TRAVELLING IN INDIA

By Eva Fydrych

Discover and experience the most stylish destinations around the world. As Coco Chanel said: "Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

Goa sights

Goa is a place with a perfect mix of traditional and modern aspects of life. Unspoilt beaches and natural landscapes, great nightlife and outstanding architecture...

Palolem Beach (Photo credit: 1000 Lonely Places)

If you want to see one of the most scenic spots in Goa, you should definitely visit Dudhsagar Waterfalls. This spectacular waterfall situated on the border with Karnataka is the highest one in India (600m). It is located in a tropical jungle where you can spot some of the most beautiful butterflies and exotic birds. The name of the waterfall means the sea of milk in Konkani. The best time to visit is from October to mid-December, just after the monsoons.

How to get there: The easiest way is to take a train to the Dudhsagar railway station and then walk to the viewing point.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls (Photo credit: Goa Unlimited)

A trip to India wouldnt be complete without visiting at least one of its magnificent temples. Shri Mangesh, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is the most important temple in Goa. Set amongst beautiful surroundings, green hills and coconut groves, the temple has been a source of inspiration to many people throughout the centuries. In front of the entrance stands the Deepa Stambha (the Lamp Tower) which is the tallest column in Goa. It is illuminated with hundreds of traditional oil lamps on festival nights.

How to get there: Shri Mangesh is located at Priol in Ponda Taluka.

Shri Mangesh temple (Photo credit: Goa Easy)

Old Goa is famous for  its Portuguese heritage, outstanding architecture and well preserved churches dating back to the 16^th and 17^th century. Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in 1605, is probably one of the most visited churches attracting hundreds of tourists and pilgrims from all over the world. It contains the tomb and the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who died during a sea voyage to China. The church has been declared a Wold Heritage Site.

How to get there: Basilica of Bom Jesus is located at Old Goa, 10 km east of Panaji.

Basilica of Bom Jesus (Photo credit: India Line)

Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a paradise for bird lovers, but also for everyone who is looking for a real contact with nature. Named after Indias best known ornithologist, the sanctuary spreads over 1.8 sq km and makes a home to a rich variety of coastal birds (kingfishers, sandpipers, kites, woodpeckers, cormorants, to name just a few). Apart form many spices of birds, it is also possible to spot crocodiles, otters, jackals and flying foxes. The best time to visit is early morning or a couple of hours before sunset.

How to get there: The sanctuary is located on the Island of Charao which can be reached by ferry from Ribandar.

Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary (Photo credit: Mitaroy Goa)

• For a complete list of adventure tour guides and operators visit one of the websites: www.tourismofindia.com, www.travel-library.com, www.india.ndirect.co.uk
• Many operators offer not only guided sightseeing tours, but also exciting adventure treks, wildlife programmes, religious tours and culinary packages.

Banana sellers (Photo credit: New Age)

*This article (originally published in +91 Magazine in London, UK) is the beginning of our new TRAVEL section that will feature tourist attractions, spas and resorts all over the world. First destination: Asia. 

Pooja & Lalita, Bombay (Photo credit: Wearabout)