Attractions & Activities Around

Kavle Shantadurga Temple

Kavle Shantadurga is located 5 minutes drive from Serendip and is one of the most beautiful and peaceful temples around. Shanta durga replesents the shant- meaning peaceful form of Goddess Durga and is one of the main deities of the GSBs, the Gauda Sawaswat Brahmins.

Ramnathi Temple

Ramnath is a form of Lord Shiva that is worshipped in Goa and is a kuldev of many of the GSBs of the region. Another peaceful and culturally an important temple in the area. It is located 15 minutes drive from Serendip.

Tropical Spice Farm

An old plantation of spices and fruit trees that serves beautiful Goan lunch as well. Located in the picturesque village of Keri near Ponda, the tour of the plantation will mesmerize you with the sheer diversity of plants cultivated in the region.

Mahaxmi Temple, Bandora

The village of Bandode or Bandivade is the location of a number of temples among which is the large and beautiful temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi. The temple of Goddess Mahalaxmi has been in existence since at least the year 1413.

Nagueshi Temple

Nagueshi or Nagesh is a form of Lord Shiva. The temple lies in verdant surroundings in the Ponda district of Goa. Unlike many other Hindu temples of Goa which were shifted, the Nagueshi Temple is at its original place. It has a beautiful temple tank.

Mangueshi Temple

The main temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Shiva. Bhagavan Mangesh is worshipped here as Shiva linga. According to the legend, Shiva had manifested into a tiger to scare his wife Parvati. Paravati, who was frightened at the sight of the tiger, went in search of Shiva and cried out, “Trahi Mam girisha!” (Oh Lord of Mountains, save me!). Upon hearing the words, Shiva turned himself back to his normal form. The words “mam girisha” became associated with Shiva and over time the words got abbreviated to Manguirisha or Manguesh.

Safa Masjid

The Shahouri Masjid in Ponda taluka, the biggest and most famous of the mosques in Goa, was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. Adjacent to the mosque is a well constructed masonry tank with small chambers with ‘meharab’ designs.

Narsimha Temple, Veling

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his consort Goddess Lakshmi. Lord Narasimha is the fourth incarnation of Lord Vishnu which is half lion and half man.

According to the history, the original temple was built in the Sancoale village of Salcete and the shrine was later shifted with other deities of Sri Vijayadurga and Sri Shanthadurga to its present location in the year 1567. The temple still has wooden bars relief and carvings. The paintings and carvings in the temple chowka depicts Sri Narasimha Purana are beautiful and are worth seeing. The sanctum houses the idols of Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

Mahalasa Temple, Mardol

Mahalasa is identified with Mohini, the female avatar of the god Vishnu. Mahalasa has four hands, carrying a Trishula, a sword, a severed head, and a drinking bowl. She stands on a prostrate man or demon, as a tiger or lion licks blood dripping from the severed head.

Mahalsa’s older temple in Old Mardol or Velham or Verna, Salcette was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1567.

The Mardol temple complex also has smaller temples of the goddess Shantadurga (Santeri) and Lakshmi Narayan (Vishnu with his consort Lakshmi), who are worshipped daily with Mahalasa.

Old Goa Church Complex

The Old Goa Complex is one of the most treasured locations in Goa housing churches and cathedrals built by the colonialists as far back as the 15th and 16th Century. With all of the buildings featuring on the UNESCO World Heritage list, a visit here literally takes you back in time and gives an insight into how instrumental these churches were in spreading Christianity not just in Goa but through the entire western coast of India. The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi is the most visited, especially with Goans, who flock here every December 3rd to commemorate his birthday. The Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St. Catherine and Church of Saint Cajetan are equally stunning in architectural styles and history.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary spreads over an area of 8 sq. Kms on the lush foothills of the Western Ghats. The landscape of the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is beautiful and the lush green vegetation provides a natural ecosystem. It has a small Zoo along Nature Education Centre, Rehabilitation Centre, Botanical Garden, Rose Garden and Deer Park within its premises. The area is covered with moist deciduous forests and small patches of evergreens. The sanctuary is also home to over a hundred bird species and considered as one of the birding hot spot.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

Dudhsagar waterfall is considered as India’s most beautiful natural marvels. Located in the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, this is a crown jewel of the Western Ghats. Because of its dazzling natural beauty, Dudhsagar is one of Goa’s most visited location. The sheer variety in the flora and fauna is further complemented by this majestic waterfall. Dudhsagar is one of the top five tallest waterfalls in India. With a height of over 1000 feet, this gigantic fall is indeed a true wonder. The sound of the water splashing on the rocks is audible from a long distance. The area is surrounded by deciduous forests with rich biodiversity. The period between October to March is an ideal time to visit.

Figurado Mansion

Built in 1590, a four-century-old mansion the Figueiredo Mansion pre-dates the Taj Mahal by decades. It was designed by Jesuit priests from nearby Rachol Seminary to accommodate a newly-converted Goan family – the Podiars, who took the name Figueiredo. The house’s sumptuous interior stands in studied contrast to the natural beauty of the paddy fields and coconut trees that surround it. In the 18th century, with the family’s rise in power, the house was suitably augmented to achieve its current proportions. The property has been, partly, converted into a public museum, showcases its collection of porcelain, furniture, chandeliers and a private chapel.

Ancestral Goa

This is a mock village depicting the culture and traditions of Goa from around 100 years ago. It depicts the styles of architecture and portrays the art and religious beliefs of that period. You will come across Goan artisans at work, a fisherman’s hut, marketplace mansion of ‘Dona Maria’. Completing this scene is a natural spring.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the region with Dudhsagar waterfall, Night Safari, Tambdi Surla 13th Century temple as offerings. Bird watching experience in the sanctuary is also an amazing one.

Jila Bakery

Jila bakery is known for their Eclairs, biscuits & cakes. It was started in 1972 by Mr. Jose Antao. It is now run by his sons . Jila Bakery is nestled in the village of Camurlim. The baking is done in a sturdy wood burning oven attached to the house.