Facts
and Figures
Area : 3700 sq. km
Language :English, Hindi, Marathi, Konkani
Best time to visit :October to May
Goa - Where Even The Sun Worship Sea
Many moods of life....caressed by nature... Silvery sands cascading into
turquoise turbulence.....Waves receding marking the golden beaches with
shells. Sun burnt colonial cottages and white washed chruches standing in
mute testimony to a glorious past. With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an
important locale in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the
major attractions, Goa is a perfect heaven for the ones who need and want
relaxation. Wondrous cuisines, mouth watering flavours and aromas whiffing
in the air. Beckoning and era bygone. Unveiling the moods of life in an
alluring land-Goa.
Legacy of a glorious Past - Goa
For centuries Goa has taken in its folds dynasties and religions-Mauryas,
Kadambas, Yadavas, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Aryans and Delhi Sultans. Each era
leaving behind an indelible mark on the sands of Goa. A collage of the
Portuguese architecture, Oriental richness and Imperial grandeur, all
blending into one culture-Goan!
Sun, Sand and Sea
Goa is endowed with a coastline that streches to almost 100km. Pristine,
palm fronted beaches entice tourists with their inviting azure waters.
Though Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna and Baga beaches are part of the same
coastline, each is different in its natural beauty and temperament.
Location
Situated on the western coastline of India, the Union Territory of Goa is
sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The capital
Panaji is at a distance of 592 km from Bangalore and 593 km from Mumbai. The
waters of the Arabian Sea wash the coastline of Goa. It is split into two
districts-North Goa and South Goa. North Goa includes the capital city of
Panjim, the former capital of Old Goa, Fort Aguada and Candolim, Chapora,
Vagator, and the beaches Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga. South Goa includes
Vasco da Gama Bogmalo, Margao, Colva and Benolem. Being near to the sea, Goa
enjoys a maritime climate, with April and May being very hot.
Goa, this drop of golden sun on the west coast of India is bestowed upon by
innumerable gifts. Picturesque landscape, sun drenched beaches, historical
monuments, pleasant climate, culinary expertise and above all, hospitable
people.
Goan People
The people of Goa are very friendly and extremely happy-go-lucky. They are
fond of the good things in life and are certainly not caught up in the rat
race. Siesta is an important part of life in Goa with shops downing their
shutters from one to four the most Goans retiring for the afternoon. Though
the people of Goa are of different faiths and from different cultural
backgrounds, they have come together to create the easygoing Goan culture
with its emphasis on good living.
Places of Interest
Apart from the beaches, churches, temples and other historical monuments,
Goa has a lot more to offer to visitors, like lakes, wildlife sanctuaries,
waterfalls, springs, forts, etc. .In fact this place is so full of surprises
that everywhere one goes, one is bound to stumble upon something exciting.
If that is not enough, take a walk through a village to enjoy the rustic
ambience, and to be greeted by a cheerful toddy tapper or the local baker.
Walk along any beach and you are likely to strike a chat with a muscular
fisherman. Stroll along narrow winding streets through verdant fields, and
see earnest farmers foiling in the fields along with their trusted bullocks.
Beaches
Goan beaches have never ceased to fascinate visitors and locals alike.
Miles and miles of coastal enchantment, but one can never get enough of it.
Every visit to the beach reveals something new. The roaring waves splash
against the sturdy rocks in enduring rhythm in harmony with swaying
palms,flocks of playful seagulls, busy fishermen foiling against dramatic
sunsets, sights to behold indeed.
Among the famous ones are Calangute, Colva, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator,
Sinquerim etc, the list goes on.
Religious Places
The fact that Goa is riddled with temples, churches, mosques, and shrines
prove that religion is deep rooted in the psyche of the Goans. Sodiverse in
belief, yet Goans live in a blissful harmony, irrespective of their religion
and creed.
Apart from being places of worship, churches and temples in Goa are a
delightful sight because of their aesthetic architectural design, idyllic
locations and the tranquil atmosphere. Not only are these abodes of worship
revered by the locals, but they are also acclaimed the world over ,Some of
the discerning ones are Mangueshtemple at Mangueshi, the Mahalsa temple at
Mardol, Shanta Durga temple at Kaviem, theJama Masjid at Ponda ,and the
World Heritage monuments at Old Goa, such as the Basilica of Born Jesusand
Se Cathedral.
Folk Music
One of Goa's most discerning assets is its rich cultural heritage. Its
natural beauty and hospitality together with this heritage has put Goa on
the international tourist map, and is acclaimed as one of the most popular
tourist destinations in the world.
Music, dance and folklore are deeply rooted in the heart of Goans, and the
rhythm runs in the blood of the people of Goa.
