PONDA

ABOUT PONDA:

• Busy commercial town is experiencing an economic boom due to its proximity with some large iron-ore mines of the State.
• Around Ponda are a number of important Hindu shrines set amidst lush landscape full swaying palms, numerous spice plantations and the wildlife sanctuaries of East Goa.
• Portuguese could not occupy Ponda for nearly two and a half centuries, after their arrival in Goa.
• It became a haven of the Hindus, who escaped the Inquisition in the old Conquests (Velhas Conquistas) and crossed the river to settle down here.
• Came under the Portuguese in 1791, by then had become more tolerant towards other religious.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Goa International Airport, Dabolim (GOI), 45 kms away from Ponda city.
• Rail: Karmali Railway Station, Karmali, 17 kms away from Ponda city.
• Road: Well connected by road.

ATTRACTIONS OF PONDA

• Ponda Fort:
  • Originally built by Adil Shahi rulers and was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1549.
  • Shivaji conquered the town in 1675 and rebuilt the fort and was again destroyed by the Portuguese.
  • Within the fort ruins lies the mausoleum of Saint Ghazi Abdullah Khan Shaheed.

• Safa Masjid:
  • Safa or the Shahouri was built in 1560, by Ibrahim Adil Shah of Bijapur.
  • The best preserved Muslim monument of Goa.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND PONDA

• Shri Shantadurga Temple:
  • 3 kms away from Ponda city centre.
  • Largest and popular temple of Goa was built in 1713.
  • Dedicated to Shantadurga, a manifestation of Parvati or Durga.
  • According to mythological legends once Lord Vishnu and Shiva were engaged in a fierce battle.
  • Beautiful pagoda like temple is peculiar to Goa.
  • It is Neo-Classical in design with distinct influence of European architecture.
  • In front of the entrance is the six storeyed deepmal or Lamp Tower.
  • Marble has been used extensively in the interiors of the temple fine chandeliers add to the beauty of the shrine.

• Shri Mahalaxmi Temple:
  • 4 kms away from Ponda city centre.
  • Considered to be the abode of the original Goddess of the Shakti cult.
  • Stone plaques found in the temple indicate that the shrine has been in existence since 1413.
  • Temple was rebuilt in 1913, but the old outline and the architectural style was retained.
  • Unique image Mahalaxmi has a representation of linga on her head and it is considered a peaceful or Satvik from the goddess.

• Lakshmi Narasimha Temple:
  • One of the most picturesque temples located 5 kms away from Ponda city.
  • Idol of presiding deity, Laxshmi-Narasima devta was brought here from Salcete in 157.

• Shri Mahalsa Temple:
  • Just 1 km away south of Mangueshi temple along the Panaji-Ponda road and 7 kms away from Ponda city.
  • Dedicated to Mohini, a female attribute of Lord Vishnu.
  • Beautiful temple was constructed in 1567.
  • A seven storeyed deepmal or lamp tower in the courtyard and a 12.5 metres high dipa stambha or oil lamp made of five metals (panchalayi).
  • Dip stambha is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world and symbolises the mythological churning of sea.

• Shri Manguesh Mandir:
  • 7.5 kms away from Ponda city centre.
  • Temple dedicated to Shri Manguesh, a magnificent lord Shiva.
  • One of the most important Hindu shrines in Goa.
  • Present shrine situated on the side of a hill was built in 1565 and enlarged in the mid-18^th century.
  • Its architecture reflects typical Goan style, with Christian and Muslim influences.
  • Courtyard has a 7-storeyed deepdaan or Lamp Tower, which is undoubtedly, the most impressive in Goa.
  • The majestic white tower at the entrance is a special feature of Hindu temples in Goa.
  • Interior is illuminated with graceful chandeliers, which is quite unlike Hindu temples and gives a church like appearance.
  •   Manguesh linga is placed in the main silver sanctum, flanked by a solid idol and is illuminated by oil lamps.
  • There are also shrines dedicated to Laxmi Narayan, Satiri and Mulkeshwar behind the main temple.

• Keri:
  • 8 kms away from Ponda city centre.
  • Typical Goan village is endowed with exceptional scenic beauty.
  • It has a rich heritage in Ayurveda, Indian classical music as well as cottage industries.
  • Vaidya family has been practicing the Ayurveda for generations.
  • Parvati Madhav Plants Park, Arya Cashew Products Factory, Laterite Stone Mines and Sri Vijayadurga Temple are worth visiting sites.

• Bondla Sanctuary:
  • The lush foothills of Western Ghats 20 kms away from Ponda city.
  • Small sanctuary covers an area of 8 sq. kms.
  • A major attraction for nature lovers as well as children.
  • There is also a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Gardens Botanical Gardens and Eco-Tourism Cottages.

• Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary:
  • Sanctuary set in the foot hills of picturesque Western Ghats, 28 kms away from Ponda city and spread across 240 sq. kms.
  • It is semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forest dotted with clearings of grasslands and occasional tribal village.
  • Key fauna – gaur, sambar, spotted deer, slender loris, jungle cat, leopard and monkey.

• Tambdisurla Temple:
  • Famous temple just 40 kms away from Ponda city.

• Dudhsagar Waterfalls:
  • Fabulous falls to the south-east of Molem lie within the Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary.
  • It is the second highest falls in the country.
  • A tributary of the Mandovi River plunges down majestically from a height of 603 metres.
  • Creates a foaming torrent that splits into three streams, which cascades down a near-vertical cliff face into a deep green pool full of lush foliage.
  • Best time to visit the falls is just after the monsoons from October to mid of December.
  • Devil’s Canyon at the base of the falls, is a very charming with a deep pool formed between the steep-sided rocks and excellent site to view wildlife.