Goa Tourism

Goa General Information

Area 3,702 sq. km
Population 1,169,793
Altitude Sea level
Languages Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
Best time to visit October to February
STD Code 0832

Goa – An Introduction

Goa- Like a child joyfully rotating a kaleidoscope and chuckling at the changing patterns, one just gets hooked on to this city. Beauty can be quite inebriating and here you have so much of it-in the golden sands, the blue waters, the sylvan forests and the lakes. Palm-swathed hills, islands, beaches and riverine waters rush to the freedom of the waves, unfold, meet the eye and merge with yet another visual wonder which the land generously and continuously keeps unfolding. Add to this the spicy nip of the sea, the tang of fish-curry rice, the moistened sips of cocum, the pleasure of discovering a crab under a stone, and the thrill of walking on a beach full of crisp seashells. The mind stops thinking and the heart begins speaking. Come monsoon and this hundred-kilometre coastline turns into a fantasyland. Wild wind that rustles the hair, a sprinkle of water drops all around. On one side stand the palm trees, lush green and swaying in the wind, and on the other the vast Indian Ocean greets you. The dense cover of the clouds makes the ocean look darker than usual until some cloud part sending down brilliant beams of sunrays which hits the ocean turning it into a radiant jewel of a thousand diamonds. This and much more is the charm. Situated on the western coastline of India, this city is split into two districts, North with the capital city of Panaji and South Goa with places such as Vasco da Gama and Margao. The history of the place goes far back in time when it was a part of the Mauryan Empire around 3rd century BC. Later the place came under the influence of Satavahanas, Chalukyans, Vijaynagar, Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur, and finally the Portuguese who under Alfonso de Albuquerque invaded in 1510. They ruled the region till 1961, when the Indian forces liberated, it became a part of the Republic of India.

Places of Interest:

Dona Paula Beach

With its aura of romance and myth, the Dona Paula Beach is thronged by tourists not only in search of their deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy who threw herself off the cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman named Gaspar Dias. The Dona Paula Sports Club provides facilities for cycling, motorboat rides, water-scooter, windsurfing, toboggan, ski-biscuit, toboggan, water-skiing, parasailing, skibob, sports fishing, snorkelling, harpoon fishing, yachting, and kayaking on the beach.

Old Goa & Churches

it is only nine kilometres east of Panaji. Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with churches like the Se Cathedral, the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi (largest Christian church in Asia), Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St. Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine.

Panaji

Too small and mellow for a state capital, Panaji is situated on the south bank of the Mandovi River. The place became capital in 1843, replacing Old-Goa. Unlike most parts of India, people here are friendly, perhaps an effect of long relations with people from other parts of the world. The city is charming and the colonial effect is evident in the city landscape. In Panaji, one must visit the church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian. The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the statue of Abbe Faria in the capital is a must see for lovers of art. Visit a Goan market and you will discover the essence of the land. There is fish in plenty, woven baskets and earthen pots, pickles and preserves, tender coconuts and bananas and, if you’re lucky, even blue china and bronzed candelabras.

Mapusa

Mapusa, which is the main market town in north Goa, may well be the primal site of the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan coast. It witnesses the weekly and happy conclave of buyers and sellers from all over on Fridays. The Mapusa weekly fair is the logical sequence to the ancient festivals in honour of Kanakeshwar Baba, venerated at the Bodgeshwar temple.

Ponda

Antruz, the inspired name of the Ponda subdivision, was the redoubt where the Hindus, displaced by the Portuguese from the coast, barricaded themselves between rivers and hills to hold their sway. Here they preserved their culture and further enriched it. From this area came Kesarbai Kerkar, one of India’s greatest singers; as also Dinanath Mangeshkar, the father of Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhonsle; and such other singers as Jitendra Abisheki, Mogubai Kurdikar-a great singer herself and the mother of the incomparable Kishori Amonkar. The area has several Hindu temples such as Sri Ganapati Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple.

Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach is situated some 15 km north of Panaji. This is a 7-km-long beach and the scenic natural beauty of the peaceful coastal countryside has turned this beach into one of the most popular destinations in the world. The real discovery of this beach was done by the Hippies who loved its pristine surroundings and blissful serenity and golden sands. They spread the word around and the beach saw hordes of European tourists coming. Tourists even now trudge down the dusty, weather-beaten roads in search of that idyllic coastal.

Anjuna Beach

Also known as the freak capital of the world, Anjuna beach is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers. The place comes live with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip. The beach is most popular among the local populace who love its 20-km-long virgin white sands, fringed and sun drenched.

Excursion:

Bondla Forest Sanctuary

Also known as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is situated along the north-east border at Molem around 60 km from Panaji. The sanctuary covers an area of 240 sq. km and is the biggest of the three wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary is a birdwatchers’ paradise. Besides, there are many floral and faunal varieties that would attract you towards it.

Dandeli

Situated in the state of Karnataka just outside the its border, the Dandeli Sanctuary abounds in flora and fauna. It has an undulating topography with steep slopes, picturesque river valleys, and rich hilly forest terrain. The main wildlife species include elephant, tiger, leopard, gaur, flying squirrel, mouse deer, etc., and a variety of birds.

Mayem Lake

Mayem Lake is a calm spread of water with cottages hidden in the wooded slopes. If you want to enjoy the real thrill along with the local populace, you must visit this beautiful lake situated around 65 km from Vasco-da-Gama and 64 km from Dabolim airport.

Molem Wildlife Sanctuary

Also known as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is situated along the north-east border at Molem around 60 km from Panaji. The sanctuary covers an area of 240 sq. km and is the biggest of the three wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuary is a birdwatchers paradise. Besides, there are many floral and faunal varieties that would attract you towards it.

Temple of Tambdi Surla

When most of the temples in Goa were being destroyed by the Portuguese, this temple escaped because of its remote location. The temple is located at Sanguem Taluka around 66 km away from Panaji.