South Asian Business Association @ Stern

Goa

This drop of golden sun on the West coast of India is bestowed upon by innumerable gifts: picturesque landscape, sun drenched beaches, historic monuments, pleasant climate, culinary expertise and above all hospitable people.

Goa, a heady blend of serenity and excitement down a 100 km coastline, studded with some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Idyllic seaside stretches where you can create your own kind of holiday. Sun bathing in a quiet secluded spot or choosing the exhilarating thrills of parasailing, speed boating, water skiing, wind surfing and deep-sea diving.

Your Guided Tour of Goa

After breakfast at your hotel, you will proceed on a half-day sightseeing tour of Goa. The small and charming state capital, Panaji, lies on the southern bank of the Mandovi River in North Goa.

A lot of Goa’s Portuguese heritage still survives in the oldest part of the town - Fontainhas and Sao Tome, with old villas with wrought iron balconies looking down upon narrow cobbled streets and white washed churches in village squares

Dominating the square on which it stands, is the Church of Immaculate Conception (1541 AD), Panaji’s main place of worship for the Catholics, where, in medieval times, all sailors arriving from Portugal congregated for thanks giving mass for their safe passage. 9 km east along the river is the town of Old Goa – what once was the hub of Portugal’s empire in the East and Far East. Virtually abandoned after the river silted up and the new capital was set up at Panaji in 1843, all that remains of this once grand city are half a dozen churches, cathedrals, a monastery and convent. Do visit the imposing Se Cathedral of St. Catherine, the largest church in Asia, which has 14 altars, an 80m long aisle and 5 bells including the Golden Bell, said to be one of the best in the world.

The late 16th century Basilica of Bom Jesus with its richly gilded altars is famous throughout the Catholic world. It is the venue for a pilgrimage for both Christians and Hindus who come to pay homage to the embalmed mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier enshrined in a silver casket since 1553. Also worth seeing, up on Holy Hill, are the Church of our Lady of the Rosary (one of the oldest in Goa), and Church and Convent of Santa Monica, reputed to be amongst the largest convents in the Portuguese empire.

Evening River Cruise

One of the most pleasant ways of spending a thoroughly enjoyable evening in Goa is to take a Sunset Dinner Cruise below the Mandovi Bridges.

A tastefully decorated cruiser takes you for a lovely ride down the river Mandovi and then to the Arabian Sea where one gets a panoramic view of the Grand Fort Aguada. The atmosphere of the boat is festive. The live band takes over starting with the welcome song. This is followed by a medley of songs in Konkani, English and Portuguese and Goan folk dances.

As the boat sails back towards Ribandar, the band is back with a series of stirring numbers and then comes a colourful exciting Portuguese dance – the corredinho which is performed in colourful costumes and to the beat of the triple clap.

On your return journey from Ribandar you are treated to a sumptuous buffet dinner on the lower deck.