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Though Goa is world famous for its beautiful and exotic beaches; it also houses some of the best monuments of India. Goa is regarded as one of the most popular tourist destinations all over the world. It is a lively town where everyone lives on water sports and beach fun. The Goa tourism department regularly organizes pleasure cruises here. Water sports are favorite tourist activities in Goa.
The most popular tourist destinations in Goa are
Basilica of Bom Jesus Church: The Tomb of Father St Francis Xavier, where his remains are housed in a silver casket. There is also an art gallery next to the Basilica.
Church of the Lady of Immaculate Conception: The most important church of worship in town, it holds Mass in three different languages - English, Konkani and Portuguese.
Se Cathedral: The largest church in Goa, built in Portuguese-Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. The tower houses the 'Golden Bell', the resonant rings of which can be heard thrice daily.
Fort Aguada: on the mouth of the Mandovi River is situated the Fort Aguada. It was built by Portuguese in 1612 to protect the shores from the Maratha and Dutch raiders. Sinquerim beach, which is just below the fort, has facilities for sailing and jet skiing. You can also find numerous natural springs in and around the fort.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: It is located near Panjim along Mandovi River, this bird sanctuary has an area over 2 sq km. Local and migratory birds can be seen here in abundance.
Terekhol Fort: it was built by the Portuguese on the banks of the Terekhol river and has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The famous Querim beach is located close to the fort.
Other important tourist spot are the Church of St. Francis of Assissi (a museum for Goan antiques), Dona Paula, a small palm fringed beach with casuarinas groves and tranquility and Fontanhas, the Latin quarters.
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