The hidden side of Goa

Goa, on the east cost of India, has a reputation as a hedonistic beach paradise. Around Christmas time revellers from all over the globe gather to celebrate under the palm trees of the state's warm beaches and enjoy the prestigious local cuisine.

But beyond the bright lights of the developed, costal beaches there lies a beautiful and historic side to the region.

Goa Velha, or Old Goa, is a collection of extraordinary churches, monuments and opulent buildings, well away from the commotion of the capital Panaji.

Officially abandoned by the Portuguese in 1843 after a spate of malaria outbreaks, the town was formally the state capital and home to 200,000 people during the height of the colonial period.

What remains today is one of the finest collections of colonial Portuguese architecture in India, if not the world. A collection of grand churches and cathedrals, originally built to assist the conversion of locals from Hinduism to Christianity, but still standing centuries later as a monument to the artistic and engineering ingenuity of its former inhabitants.

The area was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1986 and today attracts only a fraction of the visitors its prestige deserves; making it a real hidden wonder.

Chief among the buildings of interest in Goa Velha is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contained the relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa. Its imposing archways and columns create space for an exquisite 50 ft alter dedicated to the infant Jesus, which has become a key attraction of the area.

Begun in 1594 the Corinthian style building was elevated to the status of Basilica in 1954 and remains a major draw for Christians from all over the world.

The Tuscan St Catherine’s Cathedral is also an impressive sight. The building is the largest church in India and took 80 years to complete, finally finished in 1640. Magnificent in scale and detail, the interior is home to fifteen alters arranged around the walls with the ornate high-vaulted ceiling towering above.

Another attraction is the Arch of the Viceroys, built in 1597 to commemorate the arrival of Vasco de Gama in India.

The region's fantastic surroundings can be reached by bus from Panaji, taking around half an hour and costing only a few rupees, or alternatively by auto-rickshaw, which is quicker but costs a little more.

Goa itself can be reached by a number of airlines, including Qatar Air and BA. For the best prices take a look at Opodo, or LastMinute.com.

The states tourism website also has a host of local information designed to make a journey to Goa as effortless as possible.