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Goa
In the crucible of a nice little island, gently touching the Arabian
Sea, discordant colors of the West and the East got mixed and turn
into a thing of incredible beauty call-Goa. A paradise on Earth that
exhibits vast tourist potentialities, be it the sprawling hills, meandering
rivers, lush green fields and not to mention the miles and miles of
exotic beaches. Showcasing the distinctive characteristics of its
Portuguese ancestors along with the rich and colorful culture of India
Goa proves to be the most sensitive and hottest tourist destinations
in the contemporary world. Every church and temple, crumbling forts,
palm-fringed beaches and coconut grove you pass by, eagerly awaits
your acquaintance with the warm, relaxed and effortless existence
of the compelling Goa. |
| GENERAL INFORMATION : |
Area : 3660 sq km (1430sq mi)
Altitude : Sea Level to 1022 meters
Population : 1.3 million
Language : Konkani, Marathi, English and Portuguese
Religion : Hindu, Muslim and Christian
Climate : Equable, generally humid with alternate wet and dry
seasons.
Temperature : Between 20°C and 34°C. Relative humidity
generally at 60%
Rainfall : Annual 350 cms, from Southwest Monsoons ( June to
September) |
| TOURIST SEASON : |
| Throughout the year (November to February is pleasant while June
to September is rainy season). |
| PLACES OF INTEREST : |
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| What is more fascinating than to visit the mesmerizing beaches of
Goa amidst swaying palms, sun-kissed sands and mouth watering sea-foods.
Renowned for its world class beaches, Goa opens to you a host of options
for the ultimate seaside experience. Visit the Anjuna Beach
with its fluorescent painted palm trees, or watch the sun go down
in the isolation of Bagga Beach. Go for an idyllic spot to
relax and sunbathe at the Donna Paula, or make a trip to Calangute
Beach, referred as the Queen of Beaches in the tourist literature.
Besides the Colva, Miramar, Benaulim and Cavelosim
are few of the beaches worth visiting. Apart from the beaches you
can enjoy a spectacular panorama of the capital city Panaji
on the bank of the silvery Mandovi River. The city reflects a Mediterranean
ambience with its Portuguese baroque style buildings and enchanting
old villas. Visit the unique Portuguese church at Margoa, also
the covered market here is the best of its kind in the whole of Goa.
The island also houses some of the rare monuments like-Aguada Fort,
Terekhol Fort, Cabo Fort, Chapora and Mormugoa Fort that
speak of an interesting Goan past. And last but not the least the
sight of the rock cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem
will leave no chance in embarking you on a journey to the realm of
enchanting folklore.
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| ACTIVITIES : |
| Bondla Forest Sanctuary
Also known as Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, this place is
situated along the north-east border of Goa 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 in Goa.
Dandeli
Situated in the state of Karnataka just outside the Goa 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 of Goa 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.
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. |
| ACCESS : |
- By Air
Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa situated at a distance
of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most
domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private
airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct
flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa.
- By Rail
It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening
of the Konakan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama
to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874
km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably.
From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis
to reach the desired destinations.
- By Road
Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations
operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates
a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji.
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| LOCAL TRANSPORT : |
| There are plenty of coaches, car rental services, taxis available
for visitors to travel locally in Goa. One major attraction is availability
of motor bikes that can be taken on rent for traveling in Goa. Ferry
services are also available at various beaches. |
| SHOPPING : |
| Colourful sarongs and cotton beachwear, embroidered bags, handicrafts
made of beads, cheap but beautiful artefacts of paper mache and silver
and oxidised jewellery are also widely sold. The Friday Bazaar at
Mapusa is where you can strike some great bargains and pick up stuff
at dirt cheap prices. There are several Night Bazaars around Goa which
attract tourists and locals alike. Apart from selling all kinds of
wares here, they have little stalls selling various types of cuisines
and sometimes even have a great Latino band to lift up your spirits.
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| NIGHTLIFE : |
| Goans are music lovers and play Western as well as Indian music.
Dances are organized at various clubs, streets and on the beach. Almost
every village church feast is followed by a dance. Besides this, there
are number of discotheques, some of which are in hotels. All the five
star hotels have casinos. |
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