About Goa
About Goa
Variously known as " Rome of the East", "Tourist
Paradise" and " Pearl of the Orient", 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.
Goa Places to See
Panaji: The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District,
a small a charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River,
with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts
of many modern houses, well laid garden, statues and avenue's
lined with Gulmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchantit panorama
unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill Top).
Goa Wildlife
The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species
of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration.
The western ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa, extend for a total
of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms. The widest
belt of forests along the western ghats is in Goa and neighbouring
Karnataka state. The high rainfall accounts for this because the
elevation of the mountain range here is lower.
Cuisine in Goa
Visitors to Goa tend to think that food and drink in Goa means
the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. And for most Goans
these are indeed the three basic necessities of life -- fish,
curry and rice. They combine to make a heavenly daily meal for
the average Goan. But Goan cuisine, like the land itself, has
many flavours and tastes with its vast treasure trove of culinary
delicacies.
North Goa
North Goa is known and loved as a land of golden beaches, palm
trees, paddy fields and wooded hills. Its churches, temples, shrines
and forts tell its history. It is associated with music, the famous
Goan cuisine and most of all with a peace-loving , smiling people.
Churches in Goa
One of Goa's important institutions, Goa's famous and magnificent
churches are largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization Church
building was one of the main occupations of the early Portuguese
and in fact one of Vasco da Gama's main missions for finding the
sea route to India was to "seek Christians and spices".
Goa People and Lifestyle
Goa's isolation from the rest of India for more than four centuries
under the Portuguese rule, its geographical borders in the form
of the Sahyadri ranges and the tidal rivers have managed to give
the people of Goa a unique and separate identity. The people of
Goa prefer to call themselves Goans and not Goanese as mentioned
in guidebooks and brochures. Goans are very much aware of this
unique identity; they are proud of it and guard it fiercely.
South Goa
South Goa District covers the entire southern part of Goa state.
Arabian sea is to the west of district, North Goa district to
the North and Uttar Kannada district of Karnataka in the East
and South.
South Goa is situated between the latitudinal paralles of 15
degree 29' 32" N and 14 degree 53' 57" N and longitudimal
parallels of 73degree 46' 21" E and 74 degree 20' 11"
E. From noth to south and from east to west the district spans
a distance of 86 kms and 40 kms respectively. The total geographical
area of the district is 1966 sq kms.
History of Goa
The origin of Goa or Gomantak as it is also known, is lost in
the mists of time. In the later Vedic period (c.1000-500 BC),
when the Hindu epic Mahabharat was written, Goa has been referred
to with the Sanskrit name Gomantak, a word with many meanings,
but signifying generally a fertile land.
Temples in Goa
The Temples of Goa are in essence like most Hindu temples in India
, based around a deity which is worshipped. The architecture of
Goan temples is a little different mostly because of historical
reasons.
The fundamental design of any Hindu temple is organized around
the central shrine or the "Garbagriha" or the "sanctum
sanctorum" that houses the main deity. A tower or "Shikara"
arises from the main shrine and is traditionally pyramidal shaped.
There are usually two or more smaller shrines housing other deities
known as "Parivar Devatas" around the entrance to the
Garbagriha.
Destinations in Goa
Four centuries of Portuguese rule and that of other rulers before
them has given Goa an unique life-style that consists of a blend
of Indian and Western influences as can be seen in its varied
culture and architecture of its towns and villages. Today Goa
also boasts of glorious traditions that have been handed down
to it over the ages.
Goa Travel Information
Variously known as " Rome of the East", "Tourist
Paradise" and " Pearl of the Orient", 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.
Goa Beaches
Goa is one of India 's special tourist places that can boast of
fantastic weather, fabulous beaches, wonderful people, mouth-watering
cuisine, forts. There are beaches far from human habitation with
very basic or sometimes no facility for accommodation.
Then there are some with ultra modern comforts like internet
cafes, massage centers, gyms, swimming pools, night clubs, etc.
With such an enormous choice, one might feel confused about which
one to take.
