Goa
- an introduction
Goa, popularly 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.
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. Goa covers
an area of 3702 square kilometers and comprises
two Revenue district viz North Goa and South
Goa. Boundaries of Goa State are defined in
the North Terekhol river which separates it
from Maharashtra, in the East and South by
Karnataka State and West by Arabian Sea.
The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain
range ensures that Goa has an abundance of
water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood
- prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters
are the most popular with the locals and the
visitors. Besides the natural beauty, the
fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers
to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm
and friendly nature of the Goan people.
Main
Sightseeing of Goa
Sightseeing of North Goa :
The bustling market of Mapusa is the biggest
attraction of North Goa for people as an
stopover enroute to the beaches. The entire
coast from Fort Aguada all the way to Goa’s
border with Maharashtra is a virtually unbroken
30 km stretch of beach, some rocky, hazardous
and hidden in secluded coves and others
that are long stretches of golden sand.
Calangute is the busiest
resort in Goa and now the centre of the
‘package’ tourist trade and
has a long beach of coarse golden sand but
there is a dangerous undertow that restricts
swimming time.
Palm-fringed Sinquerim beach
lies at the foot of Fort Aguada
and is popular with tourist groups. So also
is the nearby Candolim beach.
All the beaches have beach umbrellas, loungers
and plenty of shacks selling beer, feni
and aerated drinks and freshly caught fish
right out of the fisherman’s net.
A little further north along the coast is
crescent-shaped Baga, a
more picturesque beach, with better swimming.
This beach is popular for the various water
sports - among them are parasailing, jet
skiing, body boarding and even surfing.
Another hit amongst the tourists are the
"dolphin rides"
where a boat takes you out into the sea
where one can see the lovely creatures gliding
along the surface.
Further north from Baga is the palm-fringed
and safe, Anjuna beach,
which still has a little hangover of the
‘hippy’ culture of the 70s.
However, don’t miss the Wednesday
flea market, which Anjuna is famous for
throughout Goa. Travel a couple of kilometres
onwards and you come to Vagator
beach near Chapora Fort.
This is far more picturesque beach, empty
and unspoilt as compared to the beaches
close to Panaji and ideal for those in quest
of a less commercialised atmosphere, greater
seclusion and better swimming.
Sightseeing of South Goa :
Margao and Vasca da Gama are the main towns
of South Goa. Between Mormugao and Cape
Rama lies a 20 km stretch of white sand
with calm sea, starting from Velsao and
ending at Mobor. Just four km from the airport
is the small cove at Bogmalo,
not easily accessible, and, therefore, fairly
empty. Good for swimming. Velsao is quiet
and clean. Majorda is wider
and dotted with beach shacks against a backdrop
of resort complexes. Colva,
further south, is highly commercialised
with resort complexes and large holiday
crowds. Going south you would reach Benaulim
(2 km), relatively peaceful and
empty, shallow and safe.
Further south is a seemingly never-ending
stretch around the up market resorts at
Varca, Cavelossim
and Mobor, with pristine
sands, wide beach and shallow sea. If you
are mobile (car or motor bike), you might
like to venture south beyond Cape Rama to
explore the isolated beaches there. This
extra effort is well rewarded by the lovely
drive, the peace and beauty of the beaches
at Palolem and Galgibaga.
The town of Old Goa, once
upon a time this was the center of Portugal’s
empire in the East and Far East. This part
is popular for imposing Se Cathedral
of St. Catherine, the largest church
in Asia, which has 14 altars, an 80m long
aisle and 5 bells including the Golden Bell,
said to be one of the best in the world.
The late 16th century Basilica of Bom Jesus
with its richly gilded altars is famous
throughout the Catholic world. It is the
venue for a pilgrimage for both Christians
and Hindus who come to pay homage to the
embalmed mortal remains of St. Francis
Xavier enshrined in a silver casket
since 1553. Also worth seeing, up on Holy
Hill, are the Church of our Lady
of the Rosary (one of the oldest
in Goa), and Church and Convent
of Santa Monica, reputed to be
amongst the largest convents in the Portuguese
empire.
This is the land of the magical trinity
of sun, sea and sand, and is most sought
after for its captivating beaches. The turquoise
blue water is shallow and safe for swimming,
except during the monsoon months.
Go to Top
Excursions
from Goa
Tour of Goa can be combine with Mumbai and
South India Tours.
How
to reach Goa ?
By Air : The nearest international
airport, Dabolim, is 29 km from Panaji. Most
of India's domestic airlines operate services
here, as well as several direct charter companies
that fly into Goa from the UK and Germany.
By Rail : Two main railway
stations are at Margao and Vasco da Gama.
Railway which is now completed and it provides
fast services to Goa from different cities
of India.
By Road : Goa has good road
connections. Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka
state road transport corporations all operate
service out of Panaji's Kadamba bus stand.
Many private operators have offices outside
the entrance to the bus stand, with luxury
and air-con buses to Mumbai, Bangalore, Hampi
and other destinations. .
