About Goa

Photo: Karchoong Diyali

Introduction and History of Goa

Goa, the invigorating state is situated in the South-western India, bordered by Maharashtra in the north, Karnataka to the south and east and the Arabian Sea forming its western coast. When mentioning about the lively culture of Goa, you must delve deep into its rich ‘times of yore’! Goa’s past has been equally prosperous like its traditions and culture.

Now, a vacationer’s retreat, Goa was one of the first regions to be colonized in the Indian subcontinent and also one of the last to get freed from the rule. Goa or ‘Gomantak’ as mentioned in the Mahabharata was known as a thriving settlement steeped in folklores and mysteries.

Margao, the historic city of Goa, still bears the cultural signs of the Portuguese, who were the mighty rulers during the early 16^th century. They first landed as merchants but soon conquered the land. For over 450 years, the Portuguese Overseas Territory remained in Goa till it was possessed by the Indian Government in 1961.

Panaji is presently the capital of Goa while Vasco Da Gama is the biggest area of the state. Known worldwide for its pristine beaches, pilgrimage centers and rich colonial heritage architecture, Goa is the most happening destinations in India that is swarmed by both domestic as well as foreign tourists all through the year.

Goa is the heaven of diverse flora and fauna, endowed by a splendid location over the ranges of Western Ghats which is another hotspot of biodiversity. Goa is geographically a small state that houses two major districts - North Goa with Panaji as the main headquarters and South Goa with Margao as its headquarter. The major cities in Goa comprise Panaji, Vasco, Mormugao, Mapusa, Ponda and Margao.

Fast Facts and some important numbers

• Population- 1.344 million residents
• Area- 3,702 km² (1,429 sq mi)
• Climate- Tropical Monsoon climate
• Best time to visit- November to March, Avoid visiting in the Monsoon season
• Languages spoken- Konkani, Marathi, Kannada, Urdu and Hindi
• Panaji (Control room) – (0832) 223400
• Tourism office number- (0832) 223412

Must know details

Self driving options in Goa are abundantly available. All the prominent cities of Goa have car rental companies from where you can conveniently hire a four wheeler or a two wheeler to explore the region in your own fashion.

Getting there and away

Goa is extensively accessible through rail, road, air as well as sea. Goa’s International airport ‘Dabolim airport’ is fairly connected to all Indian as well as international destinations. The airport also conducts chartered flights.

Goa public transport offers private buses linking the rural areas with the major towns. You will also find government-run buses from the Kadamba Transport Corp. linking the major route of Margao and Panaji to some of the remotest areas of Goa. Margao and Panaji house intra-city buses plying through the towns.

There are two railway networks in Goa - the South Western Railway linking the port cities of Vasco, with Hubli and Karnataka through Margao and the Konkan Railway running parallel to the coast that connects the major cities on the west coast.

Panjim located on the banks of Mandovi houses a small port that mainly used to operate passenger streamers between Goa and Mumbai during the 1980’s.

Travel Agents and Tour Operators in Goa

Explore Goa in the best way by getting in touch with reliable Goa tour operators. Get amazing Goa tour packages and the best hotel deals while in your family vacation or honeymoon trip to Goa. You can even opt for customized Goa tour packages that will greatly suit your preferences and budget.

People, culture and religion, important festivals

People in Goa are commonly known as ‘Goan’. They are a bunch of energetic, friendly and extremely relaxed people. They are a unique race and this distinctiveness lies in their culture. With a multi-cultural past, Goa is strongly influenced by the Portuguese culture and is probably one of the most westernized states of India. 

Goa is the melting pot of festivals and cultural extravaganza. Along with the major Indian festivals, Goa is always fizzing with fetes, fairs, feasts, festivals. Some of the famous local festivals of Goa include the Shigmo festival, Bonderam festival,
Feast of St. Francis Xavier and Feast of three kings among others. Plan for a family vacation in Goa and get the real taste of the exotic Goan culture.

Flora and Fauna

Goa is rich in bio-diversity - all thanks to its location near the magnificent Western Ghats ranges! With a dense forest cover of 1,424 sq. kms, Goa is an incredible destination to check out enchanting animal as well as birdlife. Plant-life in Goa comprises Chillar Barks, bamboo canes, bhirand and maratha barks. Except the elevated regions,Goa is covered with swaying coconut trees. The deciduous forests of Goa exhibit vegetation including cashew, Sal and teak, fruits like blackberries, jackfruits, mangoes and pineapples can also be found.

The jungles of Goa are home to animals like wild boars and foxes. You can even catch glimpses of migratory birds in the forest region. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is the ideal spot for birdwatchers. Catfish lobsters, Crabs, shrimps, oysters and jellyfish - you can catch marine life in its purest form in Goa! Enjoy wildlife Safari in Goa by visiting the famous sanctuaries like Molem Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Madei Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.

Must-see places and must-experience activities in Goa

Goa holidays always top the vacation chart since it offers plethora of options of enjoyment. It is replete with sea-kissed beaches, breath-taking waterfalls, and lush green vegetation along with some lovely landscapes that offer you more than just a vacation.

Goa Beaches- Majority of the tourists visits Goa just to experience its heavenly beaches. The sun-bathed beaches of Goa offer picturesque panorama that just leaves the beholder enamored in its beauty. Some of the popular beaches of Goa include Calangute Beach, Dona Paula or the Lover’s Paradise beach, Anjuna Beach, Benaulim Beach and Colva beach.

