Quepem – Must See Place

The Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama discovered Goa, and his countrymen made it their home for the next 400 years. Even today many of the oldest families in Goa have relations in both the countries. Thus every town or city in Goa has a story or anecdote that goes on to define the existence of Goa.

The story of Quepem can be called one that has the qualities of romance, adventure and foresight. José Paulo, a native of Braga in Portugal, left home at the early age of 19 in the year of 1779. He was one of the youngest members of an entourage of a Bishop who were traveling by ship and their destination was Goa. The next 55 years of his life was spent in Goa where he later died. He is also known as one of the founders of Quepem.

The ‘Palácio Do Deão’ was later built by a priest named Almeida, when he moved from old Goa to Quepem which was a jungle, there he built the first hamlet, encouraged planting of Coconut trees and started rice farming. Over the years the Palace has seen many owners, but its historical and architectural significance hasn’t been lost and is one of the must see places in Quepem.

Quepem is also home to the Shri Chandranath Temple, situated on top of 350 meters Chandranath Hill. One has to climb huge granite steps to reach the temple on the Hill. Long before the arrival of the Portuguese, Goa was ruled by the Bhoja kings and Lord Chandreshwar or Bhuthnath was the presiding deity of the kingdom. The Temple at Quepem has a Shiv lingam carved out of a rock. The biggest attraction of the Chandranath Temple is that on every full moon day, as the moonlight touches the lingam, water starts flowing from it. The temple is built in a manner that the lingam receives moon light on every full moon day. 

Holiday accommodation in Quepem attracts nature lovers to have an experience in living villas & rental apartments surrounded by incredible beaches, lovely peaceful lakes, waterfalls. Bird & wild life century is just few miles away.