Thursday, November 15, 2012

Goa Tourist and Tourism Places in Monsoon | Goa Tourist & Tour Attractions in Monsoon | Goa Beach Tourism


Goa a former Portuguese colony is India’s smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in South West India in the region known as the Konkan, shares its boundary with the state of Maharashtra to the north and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries, various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been the rulers of Goa.
 
Goa also known as “the pearl of the east” and “Tourist Paradise”, is known for its Churches, Archeological Sites, Palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry and cruise rides and folk music. Some of the popular Churches in Goa are; Mary Immaculate Conception, Reis Magos Church, St. Anne Church, Church of St. Augustine, St. Paul Church etc. Goa is also home to numerous forts and museums which offers glimpses of a culturally rich state. Synonymous with tourism in India, Goa is the favorite tourist destination for millions across the globe.
 

Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. The Portuguese overseas territory existed for about 450 years until it was liberated by India on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclave of Daman and Duu. On May 30, 1987, Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. Owning to its isolation from rest of India for almost 451 years, it is visibly different from the rest of India. Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with Muslims minority and other religions. All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony.
 
Goa tourism started from 1960’s onwards with influx of hippies and returning Goan’s expatriates who found virgin beaches ideal place to relax. The later years saw steady increase of charter tourism and pilgrims visiting Catholic and Hindus Shrines. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa attracts almost about 3 millions Domestic and International Tourists each year and the number is ever growing. It has also rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
 
With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa forms an important destination in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa is one of India's special places, a State seemingly blessed with fabulous weather, even more fabulous beaches, delightful people, good food, hill-top forts, little white-washed churches, soaring Portuguese-era cathedrals, an unique cultural legacy-small wonder.
 
The beaches in Goa, like the others along the Konkan coast, are long, and straight, and fringed with palm trees, but unlike much of the neighboring coastline, Goa has an impressive infrastructure of hotels and beach resorts, restaurants and bars, which cater to all price ranges, from top-notch 5-star luxury, to economy hotels. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.
 
Sun, Sand, Surf, Sea and the Sea Beaches
 
The state of Goa is divided in two districts-North Goa and South Goa. The head quarter of the North Goa district is in Panaji and of the south district is in Madgaon. A district collector governs each district, who is an administrator appointed by the Government of India. Around 105 kms of Konkan coast stretches across the state of Goa providing a wide range of choice in form of beaches to suit everybody's needs.
 
 
 
Some of beaches are without accommodation facility and human inhabitants, away from the city’s crowds. Then there are some with ultra modern comforts like internet cafes, massage centers, gyms, swimming pools, night clubs, etc. The choices are wide and depending upon one’s preferences, the choice of beach could be selected.
 
It is easy to plan an itinerary for going around the beaches in Goa as the North and South Goa equally have coastal area and from point of tourists, the distinction is not important. Taking the capital Panaji and the next major city Margao as base points, all these beaches can be visited in a stretch. Though in monsoon season swimming in the sea is normally not allowed.
 
Goa’s Monsoon Attraction
 
This state is famous for wildlife sanctuaries which are open throughout the year. The major one and demanding among all sanctuaries are Mollem National Park and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary. Normally it is not very easy task to reach these sanctuaries comparing to Bondla which is smallest and most accessible sanctuary in Goa. Visitors will find the mini zoo and deer safari park in Bondla that is best place for kids to learn and watch animals. The imposing Dudhsagar Falls, located on the fringe of the Mollem National Park, is at its best during the monsoon as the water rages down from a huge height. Another great place to visit during the monsoon in Goa is the acclaimed spice plantation in Savoi, reached by an enchanting drive through dense jungles and hills from Ponda. An evening boat cruise up the Mandovi River from Panaji is enjoyable, and Goa’s historic character-filled buildings provide much interest.
 
One of the best reasons to visit Goa during the monsoon is the vibrant festivals that take place. The most popular festival, Sao -Joao (the fertility feast of Saint John the Baptist), is celebrated in late June and involves the interesting feat of men jumping into overflowing village wells to retrieve bottles of local feni alcohol. The feast of Saints Peter and Paul, at the end of June, sees people sailing up river on rafts performing plays and songs. In late August, the carnival-like Bonderam flag festival is held on tiny Divar Island, off the coast from Panaji.
 
