Hidden Treasures

Church of Mae de Deus ( Saligao)

The church dedicated to the Mother of God or Our Lady came to be built at Bardez in the 19^th Century. It is among the finest in the Gothic style and is attractively illuminated at night. Its foundation stone was laid on 7^th February 1867 and the Saligao Church was inaugurated on November 26, 1873.

The remarkable wooden statue of Mae De Deus is a classic example of fine Goan workmanship and is painted gold. 

The Church building is stunningly distinctive with its jutting spires, each crowned with a cross. According to me is a great piece of architecture to have among us and it leaves any person who visits speechless and if you are passing from nearby area then you must visit it. It is a beautiful place to take fantastic pictures.

 The Feast of 'Mae de Deus' Church at Saligao is celebrated on the first Sunday of May every year in all its grandeur. There is a vibrant choir and a nine-day novena in honor of Our Lady. Each day, the novena is organized by different wards of Saligao. At the end of the novena, on every day of the feast, little children perform a dance dressed as angels before Our Lady and venerate her with flowers.

Keri Beach

Keri beach, also known as Querim Beach, is a sunny haven of sand, sea and serenity in Goa. The secluded beach attracts fewer visitors, and therefore fewer vendors, than most Goa beaches.

The beach comprises a long stretch of sand with a few rocky outcrops, rows of trees and a river inlet. Arrive at sunrise to take photos of the shoreline on the almost deserted beach. It is great to walk along the 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) of peaceful shoreline and get the feel of pleasure environment around you.

If you can, then visit the Ajoba Temple along the beach. It is so ancient that its inception date has been lost over time.  

In nearby Querim village is the Terekhol River Crossing, a ferry service which can take you from the Sindhudurg District to North Goa. Just across the river is the 17th-century Terekhol Fort, which has been converted into a hotel. From its rooms you can enjoy the magnificent views of the Arabian Sea.

Querim Beach lies in the northwest of the Goa region, just north of Arambol Beach. It is 1.7 kilometers (1 mile) from the Maharashtra Border.

Vagator Beach

Vagator beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa that is enclosed with soft white sand and speckled by huge black rocks, coconut & palm trees. It is famous due to its dynamic cliffs and its secluded nature. This beach is divided into two beaches named as Big Vagator and Small Vagator. 

Facing towards the right side of sea, there is North Vagator Beach (Big Vagator) while on the left is Ozran beach (Little Vagator). Tourists visit here to view the sunset through the rocks that is quite marvellous. It's a home to some of the popular beaches of Goa like Anjuna and Calangute.

There are many shacks on the beach where one can relax and enjoy the stunning view with cool beverages and delicious Goan food.