays falls on the Shiva Lingam…The temple wasn’t crowded so I had a peaceful space of time to pray and move around..Had tender coconut from a vendor outside the temple and started way back On my way driver told me about Sri Mariyamman temple which he said is a Must place to visit. Unlike Mullaivananathar temple this was heavily crowded and many vendors selling things for pooja and other eatery to fancy items for ladies are spread around.. There was a stall which had human organ parts made of mud upon enquiry she said  goddess is believed to cure  a person from all ailments….The deity look very different from any other Amman temple I have come across..I got lamps to light inside the temple and after offering my prayers I started back to the railways station.. After coming home I searched details of the temple…Back in Tanjavur  railway station  Chennai Tirunelveli passenger  at 12:15pm and  back to Trichy at  1:30pm I was in Trichy Junction putting an end to a day which was spiritual…

Girlyy party-DAY 3

DAY 3 Calangute- Baga- Fort Agauda-Vagator -Chapora –Anjuna-

It was our final day and we were looking ahead eagerly…

BAGA BEACH

Baga beach is about 3km from Calangute..From the map we could say Baga beach is an extension of Calangute, you can't find out where Calangute ends and Baga begins. Baga beach’s development is tremendous from my last visit with parents..Like Calangute beach baga is also known for its water sports and cheap body massages.. There were many handicraft shops and mouth watery restaurants.. During the peak season time theres a flea market on all Saturdays that’s kicks off around 4pm that would last late nights…Music is also part of the market that one can relish on.. What fun in Goa without getting in water. We wasted no time just enjoyed to the max getting all into water playing around super excited like kids. We just couldn’t stop the fun was just unlimited..Then suddenly there popped a question about swimming and none except les knew the art and still that didn’t stop us from having any less fun…

AGAUDA FORT

It was raining  and we started off  in the rain itself didn’t stop for shelter and by the time we reached fort Agauda which about 5km from Baga beach, it stopped raining..…Fort Agauda  impressed me for the sheer fact that it’s been standing  intact for more than 3 centuries no wonder it’s been known as one of the best known landmark in Goan history. Unlike other forts there are no ditches around the fort with water rather it utilizes the natural slope to defend itself..Awesome isn’t.. The fort was built as per the design laid down by the Italian military architects employed by the Portuguese government in Lisbon… It was built  in such a way that  it acted as a good defense as in land wise and seaside against Dutch and Maratha invasions and control entry to Mandovi river. It comprises of a lower fort with bastions all around and an upper fort with a lighthouse, an underground water storage chamber, bastions, and gunpowder room. The upper fort used to serve as a Watering Station to ships (Água means water in Portuguese, and hence the name Aguada—a place for storing water). The lower fort provided a safe resting place for Portuguese ships. Part of the lower fort now houses the Central Jail of Goa, inaccessible to the visitors… The fort is in  form of a square with bastions for artillery placed at each of its three corners, while the fourth corner is occupied by a main gate. It’s said that at one time, 200 cannons were a part of this fort, oooh that’s huge isn’t!!!! The fort houses a lighthouse which was built in 1864

This light house was functional till 1976…The one which is open to visitors is located nearby the walls of the citadel..It’s a scenic view from top of it..Climbing up in itself was a kick up..We were told that a smaller lighthouse, the Aguada Beacon was also built at the foot of the slopes near the buildings on the river bank in 1890…Another interesting thing we came across was the  small chapel dedicated to ‘Our Lady of Good Voyage’, may be because of the ships were subjected to long journey.. A jetty extends out towards the sea on the northern side where the Taj Vivanta is located within the outer walls of the fort .

We had a pleasant experience wandering through the drizzling rain and occasional photo posing kept all of us active and brim with creativity..Our next destination was Vagator beach.

VAGATOR BEACH

9km from Agauda fort….We were all high because of chapora fort of Dil Chahta hein fame near the beach..The beach is supposed to be white sandy , but appeared to be grayish blackish .. Best part is it’s a relaxed beach with not many tourists…. After few clicks and running along the shore we set for Chapora fort..

CHAPORA FORT

Chapora fort is easily accessible from Vagator beach, which  is  in ruins.. It’s all about Red laterite stones built by Portugese of course.. But for now all that’s left is the entrance the side walls in bits and pieces,  few stones here and there and heads of two tunnels..Still it offers a breathtaking view of Vagator beach lined with coconut grooves..All we did was sit there and enjoy the view for a long time until mishi’s mob rang ..It was from her tour office announcing the cancel of her scheduled bus and she had to hurry up for the bus 3 hours ahead of the plan... Oh ho..we smiled started taking photos of course…..

