Goa is a ‘Tourist Paradise’ in India, and an evergreen destination with breathtakingly beautiful blue beaches, sensuous silvery sands, fabulous flora and fauna, a rich cultural heritage, captivating churches, and glorious temples.
History of Goa
Goa was a port. In 1470’s, Goa succumbed to the Muslims and in 1508, Alfonso de Albuquerque came from Portugal and captured Goa which led to 450 years of the Portuguese rule.
Goa After India’s Independence
With India’s independence in 1947, the Portuguese refused to accede to India's request to relinquish their control of Goa. After a brief skirmish, Goa, along with Daman and Diu was made into a federally administered Union Territory. On 30th May, 1987, the Union territory was split, and Goa was elevated as India's twenty-fifth state.
Geography of Goa
Goa is tucked away snugly between the hills of the Western Ghats on the East, Arabian Sea to the West, Maharashtra’s coastline to the North, and Karnataka’s coastline to the South. The total navigable length of Goa’s rivers is 253 kms. The state has more than forty estuarine, eight marine and about ninety riverine islands. The main rivers of Goa are the Betul, the Chapora, the Mandovi, the Terekhol, and the Zuari. The Zuari and the Mandovi are the lifelines of Goa. The Mormugao harbor on the mouth of the river Zuari is one of the best natural harbors in South Asia.
Climate of Goa
Being near the Arabian Sea, Goa is in the tropical zone. Hence it has a warm and humid climate for most of the year. May it is the hottest, with day temperatures soaring over 35degress. The monsoon makes its appearance in early June and lasts till late September. The winter or the cool season is brief between mid-December and February.
Goa's Beaches
Goa is internationally known for its beaches. The most important beaches are Anjuna, Baga, Baina, Calangute, Candolim, Dona Paula, Mandrem, Miramar, Sinquerim, and Vagator. Anjuna Beach is famous for its Wednesday flea market.
Culture of Goa
Goa boasts of its wonderful climate, magnificent scenic beauty, the old Portuguese architectural splendors, a glorious history that is richly preserved in temples, churches, forts, traditional homes, and villages. The Portuguese heritage is noticed in the architecture, the churches, the ambience and the bars and cafes. There are medieval small towns, beautiful villages, rich flora and fauna, magical resorts, a verdant green countryside, lush green forests and abundant wildlife topped with the colourful festivals.
World Heritages in Goa
Goa has two World Heritage Sites – the Bom Jesus Basilica and a few designated convents. The Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier that the Catholics regard as the patron saint of Goa. Once every decade, the body is taken down for veneration and for public viewing.
The Cherished Goan Diet
The Goan cuisine is known worldwide where fish curry with rice is the staple diet. Coconut and Coconut oil is widely used in their cooking along with peppers, spices, and vinegar. Feni is the most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa made from cashew. It is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms.
Festivals in Goa
The Carnival of Goa is a spring festival celebrated with joy on the beautiful beaches of Goa. The festival appeals to a wide range of tourists from around the world. The Portuguese settlement of Goa sing, dance and make merry during the Carnival. A very striking feature of Goa is the harmonious relationship among various religious communities, who have lived together peacefully for generations.
Sports in Goa
Football, cricket and hockey are the popular sports in Goa. There is stadium in Goa called the Fatorda stadium which is near Margaon where international footballs as well as cricket matches are hosted.
Bird & Wild Sanctuaries in Goa
Wild life sanctuaries that are worth a visit: Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, Molem Wildlife sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife sanctuary, Madei Wildlife sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife sanctuary, Mahaveer Wildlife sanctuary. Wild boar and sambar can be spotted in these sanctuaries. The Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is the best-known bird sanctuaries in India.
Transport in Goa
Two-wheelers are popular means of transport. The state’s public transport is the privately operated buses linking major towns to rural areas. In large towns like Panjim and Margao, people travel by intra-city buses. Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis and auto rickshaws. Motorcycle taxi is another form of transport operated by drivers who are locally called ‘pilots’; and these vehicles transport a single pillion rider.
Getting There
By Air: The international and domestic airport, Dabolim is 26 kms from Panaji and is in South Goa. One can fly to Goa from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.
By Rail: Goa has two rail lines - one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan railway. Konkan Railway is the most picturesque train route which operates from Mumbai to Mangalore, and passes Goa en route. The rail distance from Mumbai to Goa is about 700 kms; from Bangalore to Goa is 430 kms; and from Delhi to Goa is 1874 kms.
By Road: The road from Mumbai which is about 582 kms is very picturesque, and can be accessed by private vehicles and hired bus as well as hired taxis.
By Ship: River crossings are serviced by ferry boats operated by the river navigation departments. The Catamaran service between Mumbai and Goa operates from October to May.
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