Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora, Ponda

This is the Mahalaxmi Temple at Bandora, Ponda.
Most temples in Goa have a similar architecture and this one is no different.
Shantadurga Temple at Kavlem, Ramnath Temple at Ramnathi and Mahalaxmi Temple at Bandora are all within close range.
Mahalaxmi Temple can be approached either from Panjim or Margao. If you intend to cover all the three temples in one go, it is advisable to visit Mahalaxmi Temple first. Shantadurga Temple and Ramnath Temple are more or less in the same range. If you have visited Shantadurga Temple you can go to Ramnath Temple and then go to Mahalaxmi Temple via a shorter route.
There is not much parking space at Mahalaxmi Temple Bandora.

This picture is of the rear end of the Temple.

Carambola Fruit of Goa

The Star Fruit (Averrhoa Carambola) is a common fruit in the Goan house hold. In the local language Konkani it is called as Carmal or Carmalam (plural). The pictures shows unripe Carambola. There are longitudinal ridges running down the sides of the fruit. The cross section of the fruit resembles a star and hence the name. The fruit grows any where from 4 to 6 inches in length. It is closely related to the Bilimbi fruit and is crunchy and juicy. A ripe fruit gets a yellow to orange tinge.

Fruits of Goa

Goa has many varieties of fruits. The most common fruits are mangoes, jackfruits, cashews, pineapples.
There are several other fruits grown in Goa.
This is Bilimbi (Averrhoa Bilimbi). In the local language it is called Bimal or Bimla (plural).
This fruit is very commonly found in Goa, although may not be native to Goa. The tree grows upto 20 feet tall. The fruits are green, sour, crunchy and juicy. The Bilimbi grows to 3 to 4 inches in length and upto one inch in diameter. This fruit is mostly used in curry or for making pickles.
The fruits grow in a bunch, several hundreds of them.
This picture is taken in the month of November, winter time in Goa.

Bombay to Goa Bus Journey

There are many buses plying on the Bombay to Goa route.
Pick-up points in Bombay are generally Dhobi Talao, Dadar, Bandra, Sion and Chembur. The bus journey takes about 11 to 15 hrs. The buses start from 6.30 pm until 10.30 pm. Tickets are available at a short notice. However it is advisable to book early during the peak season, as rates vary considerably and could be quite expensive. You may have to pay Rs.3000 for a Rs. 800 ticket if you book at the last moment during  the peak season. The peak season is end of March until end of May, this is the annual vacation for the students. The other peak season is the September until end of December period.
The Bombay to Goa route is an accident prone zone especially in the Sahyadhri ghats more so during the monsoon which comences from early June until end of September. It is advisable to avoid the bus journey to Goa and back.