Madgaon :The attractions of the city are Church of Holy spirit and covered market.

Colva beach (10 km): It is a long sandy beach, which competes with Calangute in its scenic splendor. Benaulim is nearby popular beach.

Ancestral Goa at Loutolim : The 250 year old grand mansion of Casa Arajao Alvarez (admission Rs 100, Camera Rs 10) is 10 km north east of Madgaon. It exhibits a variety of antiques from the Portuguese era. The re-creation of 18th century Goan village life under the Portuguese a century ago at Ancestral Goa is worth visiting (admission Rs 50). It has 14 m long laterite statue of Sant Mirabhai (India's longest), a Rajput princess and historical figure.

Chandor : The superb 17 century colonial mansion - Braganza house is 15 km from Madgaon at Chandor. It is now divided into east and west wings. The ballrooms have Italian marble tiles, Belgian glass chandeliers and carved rosewood furniture. The most impressive west wing has beautiful furniture and Chinese porcelain. The two large rooms behind the entrance halls contain Dr Menezes Braganza's extensive library.

The east wing has a small family chapel containing a carefully hidden relic of St Francis Xavier - a fingernail. The house has a good collection of antiques, a ballroom with mirrors and Chadeliers, furniture, palanquins etc.

Both houses are open daily and give you a guided tour. Contributions for maintenance are expected (Rs 50 to 100).

The Fernandes house (Sunday closed) east of the church is also worth visiting. The 500 year old house has a secret hideaway with an escape tunnel to the river. Buses operates regularly from Madgaon to Chandor.

Dudhsagar waterfalls (603 m) is another main tourist attraction (60 km, on the Londa railway line). It is the second highest fall in India and is best during the monsoon. Devils canyon nearby is favorite with trekkers.

For updated info, visit www.goa-tourism.com