GOA TOURISM
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.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 rulers of Goa.Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.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 minority representation of Muslims and other religions.
Also known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.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 rulers of Goa.Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.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 minority representation of Muslims and other religions.
The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.
Attractions of Goa:
- MIRAMAR BEACH:
Miramar beach is situated 3 kms from Panaji, capital of Goa.A lovely Golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea, is the nearest to Panaji. Miramar is an urban beach where the Mandovi River meets the Arabian Sea. Miramar Beach offers the opportunity to view the stunning sunset. It is not a safe beach to swim as there is a strong undercurrent. Miramar beach was originally known as the "Gasper Dias Beach”, the Panaji Beach is over 2 Kilometers long. This beach in Miramar is one of the most popular Beaches in Goa and tourists are well crowded here, with people from the town strolling over in the evenings. One will often see a mixed crowd of tourists and locals here as there are a lot of activities for Entertainment.While at the Miramar Beach one can visit Dhempe College of Arts and Science, the memorial to Goa's first chief minister and other places that are worth a visit. Another attraction nearby is Aguada Fort. One can have an excellent view of Fort Aguada from the beach across the river. It is very much commercialized with a large number of hotels and exclusive homes for accommodation.
CANDOLIM BEACH:
CANDOLIM BEACH:
Candolim beach is another relatively busy soft sandy beach that due to erosion can be narrow in some places. Hawkers selling mostly cheap clothes and along with masseurs offering massages makes the beach a lively spot. A polite but firm no always works ~ though these people can be very interesting to talk to. There are a variety of beach shacks providing plenty of food and cold drink choices along with rickety sun beds and the odd rustic "loo".For good North Indian food and succulent kebabs in pleasant surroundings try Floyd's on the main road just south of the junction to Mapusa. It's a small place with a warm and friendly atmosphere and is very popular.Coconut Inn, a bit further south and just off the main road (signposted from the junction) is housed in the garden of an old Goan house and serves good food in a relaxing environment at very reasonable prices. Service is friendly and attentive and there is live Portuguese / Goan music on Tuesday evenings.For excellent food and service (but for some reason to an American rock soundtrack) walk a bit farther south on the main road towards Sinquerim to Flambee. The food is fabulous and the whole tandoori kingfish (huge, so only for groups) is a delicious work of art. The restaurant is open all year round, unlike most in Candolim, which close during the monsoon.
CALANGUTE BEACH:
Famous in the region as “Queen of the Beaches,” calangute beach boasts through its presence in north-east from state capital Panaji at mere 15 kilometers. It is said that calangute beach goa remains largest one in the northern region. As stories go on, hippies had discovered this beach during the 60’s so is it famous since then. Locals and tourists find here a true replica of Goan beach culture so its popularity is unbound indeed.Tourists from the Western countries and hippies find calangute beach an ultimate place to spend great time through splendid beach experience.
Most suitable occasion to visit this beach is Christmas and New Year eves while it welcomes enough rush. It also witnesses large number of tourists representing many age groups visiting in the summers. They spend time here sunbathing so do they enjoy rejuvenating sea breezes in the calangute beach goa trip.The hip and lively nightlife of this place makes it prominent worldwide so visitors from different parts of the world visit calangute beach that sees the pious liveliness while the sun sets. Usually locals, hippies and foreign holidaymakers keep dancing in calangute beach goa in night time. Often they keep partying for the whole night.
It is easy to get the local tasty and cold beer as countless shacks and picturesque huts make up good choices on the calangute beach. Several unique items like small trinkets and numerous types of handmade items are available in open market here. This beach also offers great shopping experience. Explore calangute beach goa by searching for any unique local seafood especially fried prawns and fish. There is no dearth of local and continental dishes here.This beach offers an opportunity to enjoy great time with involvement in the water sport activities—surfing, water skiing and parasailing amongst others. Presence of Kerkar Art Complex here provides opportunity to see several art exhibitions which are usually organized in the summer seasons.
BAGA BEACH:
Baga Beach adjoins Calangute on the shores of North Goa and offers all the elements for a memorable holiday. People wanting a palm-fringed sandy spot for peaceful relaxation will find plenty of choice. There is also an abundance of places along the adjoining stretches of beach for those who like colourful distractions, like beach stalls offering beer and seafood, seashell trinkets, local crafts and buckets and spades.Early in the morning you can watch the local fishermen bringing in their catches. And at dusk, you can choose a quiet stroll, watching the sun go down in a flaming sky, or head for one of the many nightlife venues providing Western and Goan music, just a step away from the peaceful beach, on the main road in Baga Village. There’s a wide range of eateries, too, from simple food shacks to sophisticated restaurants, and nightblubs.Baga has abundant hireshops for equipment for watersports – and tourists can join fishing trips or other boat excursions. Goa’s beaches often have strong currents which mean it can be risky for children to swim in the sea – but Baga Beach has an ideal solution: the Baga River which offers families great scope for happy splashing (and of course there is also Colonia Santa Maria’s pool, with its child-friendly area).Tourists wanting to shop will find plenty of temptations at local stalls and shops, especially items such as made-to-measure clothing, handcrafts and jewellery. But the vibrant markets too are a draw. The local Saturday bazaar provides a wide range of goods – from fish and food to textiles and earthenware. You’ll find a Tibetan market in the centre of Calangute and many Kashmiri traders in both this town and Baga. Other nearby markets include Anjuna (on Wednesdays), Mapusa (Friday), and Arpora (Saturday). And there are daily markets in the towns of Panaji and Margao for the insatiable bargain hunter.