Photo: Karchoong Diyali

Churches and temples in Goa- You will find a plethora of temples in Goa that are associated with historical significance. Some of the prominent temples include the Saraswat temple, the Shanta Durga temple, the Maha lakshmi temple, the Shri Nagesh Maharudra temple and the Ganapati temple. Goa being the land of incredible churches boasts popular churches like Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa Se Cathedral, Church of St Cajatan and Church of Lady of Rosary.

Photo: Karchoong Diyali

Major attractions of Goa- On your Goa Holidays miss out on these exotic spots-Kesarval Springs, Aravelem Waterfalls, Braganza House, Solar Dos Colacos Mansion, Heritage Houses, the immaculate Mayem Lake and the grand Sahyadri Ghats. Find the best sandy coastlines of Goa in these three localities- Mapusa, Panaji and Margao.

Adventure tourism in Goa is a very thrilling experience that you should not give it a miss! This is the best spot for all adventure junkies. Raise your heartbeat through a wide range of adventure sports like beach parasailing, wind surfing and water skiing among others.

Specialty of Goa  

Along with the gilded beach lines, exotic tropical landscapes, marvelous forts, cathedrals, Goa has much more to offer to its visitors. You will simply love the pleasure cruises and boat trips plying the placid surfs of the Arabian Sea. As you set sail on your trip, catch glimpses of playful dolphins in action, swimming and jumping into the sea water. Cultural tours to Goa are also something that should be on your list!

Witness the interlacing of two varied world cultures - Portuguese and Indian that has given rise to such a rich convention. Water sports junkies too can have their share of thrill and excitement in Goa- parasailing, snorkeling, water-skiing, scuba diving and jet-skiing, select your kind of adventure sport. The resorts in Goa also offer splendid surroundings for family vacationers and honeymooners alike.

Adventure Options in Goa

If you want to feel that heavy adrenalin rush, come to Goa and experience spine chilling adventure sports.

Get brilliant scuba-diving sites near the Grand Island including BountyBay, Umma Gumma Reef, Shelter Cove, and Davy Jones Locker among others. This will also let your enjoy the enchanting marine life. Pick from catamaran sailing, jet skiing, parasailing, waterskiing, kite surfing, banana rides, wake boarding and windsurfing at theCalanguteBeach.

Photo: Karchoong Diyali

Go-karting is also available at Nuvem, in the Panaji-Margao Highwayin south Goa. Trekking in Goa is also a craze now that is mainly conducted in areas like Devils Canyon, Sahyadri Hills, and the Chandrasurya Temple in Netravali among others. Another popular adventure activity in Goa is the Dolphin or Crocodile sightseeing. Frequent boat rides are available from the Mandovi River.

Local cuisine and Souvenir

Goan food is highly influenced by the Portuguese, Muslim and Hindu cultures and traditions. Local cuisine of Goa is scrumptious and exotic. ‘Ambot-tik’ is a popular cuisine of Goa which is made with exotic fish and is tangy to taste. A palatable Goan traditional snack is ‘Pao com Chouricos’ which is fried Goan sausage, tossed with sautéed onions and served with bread loafs. Another lip smacking delicacy is the Pork Vindaloo, an oily and spicy gravy dish. Apart from the local cuisine,Goa is filled with small, medium as well as plush eateries and hotels.

Health tourism in Goa

The fascinating environment of Goahighly promotes good health. Health Tourism inGoa is a booming sector. Over the years, a number of Ayurvedic centers have come up that offers wholesome goodness to tourists worldwide:-

• Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre, Baga.
• Sai Acupunture Research Centre, Queen Golden Apts, Borda, Margao
• Ayurvedic Natural Health Centre (In-Patient Medical Facility), Saligao
• AyurHeritageVillageClub, Arossim,South Goa
• Arogyamandir, Panaji
• HerbalPlantation, Saliga
• Ayurvedic Hospital, Vishal Bldg, Near Military Hospital, St Inez, Panaji Sleekest Look Colva-Margao Road

Dos and Don’ts in Goa

• Do get a travel insurance.
• Do eat in hygienic places to avoid food poisoning.
• Do buy from genuine stores.
• Do make your reservations at the hotel before reaching Goa through reliable Goa tour operators.
• Don’t indulge into drug intake.
• Don’t move about in secluded beaches.
• Don’t take lifts or give lifts to strangers
• Don’t move around late at night.

Foreign Nationals Related

• Make sure to have a legitimate Visa to enter and stay in the Indian Territory.
• Always carry detailed maps while moving aroundGoa.
• Staying after expiry of the Visa is subject to legal offence.
• Don’t over-rely on strangers and don’t move around in isolated beaches.
• Don’t drive a vehicle without applicable international driving license.
• Try to get encashment certificate while changing money.

Accommodation in Goa

Goa offers some of the enticing accommodation options in India. Right from luxuriant and opulent beach resorts and condominiums to cheap and budget hotels in Goa, you will find numerous options while on your trip to Goa. To crack the best deals for Goa tours, it is better to get in touch with the best Goa tour operators who will help you to set the much needed break suited to your budget and taste.