Goan folklore, which comprises folk songs, dances, music, visual arts and
folk tales, are rich in content and variety. The folk music has devotional
as well as contemporary overtones, and it displays a lively rhythm. And the
folk dances reflect that rhythmic vitality. Folk songs and dances are
accompanied by a variety of instruments such asGhumot, Dhol, Cymbals(drums),
Flutes, Harmonium, Violins and Guitars. Ghode Modni, Mando, Dekhni,
Goff,Talgadi, Shigmo, Tonyamel, Dhangar Dance, Mussal Khel, Jagor, Suvari,
Fugdi, and Dhalo,Lamp Dance,Veerbhadra, and Kunbi songs and dances are some
of the popular folk dances of Goa, and they are best performed during local
festivals in their respective villages.
Festivals
Festivals are an integral part of Goa. Almost all of.- them are related to
religious activities. Every village 'jatra' or feast is a festival by
itself. Apart from these village feasts and fairs, Goa has its share of
major festivals.Diwali, Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthiare celebrated with
great pomp and gaiety.The Shirigao Jatra, the Fatorpa Jatra, the Feast of
St. Francis Xavier at Old Goa, All Saints feast atGoa Velha are some of the
other local festivals celebrated in Goa. In fact, festivalsare a perennial
feature of Goa.
The most interesting feature is that, all festivals are celebrated by all
communities, irrespective of their creed or belief.
Handicrafts
Goa does not lag behindin the field of arts and crafts. Art runs in the
blood of Goans, and many a folk artsand crafts have joined the mainstream
and are commercially produced. They make excellent souvenirs for tourists.
Goan handicrafts include creative pottery, shell work, furniture, brass
work, bamboo work, papier mache, etc.
These items are crafted by professional artisans in their ethnic ambience,
and also by artisans working at the Arts and Crafts Complex run by the
Government. They are sold through various handicraft emporia and all major
tourist spots.
Culinary Delights
Food in Goa is not just a source of nourishment. It is an art. The people
of Goa are very particular about enjoying their food. In other words, it has
to satisfy more than the taste buds.
Goan cuisine has gained appreciation from all over the world. Dishes like
Xacuti, Vindaloo, Prawn Balchao, and sweets like Bebinca, Dodol and Doce are
a craze among the visitors, who relish them to the last morsel. During
feasts andcelebrations different type of port wines, red wines and white
wines are served along with food. These wines serve as appetisers. However,
fish and other seafood remain a favourite of Goans, and is relished by
locals and visitors alike.
Nightlife
in Goa
Nightlife in Goa is exciting and there are many ways to liven up the
evening. Goans enjoy going out and it is not unusual to find families out
for a night of merriment. In certain areas, almost every third house has a
bar-cum-restaurant. The place may not be anything special, usually just a
room in the house that has been opened to the public with a couple of chairs
and a table. But the atmosphere is great - totally relaxing and extremely
conducive to an enjoyable night out with friends and family.
Most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies and
have well stocked bars. The hottest place to visit and to be seen at in Goa
today is Titos which is right on the beach. There's also a new discotheque
'The Beachotheque' where you can dance the night away. Or you could check
out Lidos in Dona Paula. But if you are in the mood to dance to the rhythm
of the ocean, get together a group of our friends, some food and drink and
hit the beach. You are sure to have a special night - the sand the moon and
the pounding waves!
Goa - The Ulimate Tourist Attraction
The former Portuguese colony of Goa is one of India's most famous
destination for tourists. Most important are the wide expanses of beaches
this state offers: Calangute, Colva, Anjuna, Baga and Chapora. In old Goa,
once a thriving and prosperous city, exist some of the finest of churches in
the country: the Se Cathedral built in the 16th century; the convent and
church of St.Francis of Assisi with its gilded, carved wood work and old
murals, dates back to early 1500s; the Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the
tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier.
Goan food, way of life and festivals are other major attractions. Panjim,
the state capital, has preserved its heritage remarkably well and part of
the city still consists of narrow winding streets, old houses with over
hanging balconies, red-tiled roofs and numerous bars and cafes. The people
are friendly and the atmosphere iseasy-going.
How to get there
Road : Driving down by road from Mumbai (582 Kms.)is easy as well as
picturesque as Goa is situated right on the main highway.
Air : You can fly to Goa from Bombay, Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin and
Trivandrum. For overseas travellers Bombay has the best connected airport.
Rail : Travelling by train, is fairly convenient from Bombay (490 Kms.),
Bangalore (430 Kms.) and Delhi (1874 Kms.). The Konkan Railway will resume
its train services by the end of this year.Damania Shipping Corporation
operates non-stop catamaran service between Goa & Bombay during season
(October to May).