Mosques in Goa
Jama Masjid Goa: (26 kms. from Margao at Sanguem) : Built in the
last century, the Jama Masjid was completely renovated in 1959.
The new structure is remarkable for its harmonious proportions
and elegant simplicity. It has four minarets whilst the entrance
facade is flanked by two elegant towers surmounted by pillared
kiosks.
Goa Art & Culture
Goa is a land of crafts and craftsmen, where aesthetic quality
finds a natural expression. Goa has a rich and magnificent tradition
of the classical arts. Over the years, Goans have excelled in
poetry, music and the fine arts.
The exquisitely carved rosewood and teak furniture, the terracotta
figurines, the classic brass items and the unique gold jewellery
designs all speak of an age still valuable in this technology
obsessed world.
Goa Transportation
By Air : Goa is well connected by airline services to most major
cities in India . All flights, national and international, to
and from Goa, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the
port town of Vasco-da-Gama .
Goa Cultural Heritage
Goa abounds in festivals and fairs around temples and churches
which also commemorate eaily legends. They are the occasions when
a Goan peasant manifests joy and happiness.
Goa Carnival
Although introduced by the Portuguese who ruled this territory
for over 50 years, from 1510 to 1961, the three-day festival
primarily celebrated by Christians, has absorbed Hindu tradition-bound
revelry and western dance forms, and stimulated by the artistry
of the Goan genius turned into a pageantry of singular effervescence.
Goa Traveller's Kit
The Currency Unit in Goa as in the rest of India is the Indian
Rupee. Each rupee consists of 100 paise. Currency notes are issued
in the denominations of Rs. 1000, Rs. 500, Rs. 100, Rs. 50, Rs.
20, Rs. 10, Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Re. 1. Coins issued are of Rs. 5, Rs.
2, Re. 1, 50 paise, 25 paise, 20 paise, 10 paise, 5 paise denominations.
Goa Fairs & Festivals
With the majority of the population being Hindu, Goa has scores
of festivals celebrated all around the year. All these festivals
do not occur on fixed dates of the caldendar year, since they
are based on the Hindu calendar. Despite the long period of Portuguese
colonisation, the Hindu festivals have retained their unique Goan
character and are celebrated with deep fervour.
Goa Museums
Archaeological Museum : Old Goa, 9 km from Panaji, was once the
centre of Portuguese dominion on the west coast of India .
Here one can see fortress walls and administrative buildings,
monasteries and impressive churches, especially the Basilica de
Born Jesus which contains the mortal remains of Saini Francis
Xavier.
Entertainment in Goa
Goa Excursions
From Panaji: Dona Paula Bay (7 kms), Old Goa (10 kms) with its
Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, Archaeological Museum and
other churches, Mangueshi Temple (22 kms), Shantadura Temple (33
kms), Calangute (16 kms), and Baga Beach (18 kms).
Goa Adventure
Water Sports: Blessed with rivers, backwaters and a long coastline,
Goa is ideally located for water sport activities like sailing,
para sailing, wind surfing, etc.
Goa Shopping
For travellers to Goa, the visit is not complete unless they take
back a souvenir of their memorable sojourn in this magnificent
paradise.
Naturally, shopping should be a priority on the itinerary of
every tourist, along with the sightseeing attractions.
Fort Aguada & Candolim
Fort Aguada was once one of the main bastions commanding the entrance
into the Mandovi river. Built by the Portuguese in 1612, with
a church, the new lighthouse (which can be visited during specified
hours 4 to 530 pm, barracks (Aguda Jail) along the beachside (Sinquerim
beach lies below the fort) - Its worth visiting. With facilities
for water sports, including parasailing and jet skis at the southern
end of the sinquerim Beach , its a terrific travelmasti sojourn.
Lying north of Fort Aguda are the twin beaches of Calangute and
Condolim. The Candolim beach is much quieter in comparison to
Singuerim and Calangute. The sandy stretch here is scattered with
dozens of hotels and loading houses. One can enjoy evenings on
the beachfront in makeshift bars and restaurants made from wood
and palm leaves.
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