This is the Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem in Ponda which has been relocated and rebuilt, this was once ruined by the Portuguese. This temple is extremely crowded during the period March until begining of June and then from October unitl January. There are drinkingwater, toilet and canteen facilities available within the temple premises. Accommodation is also available. Photography inside the temple is prohibited.

Shantadurga Temple Kavlem

The city of Ponda located in south Goa is popular with the tourist for its majestic temple. There plenty of them but the main tourist attraction are the Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem, Ramnath Temple at Ramnathi and the Manguesh Temple at Mangueshi. All are located in close vicinity. Ponda is well connected by road from Margao and Panjim which is the capital city of Goa. Ponda is located approximately 28 km southeast of Panjim and approximately 17 km northeast of Margao. Once you are in Ponda city assuming you have taken the bus ride, you should first visit Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem, there are local buses which take you to Kavlem this should take you around 10 to 15 min from the city. Beware of parking problems at the entrance to the temple. What you see in this picture is the Deepstambh at the entrance to the temple.

Direct Flights from Goa to UAE and Qatar

There are not many direct flights from Goa to the middle east.

The most popular direct flights connecting Goa to UAE and Qatar are the following;

Qatar Airways

Flight QR 225 from Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) to Doha International Airport (DOH) departure at 4.30 AM India time, arrival at Doha 5.35 AM Qatar time. This flight operates on all days of the week, this is subject to change.

Flight QR 224 from Doha International Airport (DOH) departure at 9.30 PM Qatar time, arrival at Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) 3.30 AM India time. This flight operates on all days of the week, this is subject to change.

Air Arabia

Flight G90492 from Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) to Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) departure at 4.20 AM India time, arrival at Sharjah 6.00 AM UAE time. This flight operates on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this is subject to change.

G90491 from Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) to Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) departure at 10.55 PM UAE time, arrival at Dabolim Airport Goa (GOI) 3.40 AM India time. This flight operates on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, this is subject to change.

Birds of Goa

Besides picturesque landscapes, hils, plateaus, marshes, beaches, temples, churches Goa is also home to many varities of birds. Kingfisher being the most famous one. Many birding tours are available for the bird watchers. Goa has the migratory birds, acquatic birds, nesting birds etc. Besides the known places for bird viewing the interiors of Goan villages are full of beautiful birds. The best time to enjoy the birds singing is early morning and evenings when it is the time for the birds to retire in their nests. The bird you see here was peeping through my window and I was very fortunate to catch it on my camera.

Konkani and Portuguese

Here are some additional Konkani words which are infact Portuguese words and freely used in Goan households;
English-Konkani/Portuguese
Prison-Cadeia
Square, Market-Praca
Grapefruit-Toranja
Wheel-Roda
Lack-Falta
Ink-Tinta
Ink Bottle-Tinteiro
Injury, Wound-Ferida
Patience-Paciencia
School-Escola
Illness-Doenca
Ill-Doenta
Bag-Saco
Ice-Gelo
Clip-Mola
Baker-Padeiro
Mattress-Colchao
Liver-Figado
Change-Mudanca
Cheese-Queijo
Church-Igreja
Coat-Casaco
Doctor-Doutor
Exam-Exame
Expenses-Despesas
Father-Pai
Glass-Vidro
Hat-Chapeu
Lawyer-Advogado
Lesson-Licao
Message-Recado
Mother-Mae
New-Novo
Operation-Operacao
Price-Preco
Secret-Segredo
Servant-Criada
Strength-Forca
Suit-Fato
Trip-Volta
Worth-Valor
Handkerchief-Lenco

Konkani and Portuguese

The language of the Goans is Konkani also written as Konknni. English is also widely spoken and understood. Hindi is also understood by all.
Konkani has many Portuguese words which are very common in the Goan households. Following is a listing of the common Konkani and Portuguese words;
English -Konkani/Portuguese
Shop- Loja
Drawer- Gaveta
Chair-Cadeira
Window-Janela
Skirt-Saia
Socks-Meia
Iron Box-Ferro
Box-Caixa
Exercise Book-Caderna
Bed Spread-Colcha
Dirty-Sujar
Trousers-Calcao
Turn-Volta
Cashewnut-Caju
Underpants-Cueca
Food-Alimentos
Can-Lata
Orange fruit-Laranje
Pencil-Lapis
Place, space, Room-Lugar
Wood-Madeira
More, extra-Mais
Table-Meja
Cupboard-Armario
Clothes-Roupa
Dress-Vestido
To be difficult-Custar
Cup-Copa
Syrup-Xarope
Stair/Staircase-Escade
Spoon-Colher
Fork-Garfo
Pillowcase-Fronha
Pin/Needle-Alfinete
Balcony-Balcao
Button-Botao
Bottle-Garrafao
Pineapple-Ananas
To be tired-Cansado
Neck tie-Gravata
Raisin-Passa
Walk, to go for a walk-Passeio
Boss, Master-Patrao
Bread-Pao
Cardboard-Papelao
Bench-Banca
Overcoat, cloke-Capote
Care-Cuidado
Pocket-Bolso
Loop-Laco
Machine-Maquina
To disturbe, to upset, trouble-Perturbar
Heavy-Pesado/Pesada
Powder-Po
Hole, Puncture-Furo
Gum, Glue-Goma
Frozen-Gelado
Tailor-Alfaiate
Tape-Fita
Eraser-Borracha
Post Office-Correio
War-Guerra
Weak-Fraco
Marry-Casar
A new post will follow after compilation of additional words.

Another view of Shantadurga Temple, Fatorpa - Goa

This is another view of the Shantadurga Temple in Fatorpa. This temple is simply majestic. No matter how many shots you take, each picture is fabulous and gives one a notion of a different temple. By the way simply translated "Shantadurga" means "Goddess of Peace".

The maroon-white combination gives the temple an elegant looks. A typical feature of all Goan temples is the cool marble flooring and marble pillars in the interiors. We are not done yet with this majestic temple.