Known as the "Beach Capital of India". Also famous for churches and temples. Water sports like para surfing, wind surfing and deep-sea diving. Sea Food and local delicacy called Vindaloo.
Video: Drive thru Goan countryside
Background:
Goa had many invasions owing to its location. The last was by the Portuguese in 1510. After ruling for around four centuries, the Portuguese left Goa in 1961. At this stage Goa was declared as a Union Territory. Goa became the 25th State of the Indian Union on May 31, 1987.
It is located on the western coastline, sandwiched between Karnataka and Maharashtra. The waters of Arabian Sea wash its coastline. The Eastern region is hilly forming the northern edge of the Sayahadri mountain range. It is split into North Goa and South Goa. Due to its location, Goa enjoys abundant rainfall and a warm and humid climate with little variation in temperatures.
Due to four centuries of Portuguese rule, Goa reflects a unique culture. Being a Roman Catholic Society, Goan's are predominantly Christians. This is sseen in the architectures and festivals celebrated.
Famous for its long, clean beaches, which are a major attraction for the tourists, Goa has many Beach resorts for the tourists.
The towns are peaceful with Spanish style villas and Goan people are quite laid back, known for their passion for football and "feni" (liquor made from cashews and coconuts).
Video: Fort Aguada and old Goa churches
What to see:
Beaches of Goa
Goa is also sometimes referred to as the "Beach Capital of India", owing to its beautiful beaches. The beaches are favourite with tourists for many beach activities like water sports, Dolphin sightings, cycling etc.
The major beaches include Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Dona Paula, Miramar, Colva and Aguada.
Calangute is known as the "Queen of Beaches". It is 7 km long lying in the shade of Palm trees.The villages Arpora-Nagoa, Saligoa and Candolim, form a green semi-circle around the beach enhancing its beauty.
Baga beach is an extension of Calangute beach and is handy commuting point for Anjuna Beach.
Anjuna Beach is a hangout place, which in 70's and early 80's was known for hippies, dancing and street market. It also has a shopping mall next to it.
The beach of Dona Paula is near Panaji (7 km). It is a good site for relaxation. There are also water sports facilities here.
Miramar beach comes on the way while going to Dona Paula from Panaji.
Colva is about 6 km from Margao. It is a 20 km stretch of white sand. There are many water activities including going for dolphin sightings.
Aguada is a 3 km long beautiful beach of white sand. It is a lonely beach with no shops, restaurants. It is an ideal place for a campfire.
Panaji
Location: North Goa on the banks of Mandovi river
Panaji, also known as Panjim, is the capital city of Goa. It is situated on the banks of the Mandovi river, and has many beautiful houses with tiled roofs built in Portuguese style.
It is a lively city with markets, good restaurants, and many places of tourist interest in and around it.
Within Panaji are the Bishop's Palace, The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception and the Raj Bhawan built by Yusuf Adil Shah 400 years ago as his palace.
Evening boat ride with dance and music at the Mandovi river is a great attraction for turists.
Mapusa is a market town near Panaji and is known for pavement Bazaar, Bom Jesu, which displays the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and the beautiful Convent of St Monica. These structures date back to the Portuguese time.
Se Cathedral Church
Location: Old Goa, near Panjim
Dedicated to St. Catherine, it took 80 years to built. It showcases the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese.
It is believed that people had a vision of Christ on the so-called "Cross of Miracles" and water sprouted out of the rock on which it was found. It is believed that the Cross is slowly growing.
It was here that the sacred relics of St Francis Xavier were shown to the public.
Sri Devaki Krishna Temple
Location: 3 km from Banastari Bridge on Panaji-Ponda Road
It is dedicated to Devaki Krishna. During the days of religious persecution the deity was shifted from Chorao, Tiswadi to Mayem in Bicholim and from there to the present location. The Black-stone idol of Devki (mother of Lord Krishna) in standing posture and a child Krishna is unique in Goa. This is the only temple in India where Lord Krishna is worshipped with Devaki as Devakikrishna.
Sri Manguesh Temple
Location: 23 km from Panaji, along National Highway 4A
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is the most prominent amongst temples in Goa. It was built in 1700's and has an elegant lamp tower and a "Noubatkhana" overlooking the temple tank.
It was originally situated at a secret location in Cortalim. It was moved to the current position in the 16th century.
Video: Miramar beach near Panjim
Sites nearby:
The Tambdi Surla
Location: 65 km from Goa
The Tambdi Surla, in the Western Ghats is a Shiva temple built by the Kadamba rulers of the 13th century and the only monument of those times that is preserved intact.
Chandranath Temple
Location: At Paroda, 45 km from Goa
Situated on top of the 350 meters high Chandranath hill at Paroda, this ancient temple was worshipped by the Bhoj kings who ruled south Goa in the 8th century.
Mayem Lake
Location: 55 km from Goa
In the east of old Goa, it is a lily-covered lake which is known for exotic species of birds.
The Bondla Forest
Location: It is located 38 km from Margoa and 55 km from Panjim.
Its a 8 sq km.sanctuary with a fenced deer park, a zoo and a botanical garden. Located on the foothills of Western Ghats, it is a good place to see Sambhar and Wild Boar.
Dudhsagar water falls
Location: 60 km from Goa on the Goa - Karnataka border.
The Dudhsagar water falls is a spectacular sight with water cascading down from a height of 600 meters. It is located in a blissful tropical jungle
Video: Dona Paula
Reaching there:
Air: Dabolim Airport (29 Km from Panaji) caters to both Domestic and International travellers. It is well connected by Indian Airlines and other private airlines from Mumbai, Delhi, Cochin, Trivandrum and Bangalore. It also caters to International flights and chartered flights from many countries.
Rail: Margao (Madgaon) is the station in Goa. Goa is connected with Mumbai and coastline cities of Southern India like Mangalore by Konkan Railways. It is also connected by meter gauge lines via Miraj - Bangalore sector.
Road: NH4A (Belgaum - Anmod - Ponda - Panaji), NH17 (Panvel - Mahad - Panaji - Karwar - Mangalore - Calicut - Kozhicode - Ferokh - Kuttipuram - Pudu - Ponnami - Chowghat - Cranganur Junction with NH - 47 Near Edapally), NH17A (Junction with NH - 7 Near Cortlam - Murmugao), NH17B (Ponda - Verna - Vasco) are National Highways passing through Goa.
Good roads connect Goa with major Indian cities and towns. Daily luxury bus services are also available to & from Mumbai, Bangalore, Belgaum, Hubli, Mangalore and Pune.
Enjoy some more Goan videos below :)
Video: Anjuna beach market
Video: Church of St. Francis
Video: The Dudhsagar waterfalls
Video: Beach party at Goa
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