Goa
Goa, the most beautiful beach destinations of India, is situated on the Indian Malabar Coast, the destination of leisure, beach holidays, fun, sun and elation. Stretches of endless golden sand and white surf beaches with rush of the 'azure' Arabian Sea. Though, Goa is smallest and prettiest state of India in terms of area and population. Being located at costal area Goa has tropical climate. The state is surrounded by Karnataka to the East and South, Maharashtra in North and Arabian Sea in West of Goa. Goa is sprawled in the area of 3,700 square Kilometers with a beautiful coastline stretching around 65 miles. Goa is also known the beach capital of India and famous for its picturesque and beautiful beaches.
There are two main rivers in Goa – Mandovi and Zuari. Panjim is the capital city of Goa. Also called Panaji. The other main city is Wasco-De-Gama which is the largest city of the state. Other important cities are, Madgaon (Margao), Ponda, Marmagao. The goa beaches are known among the tourists world. Spectacular beaches dotted with palm and coconut trees. The emerald and golden land at Western Costal Area. Goa beaches is enriched with plush green padding fields, coconut and palm trees, the nostalgic atmosphere, longer days of sun, and sand, in a phrase Goa is heaven of beaches. Beside the beaches Goa is known and quite popular for it’s calm and peaceful atmosphere, beautiful rivers & lakes, water sports, cruises, exotic cuisine and mouth-watering seafood, beach parties, nightlife, casino, fair festivals such as Goa Carnival – a threes days grand festival of sprit, fun and ecstasy, magnificent temples, churches, and wildlife. Goa is known as the most laid back, yet simple and passionate place. From miles and miles of palm and coconut fringed silver beaches, having unique cities, towns and cobbled alleyways, Goa is more than a awesome beach destination.
Goa has a prosperous history behind the existence of one of the most sought-after tourist destinations of India. Long back Goa was called Konkan and the residents of this land were known as Konkani, therefore still the local language and people are called Konkani till now. During the 3rd Centaury, Goa was under the dynasty of Mughals, later Dutch regime, afterwards English, French and Portuguese rulers. During 1510 Portuguese became success to triumph over Goa and ruled this land around four centuries.
There still culture and influences exist of Portuguese in Goa’s people, buildings, churches, language and food. In 1947, after independence of India, Goa was under the rule of Portuguese for 14 n years. Goa achieved independent in 1961. It was declared a union territory of India. Later by a constitutional amendment, Goa was declared an independent state in 1987.
Goa was discovered by Portuguese in 1510 by Alfonso De Albuquerque, who conquered Goa and place Portuguese Kingdom. His men married with the widows of Muslim defenders by the commands of Alfonso De Albuquerque. The main purpose behind this was to converts the locals into Christians. But somehow his plan was not thoroughly successful and even Portuguese indulged in to the Indian culture and living style. The Portuguese built various architecturally wonderful buildings, structures and churches. The influence can be noted while visiting Portuguese in the buildings of Goa. The traditions, culture, festivals, cuisine, life style of Goa still reflect the Portuguese culture. The festivals like Christmas and Carnival are celebrated as enthusiastically by local Christian people as Diwali and Durga puja are by the local Hindus community with Great Spirit and peace.
Goa has a wealthy and great historical legacy, a unique amalgamation of the old world and modernity. Even today, Christianity is the major region in Goa, after Hindus and other region.
Goa is highest literate state among the union territories of India, Goa has come along way now from just being a beach destinations. Apart for its distinctiveness, development in area of Tourism, Education, Information Technology and Industries, have scaled to great success and all round development.
Panji
Panji is the capital of Goa, feels like a sleepy Portuguese town. Earlier the city was called Panaji (meaning “the land that does not flood) since the 1960’s; it has been named Panjim by the Portuguese, who were the ruler of Goa more than 400 years. Unlike many hectic and cluttered capital cities of India, Panaji is quite unique with a distinct laid back character. Set along the southern bank of Mandovi River, which makes this town more charming. A typical town built around a church facing the main square. It provides link between Old Goa and the beaches. Every nook and corner of the city represents to its Portuguese culture and heritage with broad avenues spilling into cobbled squares, grand old buildings, and brilliant old houses with overhanging balconies would definitely catch your eye and send you into the memories of bygone era. The city is full of various restaurants, pubs bars and cafes.
