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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
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
Anjuna is a small village in north Goat 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
Colva and Benaulim are two famous beautiful beaches that are still
somewhat untouched by the fast paced life.
Mapusa
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
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
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
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
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
The Se Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine, on whose Feast Day
Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa.
Church of St. Cajatan
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
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
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
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’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 and tour packages, and beach holiday tours
to 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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