GOA - THE LAND OF BEACHES 
Goa called as ' Pearl of the Orient' or a 'Tourist Paradise' is the smallest state of India , in terms of area. The state of Goa is located on the west coast of India , in the coastal region known as Konkan. It is bounded by the state of Maharashtra , Karnataka and the Arabian sea . The Portuguese merchants first landed the historical region in 16th century. The Portuguese colony existed here for about 450 years. The evergreen destination of Goa is famous for its beautiful blue beaches, silvery sands, diversified flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, impressive churches and magnificent temples. Goa is also famous for its World Heritage Architecture that includes the Bom Jesus Basilica.
Capital: |
Panaji |
Major Towns: |
Vasco-Da- Gama, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda. |
Area: |
3,702 Sq. KM |
Altitude: |
Sea level to 1022 Mts. |
Temperature: |
Summer Max: 33 Deg. C. Min: 26 Deg. C.
Winter Max: 31 Deg. C. Min: 20 Deg.C. |
| Rainfall: |
350 Cms. (June to September). |
| STD Code: |
0832 (95-832 from Mumbai). |
| Languages: |
Konkani, Marathi, English & Hindi |
Best Time to Visit: |
October to July |
Music and Dance of Goa:
Goa is the land of highly talented and artistic people the music flows in their blood. Goan folklore include folk songs, dances, music, visual arts and folk tales rich in content & variety. Besides the classical classical music and dance various modern forms have evolved.
Attractions in Goa:
Wildlife in Goa
Goa is rich in varied and vibrant wildlife, which is a major attractions for nature lovers, bird watchers or wildlife enthusiasts. The state has six wildlife sanctuaries at Bondla, Mollem (Bhagwan Mahavir sanctuary), Cotigao, Chorao Island (Salim Ali bird sanctuary) Madei, Netravali and Mollem national park.
Churches of Goa
Goa is dotted with several churches, which are famous for outstanding Christian architecture. Most of the churches dating back to 16th and early 17th centuries display a tiered frontispiece and are framed with columns and pilasters.
Monuments of Goa
Goa has a rich collection of forts, churches and temples. The monuments are famous for its architecture. The state houses some of the Old Portuguese forts on the sea coast. The forts mostly in the state of preservation are important places to visit. The most important among them is the fort at Chapora. One of fort at Terekhol has been converted into a hotel.
Temples of Goa
The state has many temples, each famous for its distinct and unique feature. As Portuguese destroyed many temples, but few of them survived the most popular is the Saraswati Hindu Temple .
Beaches of Goa:
Anjuna Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Goa , Anjuan Beach lies 18 Kms away from Panaji. The beach was discovered by the Hippies in the late 1950s to mid 1960s. Since then a trend of moonlit parties begun and it still attract the visitors. Another attraction of Anjuna Beach is the Flea Market, held every Wednesday. The market offers almost everything a tourist desires, right from water-sports equipment to swim suits to second hand bikes to cameras. Apart, the shoppers find a unique blend of Kashmiri, Gujarati and Tibetan trinkets and handicrafts. The food stalls selling the mouth-watery dishes, pulsate the palates of the visitors.
Dona Paula Beach
One of the favourite tourist spots in Goa , the Dona Paula Beach is located 7 Kms away from Panaji. Located at the confluence of two rivers, the beach offer splendour view of the Marmagao Harbour . This former fishing village is now a commercialized beach resort, which is ideal spot to relax and sunbathe. The tourists can indulge themselves in water sports in the clean sea waters. In addition there are many shops along the beach, which sell eatables, clothes, straw hats and handkerchiefs.
Calangute Beach
The beach also called the ' Queen of Beaches' is famous for its enchanting beauty. Goa 's busiest and commercialized beach, was discovered by the Hippies in the late 1960s. The lovely palm fringed beach, is famous for its calm sea, sun and golden sand. Under the shade of palm trees, the stalls sell everything from fried prawns to beer to trinkets made of seashells.
Condolim Beach
The quiet Condolim beach is ideal for those who want some peace from the crowded beaches. The beach offers a variety of water sports, like para sailing and water skiing. The tourists can also try their hand at fishing, or enjoy boating especially during the evenings with the beautiful views of the setting sun. Some hotels near the beach offer yoga and meditation facilities.
Bogmolo Beach
Once a small fishing village, the Bogmolo beach is a nice blend of serenity and commercialization. The clean and less crowded beach is dotted with hi-tech shops selling handicrafts. The tourists can go for swimming as Bogmolo Beach is a safer site for swimming. The tourists can also enjoy Goan dishes and seafoods in nearby eating joints.
Vagator Beach
The serene Vagator beach is far from the hustle and bustle of tourists. The beach boasts of clean white sand, it dotted with coconut and palm trees. The less crowded area of Vagator Beach is ideal for a complete break from the busy life.
Pololem Beach
Pololem Beach is the favourite beach destination of Goa , due to its crescent shaped bay. The white sand beach fringed with coconut and palm trees is picture perfect. The nearby village has many cafes and souvenir stalls, cater to the requirements of tourists.
Festivals of Goa
Goa is the land in which people of different religions live, but their warm and tolerant nature allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions with equal enthusiasm. The state is known for its Indo-Latin festivals like famous carnivals. The Hindus celebrate the festival of Shigmo and Shivaratrai.
Goa Carnival
The Carnival celebrated every year during the month of February, is a major attraction. During the festival the whole Goa celebrate the party for three days continuously. A large number of tourist visit Goa during the carnival to join the celebration.
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