Originally Posted by
mrrego
We're spending three days in Goa in late jan, staying at the Taj Holiday Village. I'm interested in history, old architecture, preserved colonial towns. Not much of a sun worshipper.
Any recommendations about what to do there?
If you are after history go to Old Goa. Until mid-18th century it was the capital of Portguese India. St Francisco Xavier is buried there (Basilica of Bom Jesus). Take a taxi for the day.
For architecture, wander round Panjim the capital. It's got to be the neatest and smallest state capital. Particularly the Fontainhas area by the creek for colonial houses.
Still away from the beach, the market in Mapusa (in the north) is worth a look. Fully-fledged market day is (I think) Friday. In the same vein, there's Margao (south), but this is a larger, far busier town.
And if you DO give yourself a beach trip, stay away from the tourist ghettos - take a taxi for the day and tour some northern beaches. The north is more predominantly christian, so you'll run through villages with shiny white churches.
Have fun !