If you prefer to enjoy Goa's sights and sounds to the fullest then walking might just be the way to explore this famous beach destination in South India.

You can take walking tours around various beaches and tourist attractions in Goa and cover them in less time. It will not be too tiring and you can enjoy all the sights here that you won't be able to see otherwise.

Tips when going on walking tours:

• Since the temperature and humidity of Goa is on the higher side, it is advisable to carry lots of water with you on your walk.
• Wear loose cotton clothes, a wide brimmed hat, goggles and sun-screen creams to protect your self.
• Wear good sturdy shoes during your walk.

Panjim (Panaji) walk tour

Located at the mouth of the Mandovi River, the state capital of Panjim (moved here from Old Goa in 1759) is a breezy, laid-back town that lends itself to easy exploration.

The chief attraction is the wonderful colonial Portuguese architecture, particularly in the eastern neighborhoods of Fontainhas and Sao Tome, where the atmospheric cobbled streets are lined with old mansions and churches dating as far back as the mid-1700s.

Visit Fontainhas's Chapel of St. Sebastian, where the crucifix from Old Goa's "Palace of the Inquisition" is now kept. The figure of Christ on the crucifix here is unusual, with head upright and eyes wide open, unlike the usual figures that feature lowered head and eyes. (Photo - alisondomzalski)

Dominating Panjim's town center is the imposing Church of the Immaculate Conception, built in the Portuguese baroque style in 1541. Nearer the water's edge is the Secretariat; an old palace of Adil Shah of Bijapur, this became the Portuguese viceroy's residence when the colonial administration moved here.

Wandering around Panjim on foot shouldn't take more than a few hours. If you're pushed for time, skip the walk and hop onto an auto-rickshaw or on the back of a bike to Old Goa.

Old Goa walk tour

You can try exploring Old Goa on foot. The once-bustling Goan capital is said to have been the richest and most splendid city in Asia during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The tranquility behind this well-preserved tourist site belies the fact that it was built on plunder and forced conversions and mass destruction of the Hindu temples initiated by the fervent Portuguese invaders.

The entire area can easily be explored on foot because the most interesting buildings are clustered together. To the northwest is the Arch of the Viceroys, built in 1597 in commemoration of the arrival of Vasco da Gama in India. Nearby, the Corinthian-styled Church of St. Cajetan (1651) was built by Italian friars.

Under the church is a crypt in which embalmed Portuguese governors were kept before being shipped back to Lisbon. In 1992 three forgotten cadavers were removed. St. Cajetan's is a short walk down the lane from Adil Shah's Gate, a simple lintel supported by two black columns.

Southwest of St. Cajetan's are the splendid St. Catherine's Cathedral (Sé), which took nearly 80 years to build and is said to be larger than any church in Portugal; and the Basilica of Bom Jesus (Cathedal of the Good Jesus).

Nearby, is the Church of St. Francis of Assisi (now archaeological museum). Up the hill from the Basilica are the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine; below is the Church of St. Monica Christon. (photo - w3p706)

Ponda walk tour

From Old Goa, it's a short trip to view the popular Hindu temples that lie north of the quiet town of Ponda, on National Highway NH4.

 Very few Hindu temples dating back earlier than the 19th century still exist. (Portuguese tore them down).

Sri Mangeshi Temple  is on a  path lined with palm trees  which leads to a colorful gateway, and then the  steep-roofed temple exemplifies a fusion of Hindu and Christian architectural styles, hardly surprising considering that it was constructed by Goan craftsmen weaned on 200 years of Portuguese church-building.

A little distance from here is the Sri Mahalsa Temple and Sri Nageshi Temple.

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