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Introduction
Goa
is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Also known as
‘the pearl of the east’, it is best known for its beautiful and long
palm-fringed beaches, Gothic churches, age-old ruins, coconut groves,
intoxicating Feni, and laid back way of life. It is situated on the western
coast of the Indian Peninsula, and is separated from Maharashtra by the
Terekhol River in the north, Karnataka in the south, the Western Ghats in
the east, and the Arabian Sea in the West.
Goa can be divided into four divisions-the Eastern Hills , the Central
Valley Lands, the Flood and the Coastal Plains. There are several rivers and
streams that flow through this delightful state, and some of the famous
lakes in the state are Mayem and Carambolim. Most of the rivers are
navigable and of immense economic importance as ores are transported through
these rivers to the Mormugao port for export.
Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in 1510 and had been a Portuguese colony
for about four centuries. It was finally declared free of Portuguese rule in
1961, fourteen years after independence. Goa was conferred statehood and
Daman and Diu was made a separate union territory in 1987.
Tourist Attractions in Goa
Goa has a large number of interesting tourist sites such as forts, churches,
waterfalls, seminaries, and caves. However, the most prominent of them all
are undoubtedly its long and lovely beaches.
Anjuna Beach in Goa
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa the hat is popularly known as the
freak capital of the world. Its full-moon rave parties and the Wednesday
flea market that takes one back to the hippie days have gained international
fame.
Colva and Benaulim Beach in Goa
Colva and Benaulim are two famous beautiful beaches that are still
somewhat untouched by the fast paced life.
Mapusa Beach in Goa
Mapusa must be visited for its weekly Friday market which is full of
souvenirs and fascinating articles like wooden carvings, coir mats, wood
furniture, straw hats and freshly baked bread. It is also more typically
Goan, with fish, fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce sold alongside
tourist goods.
Vagator and Chapora Beaches in Goa
Vagator and Chapora are quaint fishing villages where the sea turns from
aquamarine to emerald green, and a 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each
visitor amazed.
Dudhsagar Waterfall in Goa
The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfalls attract numerous tourists
every year. The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem are also worth a
visit, as are the Pilar monastery, Saligao seminary, and Rachol seminary.
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument and houses the
remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, in an airtight glass
coffin inside a silver casket.
Cathedrals of Saint Catherine and that of Saint Francis of Assisi in Goa
The Cathedral of Saint Catherine was completed in 1619 and is the largest
Christian church in Asia. Bith the churches are splendid examples of
Renaissance architecture.
Se Cathedral Church in Goa
The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine, on whose Feast Day Alphonso
de Albuquerque conquered Goa.
Church of St. Cajatan in Goa
The Church of St. Cajatan was built by an Italian architect in 1651, and was
modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A theological college is housed
here now.
Temples in Goa
Most of the temples in Goa have deities brought from Mithila region in
Bihar to which the Saraswat Brahmins of this region are believed to belong.
The temples of Shri Mangesh, Shri Shanta Durga and Shri Ramnath are all
instances of beautiful temple architecture.
Goa has a large number of other interesting tourist sites that make for
excellent travel opportunities such as the Baga Beach, the Church of Our
Lady of Rosary, the Reis Magos Church or Church of the Three Magi Kings, the
church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, etc.
Excursions in Goa
Goa has a number of excursion sites located close by. From wildlife, lakes,
and rivers to Medieval and colonial architecture, Goa has it all.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa
The wildlife sanctuaries of the state of Goa do not have as much
variety of flora and fauna, and are smaller than many of the other Indian
sanctuaries, but a more peaceful atmosphere and better tourist facilities
more than make up for that. Bondla is renouwned for its gardens, mini zoo,
and deer park, and is a real treat for the children. The Molem Wildlife
Sanctuary is the biggest of three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Dandeli is
another place worth visiting that is located on the Goa-Karnataka border and
known for its beautiful landscape, apart from the rich flora and fauna.
Mayem Lake
The Mayem Lake is the favourite escape of the local Goans who pack their
picnic baskets and set off to this delightful haunt.
Temple of Tambdi Surla
The Temple of Tambdi Surla is one of the few religious structures in the
state that survived Portuguese onslaught.
How to Reach Goa
Goa’s international airport is located at Dabolim, at a distance of 29 km
from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco Da Gama. Goa’s two main railway
stations are at Margao and Vasco Da Gama. Reaching Goa by train is easy from
Mumbai (490 km), Bangalore (430 km), and Delhi (1,874 km).
We offer complete Travel to Goa and Goa Tour Packages, and Beach Holiday
Tours of Goa that are inclusive of hotel booking, air booking services as
well as cab and car hire services for the entire duration of your stay. Our
Goa Tour Packages are convenient, cost effective and the choicest travel
options that combine travel with a lot of entertainment and fun!
Important Travel Information
Temperatures in Goa are moderate with not much variation. The summer is at
its hottest in May while the winter months of January and February are the
coldest. The state experiences tropical weather the rest of the year.
When traveling in Goa, carry plenty of sun screen/sun tan oil, glares, small
foldable umbrella and comfortable carry bags.
Goa is infamous for drugs and one must be careful at all times.
Coconut, cashew and jackfruit grow in abundance in Goa and the markets are
full of them. Be sure to take some home!
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