ANJUNA BEACH

3 km from Vagator beach is known as hippies paradise…Its placed in between  the Arabian Sea and a small hillock.Its a rocky beach with low waves perfect to play in sea. We were running short of time and our tummies were all shouting to be cared for ..We dashed into a restaurant we ordered and around the shops for cheap accessories and fun bargaining…Finally came back to our seat and were all lost for words .The smiles were all transfixed on the face for a long time then started talking busily about the whole trip and the fun unlimited and ate hot steaming sea food for one last time ….The beach is also infamous for its full moon parties otherwise known as the trance parties.. The music played is usually very loud psychedelic trance, which is claimed to transport one to another world literally. These parties usually take place on full moon nights. We all dashed to our room and packed quick…Jish, Rosh and mish bid good bye. Les and I had some more time..All their bus was from Panjim and our train from Karmali..Rosh planned to Bangaluru with Jish then to Chennai…We took the same route back…

Goa in monsoon was a complete success filled with fun and laughter..Taking home great memory treasure in heart scrap book.. For now the gang split till next trip …

Girly party- DAY 2

Though the alarms were right on to wake us up we could start only by seven. For breakfast we opted for Udippi Restaurant…The route we took through the country rather than the regular NH just to get a monsoon feel. First day was a complete no rain day at night heaven and hell were let loose. Thankfully morning sun  brightend  the horizon ..There’s something about the roads of Goa that you can’t help but fall in love with.. Active cattle of the area kept our ride equally active. The countryside view is picturesque and an experience worth treasure….As we entered the Panjim city limit we were charged for no helmet hehe… Positive side we wouldn’t be charged for the whole day…lol..

Velha means old in Portuguese ,Goa or Old Goa is about 10 km from Panjim. The city Ela was built on by Adil Shah as the second capital in the 15th century. Portuguese captured it and made it the capital of Portuguese India from the 16th century until its abandonment in the 18th century due to repeated epidemic such cholera and malaria…Spreading Christianity was one mission of western invaders As a result of which many churches and chapels came up.. Those remains of the city are UNESCO’s Heritage Site…The narrow roads towards Old goa got us excited already.. The chapel were mixes of architectural idioms but houses were Portuguese influenced and by now they had smoothly integrated to the Indian tradition. This trip to Old Goa finely transcended us   back in time. Everything about the place was so different from other place in Goa… It looked classic but for the shops and the people moving around....

Bom Jesus Basilica

Our first choice was Bom Jesus basilica, we bought candles to light in church….There were road side shops selling goggles, hats, rosary..We all bought hats and adorned us with it and of course the photo session was the part of the trip …Vendors came around selling junk jewelry made of stone …Bom Jesus Basilica was built by the Jesuits, and consecrated to the Holy Name of Jesus on 15 May 1605.  Though the church is dedicated to the infant Jesus, first thing that we saw entering was an imposing statue of St Ignatius of Loyola at the center of the main altar, he is the founder of the Jesuits…Silence inside the church was both was  soothing and calming..Getting to phew we all prayed and sat in silence looking all around…This church had an aura that will not let you get away with…Looking at the massive structure and the de tailing and the wonderful ornate work inside made me wonder what style exactly they fall into and as on to answer my question I got a pamphlet which said that the style included late Renaissance, early Baroque, Manueline and Gothic. The famous relics of St Francis Xavier rests inside the church..The fascinating part was that, the saint was dressed up in all embroidery brocade, there’s a golden baton with 194 emeralds on right hand and a big gold medal of king Dom Pedro II at his feet..We were all wondering the person who kept himself away from anything worldly was all decked up in it after death.. There’s an art gallery in the first floor .Ten rupees is the entrance fee..There are statues of all saint and many old photographs of the church and old Goa.. Painting depicting St Xavier’s life.. Few modern art on Christianity is also exhibited. Photography and video are not permitted. Spending some time enriching ourselves with all the history we descended..There’s light and sound show  organized for a group of 10 to begin with..We lighted candles, it was a task to fight the wind and light them all..We bought Rosary from the stall inside the chapel for our friends back home. Mishi bought book for her granny..After a cone, cup and stick (oops did I say that!!!)of ice cream we moved onto Se Cathedral..And Goa has truly earned the name "Rome of the East" for rightful reasons...

Se Cathedral

 Se cathedral which means the Bishop’s official seat, took 62 (errrr.. some say 80) years to be completed and it’s the monster structure so far I have ever across.. How monster?? Well here you go, The church itself is about 250 feet in length and about 182 feet in breath and the frontage rises about 115 feet to the crowning cross and the core is 72 feet high.. It is dedicated to St Catherine of Alexandria, why????? Because on the feast day in 1510, Alfonso de Albuquerque defeated the Muslim army and reclaimed the city of Goa. It’s said a mosque earlier occupied the site of cathedral. The architectural style is a total mix in the interior and exterior all Greek and Latin to me. Near the entrance is the Baptismal font where St Francis Xavier is said to have baptized thousands of Goan converts. The south tower housed the giant 'golden bell', We thought it was made of gold (ignorance of course!!) it was so called because of its immense tone..You can find the picture of the golden bell in the art gallery of Bom Jesus basilica. The north tower on the right of the chapel fell down in 1776 struck by lightning and never been rebuilt. Adjoining the Cathedral, on its northwestern side, stands the Old Palace of the Archbishop. Unique part of Se cathedral is that it has fifteen altars plus the main altar .Every bit of Se cathedral is magnificent that you can’t help but be overwhelmed by it..There is a cross of miracle where Jesus’s right hand have said to have appeared..

