Location:
Western Ghats of India
Capital:
Panjim
Tourist
Attractions: Beaches,
Churches, Resorts
Best Time
To Visit: September To
March |
Tourism in
Goa
A Pristine beauty wrapped in diverse hue!
Goa, nestling on the western coast of India,
enchants the visions of vast blue seas of
Arabian Ocean. Its never-ending coastal
stretches, sunbathing, feni - (an erotic
drink) and its people, makes Goa only a true
resort state. Goa’s carnivals, colossal and
unique Portuguese villas, ancient Hindu
temples, magnificent churches and the lively
attitude to life has charged Goa with
magnetic force that attracts millions of
tourists around the world. With a varied
choice of more then forty beaches, one can
choose from placid, serene stretches of
white sand to lively partying beaches full
of fun and enthusiasm.
Besides the arrayed Goan beaches there is
lot more in the treasures of this land,
visit the 500-year-old churches, royal forts
and beautifully carved temples scattered all
over the Goa State that will definitely
leave you mesmerized.
Stroll along the river and the coastal
edges, awe at the sight of waterfalls where
water falls from the great heights, a day
safari in the wildlife sanctuaries amidst
the dense woods or visit the spice
plantations to walk through the green narrow
lanes, all will charge your imaginations.
Try out scuba diving and encounter with the
shimmering marine life and delve in Nazi
wrecks from the WW II years. Gaze at the old
prison and lighthouses that will remind you
of the Portugal rule or play with the silver
sand on the moon light night and observe the
rope-makers, weavers and potters
craftsmen-ship dwelling in the traditional
villages.
Goa Archives
The origin of Goa or Gomantak as it is also
known is forfeited in the smog of time. Over
the centuries various dynasties have ruled
Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas,
Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and on top of
all the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.
The state has been the colony of Portuguese
for more then 451 years, that has reddened
Goa’s towns and villages with a unique
culture. Goa was liberated by the Indian
Army from Portuguese in 1961 and became a
Union Territory and in 1987 Goa was given
state recognition and was included as a 25th
state of the India. From early sixties, Goa
become popular among the hippies from the
west, since then Goa has been a major
destination on the itinerary of
international and domestic tourists.
Goa, A Sheer
Delight
Panaji (Panjim) is the capital city of Goa
nestling on the banks of the Mandovi river.
Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the
other major travel destinations in Goa,
definitely worth a visit sites. An
international and national airport located
at Dabolim near Vasco services Goa. The road
routes are well connected to all the major
destinations around the state. Inter-state
bus network plays a major part in getting
locals and visitors in and around Goa.
Goa is rich in its marine life. Goa sea and
rivers are brimmed with seafood - prawns,
mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters, the
most popular with the locals and the
visitors. Goan cuisine replete with the
flavor of many influences it had undergone
during the centuries. The staple food in Goa
is fish and rice, both for the Hindus and
the Catholics. Find your feet in Goa pubs
and bars, Goa is stuffed with the good bars,
pubs, restaurants, nightclubs all crowned at
the center of the city. If you happen to
visit this beautiful city between December
and January, you can enjoy the thrill at any
hour of the day, as these clubs stay open 24
hours.
If your are thinking a holiday in Goa chill
out with refreshing Goa Liquor. Goans are
convivial drinkers. Every urban neighborhood
and backwater village keeps two or three
bars that are well patronized. Don’t be
surprised to see a bar practically every
200m, where ever you are.
Goan’s spoken language is Konkani and
Marathi whereas English is a universal
language commonly used among the locals. The
usage of Hindi is also quite common in the
state.
Procure Lasting
Memories
If you are interested in Goa handicrafts,
try Govt. of Goa Handicrafts Emporium on
Qurem Road. The state is famous for its Feni-
a local drinks and cashew nuts, so don’t
forget to lure upon it. The Anjuna market is
the place to be on Wednesday’s in Goa. The
market begins at 9 am and closes down with
the setting sun. It’s a unique experience
that should not be missed on your travel
trip to Goa. The market is a lively spot
where souvenirs, beachwear, colorful
sarongs, Hawaiian shirts and handicrafts are
sold. From the vast collection pick out any
of your favorite.
Hangout Trips
Goa Tourism Development Corporation offers
several tours to explore the state. There
are also exciting river cruises launched by
GTDC varying from one hour, two hour or half
day cruise carrying the thrill and
excitement of even swimming in the Arabian
Sea. There is also backwater cruise that
offers a glimpse of churches of Old Goa,
Khumbarjua canal with a chance to sight the
crocodiles on the banks or in the mangroves.
Lure For More Thrill
Beach Watching
Beaches are the prime attractions in Goa,
every one who visit Goa, beach is the
foremost attraction which is on the top of
the itinerary. It’s unheard of anyone not
doing so. With over of 100 km of coast line,
Goa serves up of variety of beaches, the
peaceful long stretches where the wind blow
through the palm trees and the waves that
soothe your mind and soul. Then there are
beaches packed with activity, thrill,
nightclub, para-sailing, jet skiing, dusk-to
dawn parties and much more. Some of the
remarkable beaches of Goa are Varca, Colva,
Calangute, Baga and Anjuna.
Spotting of the
Dolphins
Just get on to a beach and take a cruise,
you have the fair chance to get close and
personal with the snout nosed, smiling
creatures of the deep. If the whether is
favorable, there is no reason for not seeing
a whole school of them springing and
merry-making around your boat.
Get Familiar with
Crocodile family
Take a cruise up the Cumbarjuna canal, 15 km
stretch of water , and get eyeful of these
canine tooth reptiles tanning themselves on
the swamps. Evidently, freshwater crocodiles
are innocuous to the people. The think
mangrove is also great for bird watching, so
be prepared with your binoculars, and hand
cam to enjoy a day trip with these marsh
creatures.
Adventure on Every
Nook and Corner of the Beach
The 5 star beach resorts are the one that
offers the wealth of hi-tech water sports
with the proper equipment and high level
security standards. Enjoy para-sailing, jet
skiing, bump rides, water scooters, wind -
surfing, and scuba dive.
Karting Bang
A karting track of international quality has
opened in south Goa that run under the flood
lights. Goa Kart racing has many national
and local karting camps. There is also a
twin seater those who want the thrills but
don’t want to drive.
Getting There
All India domestic airlines fly into Goa,
Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara,
link up Goa with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore,
Chennai, Kochi, Pune. The Dabolim Airport is
about 30km from Panim. Margao is the main
railhead in Goa. Panjim is also well
connected by road to the main national
highway through Goa, 4A,17 and 17 A, the
state owned transport corporation operates
frequently services from Goa to the other
destinations. Other means of transport is
via waterways. Flat bottom ferries operates
during September May, as the weather become
pleasant.
Goa is also going to get a Sky Bus Metro
system commodious coaches pensile on
upraised rail tracks, about eighty meters
above the ground, all festooned to make it
the most luxury journey.
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India
Travel Guide / States / Goa Travel Guide
