Panaji Tours, Goa

Spread over an area of 240 sq. kms, the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary is located at Molem. It is a paradise for bird-watchers. The Directorate of Tourism has built comfortable cottages and dormitories for tourists.

10 kms south-east of Chaudi, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary was established with the aim to protect the wildlife in the area between the Goa - Karnataka border. Spread over an area of 86 sq. kms, it is the 2nd largest in Goa. It is covered with dense forest and varied wildlife, fauna and reptiles. The Talpona River flows through the reserve; the ancient Jeevottam Partagal Math, noted for vedic studies, lies in the vicinity of the sanctuary. There's a tree-top watch tower in Cotigao but animals like - gaur, sambar, lepords, spotted deer and snakes manage to remain well hidden. In case of an overnight trip accommodation is also available.

The Franciscan Church lies to the west of the Cathedral. Completed in 1521, it is an exquisite piece of work. The church contains gilded and carved woodwork, old murals and a floor substantially made of carved gravestones.The adjourning convent has been turned in to an Archeological Museum and is open to the public.

The Idalcao Palace of Adil Shahis was used as the Viceregal Palace after it was rebuilt in 1615. Later it served as the secretariat's house and is now converted into the passport office. Nearby is the beautiful church dedicated to St Cajetan. The church is small but it exceeds in beauty of the Cathedral itself. The church was built by Italian Friars of the theatine order and is similar, in style, to the Basilica of St.Peter in Rome.

The external architecture is Corinthian, and the interiors are in the Mosaic-Corinthian style. In the middle of the nave, directly underneath the beautiful cupola, is a well which is covered, except for a small opening. The green moss on the cupola is attributed to the moisture emanating from the well.