Convent , Church of St. Francis of Assisi and Archaeological Museum

The church though smaller than the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Se Cathedral, the interior is the most beautiful that I have come across.. It is painted extensively and the altar is heavily carved. The paintings depicts scenes from the life of St Francis of Assisi … In the middle of the church’s floor we saw a Portuguese tombstone and we couldn’t make much about it..Adjacent to the church is the Archaeological Museum. Entrance fee is rupee five and no photography and video allowed. The first phase includes sculptures and paintings of Hindu temple and other sculptures from Goa. It will take about an hour or more to cover the museum  if you are interested very much into these things so plan things accordingly.. Ceramic tiles that were used to built the church to Portuguese currency to paintings of governors are all exhibited..The convent is to the west of the Se Cathedral. The convent is to the west of the Se Cathedral and there’s an entrance fee of Rs 15 to the convent. I would suggest you to first go for the convent then to the Archaeological museum or you may not be able to appreciate the convent cos the museum will sideline the small part of the convent..  

The Church Of Our Lady of the Rosary

We moved onto the Holy Hill to the Church of Our lady of the Rosary.. It stands exactly on the spot from where the conqueror of Goa, Alfonso de Albuquerque, witnessed the recon quest of Goa in 1510. The church bears following inscription “place there in 1931: Deste alto assistiu Alfonso de Albuquerque em 25-11-1510, a recoqquista de Goa (from this hill Alfonso de Albuquerque on 25 November 1510 witnessed Portugal's recon quest of Goa)”. It is built of late rite and plastered with lime mortar, it has a two-storied portico…There were renovation work going on.. Wooden carving was the unique part of the altar...There’s museum and art gallery in the same premises were candles in coconut shell were exhibited along with many religious books and accessories..

Church and Convent of St Augustine

A lonely tower retaining its original height of 46 meters (150 feet) overlooks the old city on the holy hill. It’s the ruins of the St. Augustine Tower.. ASI have tried to reconstruct whatever is left of the tower and the layout is given .. A dozen Augustinian friars (monks) upon their arrival in Goa built this convent in 1572. After a decade this convent was rebuilt and was dedicated to Our Lady of Grace. It became Goa's richest convent, with a massive adjoining church, whose vaulted nave was one of Goa's feats of construction. What I liked about the construction was that the high vault fell down twice. However, the Italian architect would not give up. When built a third time, he and his only son stood under the vault and asked for a heavy cannon to be fired to test the stability of the structure (brave heart). It did not fall down of course which was much later.. This group of imposing Augustinian buildings was abandoned when the order was suppressed.. Now it is a mere skeleton of the old square towers and the treat church, which are now a heap of ruins and with the onset of monsoon filled with moss..And we had a different kind of fun there chasing the dragon fly…fine tuning ourselves with the rhythm of breeze through the ruins with more and more photos…

The Church Of St Cajetan

Opposite the Se Cathedral, beyond the road is the large and beautiful church of St. Cajetan.. Its dome is said to have been modeled after the Basilica of St. Peter's in Rome. It looked beautiful not only from outside but also from inside.. The main altar is dedicated to Our Lady of Divine Providence, and there are three altars to each side. The three altars on the left side are dedicated to the Holy Family, Our Lady of Piety and St. Clare. The altars to the left are dedicated to St. John, St. Cajetan and St. Agnes. Exactly below  the dome there’s water space like a tank or well I’m not sure what is it called either, it has  a small opening in its covering closed with a square slab. This is rumored to have been a Hindu temple holy water before the construction of the Church on it.

Hungers pangs were murdering us so we settled down for  lunch which was not so good as compared to our other lunch and dinner and headed towards  St. Catherine’s ferry point…We were just on time for the approaching ferry which carried a three cars and Scorpio few two wheelers..For locals it’s a major transport from Divar island to Old Goa then to further destination…The best part of Divar Island was that we were the only tourists rest were all local that added lot of fun by itself..And true to our wish it turned out to be a peaceful paradise, vehicles and tones of greenery bestowed by the monsoon, birds returning after the day but we were not done yet… It appeared to be as though Goa had taken break for a makeover therapy and we were blessed with the beauty of it….This place is best for calm solitary moments through the absolute virgin part of Goa.You can also go by bus but we had our two wheelers hooked onto us…This place unveiled Goa in a complete different look… Grass fringed road..Blades of grass still sparkling in dusk, lush greenery fisherman untying their nets…Boats with rows were anchored by the side of rivulet…The natural charm catapulted the avid nature love in all of us.. Locals were very friendly and lead us to the church Our lady of Compassion hill top..View of Mandovi river was an absolute retreat.. Savoring all the beauty at its best we started back to our room….Rain caught is in the middle but still it was an enjoyable ride getting drenched ..Best part of Goan monsoon is it doesn’t rain continuously and thereby helping the visitor have their share to  enjoy the journey..Though completely drained off still we didn’t want a light dinner hence dinner menu included Tiger prawn xacuti, prawn fry, Chilli calamari, rice and some fruit salad….We got the parcel as we were all dripping wet… Getting to room refreshed and sat back and had a full dinner…then slept off like a dead log…