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.
