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Goa
Goa is a small state on western coast of
India situated between Maharashtra and Karnataka. It was under Portuguese
control for 450 years, until 1961 when it was liberated and became part of
Indian union. Goa with a geographical area of 3,702 sq. km has 359
villages and 44 towns, a population of 1.35 million and Panaji as the
state capital. People of Goa mostly speak Konkani language. Sunny beaches,
green hills, waterfalls, lakes, ideal climate, and a unique blend of
Indian and Portuguese culture make Goa one of the most popular tourist
destination for Western tourists visiting India.
The people of Goa are very friendly and
extremely happy-go-lucky. Siesta is an important part of life in Goa with
shops downing their shutters from one to four with most Goans retiring for
the afternoon. Goans love music and many Bars and restaurants, often have
live bands playing in the evenings. The cuisine of Goa has an interesting
mix of influences from all the cultures that it came into contact with -
the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. Goan food
often includes different types of fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs
and many more. A Goan drink ‘Feni’ is very popular with the visiting
tourists.
How to reach Goa:
Air: Goa is well connected by airline
services to most major cities in India. Goa has an international/domestic
Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama. Airport is 30 Km
from capital city Panaji. Major domestic airlines
Indian
Airlines, Sahara
Airlines and Jet
Airways as well as Indian international carrier
Air India operate
from Goa. A number of chartered flights come to Goa from Europe through
out the year.
Road: Goa is well connected with major
Indian cities. Regular luxury buses operate between Mumbai and Goa.
Cruises: Regular ferry service between
Mumbai and Goa available.
Railway: Madgaon station in south Goa
is the well connected with Mumbai and other major stations.
Calangute Beach: Known as Queen of Beaches this is one of the best
and amongst most famous beaches in world. Calangute beach is around16 Km
from Panaji. It is the most popular destination for domestic and foreign
tourists. Nearby is the St. Alex´s church.
Vagator and Chapora Beach: About 20 km. from Panaji, is the
enchanting Vagator Beach. Soft white sands, the black lava rocks and
coconut groves make it a picturesque beach. Nearby is a hillock with
500-year-old Chapora Fort built by Portuguese.
Anjuna: Anjuna Beach is popularly known as the freak capital of the
world for its Trance Parties and the Hippies. It is about 18 Km from
Panaji, and is surrounded by immense coconut groves. Main attractions of
Anjuna Beach are the magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920 and
Wednesday, ‘flea market’.
Colva Beach: This beautiful sandy beach is just 6 km from Margao
city.
Palolem: In South Goa, about 40 km. from Margao city, is one of the
most enchanting beaches of Goa, the Palolem beach. It is an ideal locale
for tourist seeking a close tie with nature and privacy.
Agonda Beach: Driving from Palolem to Panaji you reach Agonda
beach. Agonda is a three-kilometer long beautiful cove of white sand,
safely secluded in the palms. There are fewtourists, no souvenir stalls,
no restaurants, nothing.
Dona Paula Beach: 7 Km from Panaji is the Dona Paula Beach, which
offers an opportunity to the tourists to have a sunbath and buy cheap
seaside goods from local vendors. This beach has romance and myth attached
to it. This beach is especially famous for water sports. Nearby is the
Marine Biology Museum.
Aguada beach – Is famous for superb Fort Aguada Hotel complex,
built on a cliff, around the 17th century Portuguese fort.
Varca, Cavelossim, Mabor, Bogmalo, Majorda, Sinquerim and
Candolim are some of the other good beaches in Goa.
Excursions
Dughsagar Falls: This place is 60 km from Panaji and is a popular
destination for trekkers and hikers. Water rushes down hundreds of feet in
large volume from a great height, creating a most enthralling natural
phenomenon.
Mayem Lake: This is amongst the most popular picnic spot in Goa.
It is situated 35 km from Panaji and has excellent accommodation and
boating facilities.
Old Goa: 10 km from Panaji is the city of Old Goa. It founded by
Adil Shah in the beginning of the 16th century and later colonized by the
Portuguese who called it "Rome of the East".
Churches, Temples and monuments in Goa
Basilica of Bom Jesus: This is the most popular and famous of all
Churches in Goa. Situated in old Goa and built in 1605, this church is
dedicated to Infant Jesus. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, kept
in a rich silver casket are enshrined here.
Rachol Seminary: The Rachol Seminary in South Goa has a chequered
past. Originally a Muslim fortress it was first converted by the
Portuguese into a church and later into a prison.
Se Cathedral: Most imposing of all churches at Old Goa, dedicated
to St. Catherine, and famous for its 'Golden Bell'.
Church of St. Francis of Assisi: Church of St.Francis of Assisi
situated in Old Goa is a 17th century pieces of religious art.
St. Cajetan Church: Built in style of St. Peter's basilica in
Rome.
Reis Magos Church: Dedicated to three Magi Kings was constructed in
1555.
The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao, dedicated to Mother of God
was built in 1873.
Shri Manguesh: This temple of Lord Shiva is located at Priol, Ponda
Taluka and is surrounded by rolling green hills.
Shri Mahalsa: This is a Vishnu temple at Mardol, about 1 km. from
Shri Manguesh Temple.
Shri Ramnath: This temple complex has five temples dedicated to
different deities.
Brahma Temple: Located in the village of Carambolim7 km from Valpoi
is Brahma Temple (built in 5th century A.D). This is one of the few
temples dedicated to Lord Brahma that is found in India.
Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla: Situated in Sanguem this temple is
made of basalt stone and is representative of Kadamba-Yadava architecture
(13th century).
Wild life and nature reserves
Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: 60 km from Panaji, in the
jungles of Mollem this sanctuary is rich in wild life.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary: is an idyllic jungle resort, with a mini
zoo, and a botanical garden.
Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: The sanctuary is covered by dense
forest and is a home to a range of exotic fauna and reptiles.
Salim ali Bird Sanctuary: On the banks of Mandovi river situated in
Chorao Island this mangrove forest is frequented by locals as well as
migratory birds.
For further details about Goa please visit
official website of Government of Goa
- Tourism department
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