Panjim a fascinating city of Goa, which mesmerize you with its bounteous beauty and benevolent nature In Panjim there are some fantastic old and great buildings along the riverside. The main places are Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Braganza Institute, Idalcao Palace, Mahalaxmi Temple, Jama Masjid, Biocholim - Mayem Lake, the central library, the Menezes Braganza Institute, the Chapel of St. Sebastian and the Miramar beach.
Panjim provides you an atmosphere and space to relax your soul, heart and mind with performances of local artists. Also, centrally located the city is well connected with waterways, river cruises are quite popular the enjoy water rides and access to nearby other tourist places.
During your stay at Panjim, if you are nature lover, visit to the Dudhsagar waterfalls, if you have interest the history and architecture, visit at Tambi Surla temple. You can spend one day at Old Panaji, to experience the life style of the people, visiting local market where you will find fresh fruits, fishes and dry fruits. And relax yourself with tall glass of local feni which is the local alcoholic drink of Goa. The weather of the Panjim almost very cool and pleasant almost through out the year.
Goa more atmospheric and charming, specifically in Panjim, a scenic place, the old Portuguese elite town, is a dreamy, romantic, crumbling reminder of colonial past, with old rich buildings and ancient churches in various color, sun-kissed pastel and leafy plazas ideal for strolling and enjoy mouth watering sea food.
Altitude : Sea level to 1022 mts, Climate:(deg C)-Summer- Max. 33, Min. 26; Winter- Max. 31, Min. 20, Rainfall: June to September (350 cms), Best Season: October to May (Peak season December to February).
Excursions:
From Panaji: Dona Paula Bay- 7 kms, Old Goa-10 kms with its Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Archaeological Museum and other churches, Mangueshi Temple- 22 kms, Shantadura Temple- 33 kms, Calangute-16 kms, and Baga Beach-18 kms.
From Mapusa: Beaches of Calangute- 8 kms, Baga-10 kms, Arambol/Harmal- 31 kms, Anjuna- 8 kms, Vagator- 9 kms & Mandrem- 30 kms, Temples of Shri Dutta & Shri Vithal at Sanguelim- 25 kms, Temple of Sapta Koteshwar at Narve- 24 kms and Temple of Kalikadevi at Kansarpal-14 kms, Church of Mae de deus at Saligao-10 kms, Church at Monte de Guiri- 2 kms, Mayem Lake- 21 kms, Arvalem Waterfalls- 29 kms, Terekhol Fort- 30 kms.
From Margao: Beaches of Colva- 6 kms, Benaulim- 8 kms, Majorda- 8 kms, Varca- 10 kms, Cavelossim-15 kms, Mobor-18 kms, Betul-16 kms, Agonda- 40 kms and Palolem-47 kms, Cabo de Rama- 21 kms, Ranchol Seminary- 8 kms, Shree Damodar Temple at Zambaulim- 22 kms and Shree Shantadurga Temple at Fatorda-18 kms, Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary- 33 kms, Dudhsagar Waterfalls- 59 kms by train.
From Vasco: Margao Harbour-3 kms, Bogmalo Beach- 9 kms, St.Jacinto Island- 7 kms Velsao Beach- 10 km, Kesarval Springs- 15 km & Pilar Seminary- 19 km.
From Ponda: Bondla wildlife, Molem wildlife etc, Temple or Tambdi Surla- 70 kms dating back to the 12th century in Sanguem. Mayem Lake- 35 km from Panaji, the Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is en route to Belgaum.
Reach -
By Air: Goa (Dabolim Airport) is well connected with major towns.
By Rail: Nearest railhead is Vasco-da-Gama and Margoa.
By Road: Bangalore- 598 kms, Belgaum-157 kms, Bombay- 594 kms, Gokarn-154 kms, Hospet- 315 kms, Hubli-184 kms, Hubli-184 kms, Karwar-103 kms, Kolhapur- 246 kms, Malwan-150 kms, Mangalore- 371 kms, Mysore- 696 kms, Pune- 458 kms, Ratnagiri- 263 kms, Vengurla-73 kms etc.
