Ponda

Shantaduga Temple Ponda- Goa

Ponda can otherwise be termed as the `temple town` of Goa as it has a number of unique Hindu temples rebuilt on the original structures that were destroyed by the Portuguese.

Five of Goa`s most important Hindu temples are on the inland route between Panaji and Margao. The Shiva temple of Shri Manguesh is at Priol-Ponda Taluka, about 22 km from Panaji. This tiny 18th century hilltop temple, with its white tower, is a local landmark. Less than 2 km further down the road is Shri Mahalsa, a Vishnu temple.

About 5 km from Ponda are the Shri Ramnath and Shri Manguesh temples, and nearby is the Shri Shantadurga Temple. This temple sports an unusual, almost pagoda-like, structure with a roof made from long slabs of stone.
Further south are the temples of Shri Chandreshwar and Shri Mallikarjuna.