GOA

Introduction to Goa : Goa. A forever enchantment. A paradise of virgin beaches, fun loving people, mouth- watering delicious cuisine, pretty whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape, and sleepy little villages among the rice fields. Goa is known for its Gothic churches, crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, bubbly folk music… and the famous afternoon siesta need and want relaxation.

Situated on the western coastline of India, Goa is sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. 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.

During the months of June July and august, Goa experiences the monsoons…and Goa in the rains is an experience to remember. Cool breeze with rumbling clouds, the sweet fragrance of wet earth filling the air. The lush green landscape, the gently swaying coconut palms, the vibrant tune of the waves lashing the pristine beaches. A palpable feeling of romance in the air. Soft guitars strumming to the tune of Portuguese love songs. Mingling with the scent of the sea and the rain, melodiously falling upon the sand.

In 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. Having ruled for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence, the Portuguese had to leave Goa. They have left behind traces of culture and customs that mingle with the Goan coastal peoples’ simple lifestyles, to create the quintessential Goan way of life.

Sightseeing: In the local dialect, Goa is often referred to as ”Goa Dourada,” (meaning ”Golden Goa”) because of its beaches, forts, churches, waterfalls, seminaries, and caves. The beaches such as Dona Paula, Calangute, Anjuna, Colva, Miramar, and Vagator can be compared with the best beaches around the world. The strong Roman Catholic community, with the active support of the erstwhile Portuguese rulers, has had a number of churches built in this picturesque locale. 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. The largest of the churches in Goa, the Se Cathedral is in Old Goa and is flocked by thousands of tourists every year. The holy shrine of Basilica of Bom Jesus, also in Old Goa, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among the Roman Catholic world.

The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfall attract many tourists every year. The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem are also worth mentioning. The Pilar monastery, Saligao seminary, and Rachol seminary attract the religious minded travelers.

Excursions: Medieval and colonial architecture, wildlife, lakes, and rivers; the state of Goa is full of all these and more. The wildlife sanctuaries of the state may not have as much abundance of denizens but the relative serenity and better tourist facilities made up for that. Sanctuaries like Molem Wildlife Sanctuary, Dandeli, and Bondla are the part of wild heritage that Goa has still survived despite ever increasing number of people encroaching up on the forestland. Temple of Tambdi Surla is one of the few religious structures in the state that survived Portuguese onslaught while Mayem Lake is the favourite escape of the locals.

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