NCL Cruise from Dubai UAE to Singapore
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Day 13 Mumbai India Religious Beats November 27-28, 2016
Today’s excursion helps develop an understanding of the religions that are represented in Bombay through a selection of visits to places of worship which symbolize the unique Indian social scene.
Stop in the middle class settlement of Dadar at the recognized Guruvayur and Ram temple complex, constructed in South Indian style, it has a majestic upper complex containing five sacred gold plated urns. Then opposite Dadar railway station is the impressive three spired Swaminarayan temple erected out of pink sandstone in traditional architectural style with intricate carving.
Stop for lunch at a local hotel before turning to the Jewish influence that has helped shape the historical and commercial success of Bombay. The arrival of the Baghdadi Jews brought synagogue life to its prominence. Jacob Sassoon built the Keneseth Eliyahoo Synagogue in the "Fort" area. The synagogue, with its white wooden staircase, decorative floor tiles and fine stained-glass is patronized by both Baghdadi and Bene Israel communities. While Roman Catholicism continued to thrive in the Bombay region even after the departure of the Portuguese, the Anglican Church made its presence felt with the coming of the British in 1661. Commissioned in 1715, St. Thomas' Cathedral, the first in the city, contains fine stained-glass windows and choice objects of worship that was selected for the UNESCO Asia Pacific Conservation award.
►Guruvayur Temple ►Swaminarayan Temple ► Bhajana Samaj’s Ram Temple ► Hotel Lunch
►Keneseth Eliyahod Synagogue ►St. Thomas Cathedral ►Mumbai Port
Day 14 Goa India Highlights of Goa November 29, 2016
Studded with vibrant temples and majestic churches, Goa is a window into the religious history and blend of Portuguese and Indian cultures found in western India. On today’s enlightening tour, we visited two of India's most captivating cities, Old Goa and Panjim.
In Old Goa there are two historically important churches the most prominent legacy of the Portuguese. The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine and was consecrated in 1640. It is the most imposing church in Old Goa, the cathedral took over 80 years to build and is larger than any church in Portugal.
The it was to the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the first church in India to be elevated to the status of a minor basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in 1605, the church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa. Covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones, it is considered the best example of baroque architecture in India.
Goa's capital, Panjim is spread along the south bank of the Mandovi River, in a charming sprawl of red-roofed houses, sunny squares and gardens of bougainvillea and frangipani. It has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere with streets lined with taverns and bakeries. Explore the city's highlights, including Church Square, the Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and Fontainhas, the city's oldest district. We visited the market before arriving at the heritage Goan-Portuguese mansion, the home of Otto de Oliveira Fernandes. We meet and had an interesting conversation with the Fernandez family The family served us delicious Spanish-Indian fusion tapas and light refreshments.
►Goa Port Highlights Information ►Old Goa Market ►Basilica Bom Jesus
► Goa ►Casa Fernandez ►Se Cathedral
►International Film Festival ► Bakery Goa ►Travel Goa