Places to visit in Goa:
 
Alorna Fort: Alorna Fort also known as Halarn fort is one of the oldest fort in Goa. it is a fort situated 30 kilometers from the town of Mapusa. It was constructed by Bhonsales of Sawantwadi in the 17th century, to defend against the Maratha attacks. it gives a good view of the surrounding river and land. The fort is currently in ruins with lot of wild vegetation grown in it.
 
Amthane Dam: This dam is situated at 20 km distance from Mapusa. However, it is not constructed for picnic spot but tourist can enjoy watching the dam from some distance.
 
 
Ancestral Big Foot Goa Museum: it is located at small village known as Loutolim. It is just 25 km away from capital Panaji and 10 km away from Margao. The musuem is also known as big foot. It is privately run by an artist called Maendra Jocelino Araujo Alvares. The open-air museum recreates Goan rural life as it was a hundred years ago.
 
The 14 m sant Mirabai sculpture, which is also the India’s longest laterite sculpture, is the main highlight of the museum. Believed to be blessed with good luck if the person stepping on it is pure at heart, the big foot at the museum is worth seeing.
 
The Ancestral Goa museum also features different miniature houses showcasing traditional occupation & social classes of fishermen, Goan artisans, farmers, a music school, liquors shops, village market and a feni distillery. Then, there is a spring called as Boca da Vaca, fruit & spice garden, Big Foot art gallery, handicraft centre, a bookstall and a lot more.
 
Arvalam Waterfalls: the waterfalls in Goa are another spot to visit. These waterfalls cascades down from the high hills. Visitors have to travel just 2 km from the small town Sanquelim. Arvalem Waterfall in Goa forms a huge lake at the bottom which always tempts the swimmers to take at least a dip in the waters. The waterfall is fully rapturous after the monsoon and its sights make the tourists speechless. The government has also made a park here from where one can enjoy the scenic beauty.
 
Arvalem Caves: These caves are situated near the town of Sanquelim and Arvalam Waterfalls. Visitors have to get detour road to reach these caves. The built period of such caves is 6th century, where there is no an articulate sculpture or paintings.
 
Banastari Bridge: also known as Meta Bridge. The view of river from the bridge is amazing.
 
Boca De Vaca Spring: Boca De Vaca is one of the two best known springs located right in the middle of Panjim City Goa. This place is located next to the Mahalaxmi temple. Boca de Vaca spring in Goa is said to contain medicinal properties due to which many tourists as well as locals flock here.
 
British Cemetery: The military or the British cemetery is another spot to visit. This cemetery was built in 1802 by the England rulers. The cemetery has 56 gravestones and 47 tombstones, the earliest that date to 1808 and the last to 1912. It can be reached by taking the road connecting the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) with the Raj Bhawan.
 
Budbudyanchi Tali: it is also known as Bubble Lake located in Netravali in Sanguem taluka. Here visitors can also reach to Gopinath Temple.
 
Cabo De Rama: it is situated at 16 km north of Agonda and it is also known as The Cape of Rama.
 
There are many other places to visit such as Governors Palace, Calizz - The heart of Goa, Carambolim Lake, Chapoli Dam, Chapora Fort, Chorao Island, Churches, Chapels, Temples a varied legacy, Devil's Canyon, Divar Island, Dudh Sagar Waterfall, Kuskem Waterfall, Lamgau Caves, Beaches, Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Mapusa Market, Maya Lake, Nanus Fort in Goa, Naval Aviation Museum, Panjim Bridge, Patto Bridge, Bat Island, Reis Magos Fort, Rivona Caves, Ruins of the Colvale Fortress, San Jacinto Island, Selaulim Dam, Siolim Bridge, Spice Planatations, The Azad Maidan, The Statue Of Abbe Faria, The Zuari bridge, Tiracol Fort, Usgalimal Rock Carvings, Viceroy's Arch, Vintage Car Museum and Wax World Museum.
 
These all spots are having their own importance and visitors can learn the culture of Goa through visiting these places.
 
Reaching to Goa
 
By Air: The nearest airport to Goa is Dabolim Airport located at 30 km away from Panaji. Indian Navy is managing the port and some of the international air buses are also using this place for transportation. Goa is well-connected with many countries as people from around the world are visiting this state.
 
By Road: roads are the major way to reach Goa. This state is well linked with all major states and cities. The national highway 4A, 17 and 17A are connected to Goa with many other states. Buses from Karnataka, Maharashtra and Kerala are allowing people to reach their frequently.
 
By Rail: Goa is connected through rail as the best railway line to Goa is Konkan railway. Many major trains from Delhi, Mumbai and Trivandrum are allowing people to reach Goa easily.