Goa is a tourist paradise, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. It offers glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, Add to this the spicy nip of the sea, the tang of fish-curry rice, the moistened sips of cocum, the pleasure of discovering a crab under a stone, and the thrill of walking on a beach full of crisp seashells.Or stop-by at a small taverna (bar) for a feni - a locally brewed drink made from cashew or coconut, listen to the sounds of a mando (love song) and the strains of a guitar mingling with the sensuous lapping of the waves, or the warm golden sands of lonely, idyllic beaches.

There is a Mediterranean atmosphere in the quaint towns with their red-tiled roofs and narrow streets and the charming fishing villages surrounded by coconut groves.It is easy to slip into Goa’s warm effortless existence. In Goa, Latin influence fuses with Indian color to produce an enchanting hybrid. Goa’s traditions of language, religion, dances have remained firmly entrenched despite the end of Portuguese rule in 1961.

Goa is split into two districts, North Goa with the capital city of Panaji and South Goa with places such as Vasco da Gama and Margao. The history of the place goes far back in time when it was a part of the Mauryan Empire around 3rd century BC. Later the place came under the influence of Satavahanas, Chalukyans, Vijaynagar, Adil Shahi Dynasty of Bijapur, and finally the Portuguese who under Alfonso de Albuquerque invaded Goa in 1510. They ruled the region till 1961, when the Indian forces liberated it and Goa became a part of the Republic of India.

 Luxury hotels and budget guesthouses overlook fisherman mending their nets, and beer comes cheap and chilled. Discovered by pioneering hippies, looking for peace and love, Goa’s beaches are now filled with persistent hawkers during the day and  parties at night. Lavishly gifted by nature, Goa can also boast of its rich cultural and historical heritage. It is hardly surprising that the Portuguese who came in search of spices in 16th century decided to put down roots in this tropical paradise. Goa’s natural boundaries, the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri mountains, had sheltered it from much of India’s inland turmoil, while its strategic location on the newly discovered trade route to the East made it even more attractive.

Tucked away snugly between the hills of the Western Ghats on the East, Arabian Sea to the West, Maharashtra’s coastline to the North, and Karnataka’s coastline to the South, this tiny territory covers 1350sq miles (3500 sq km). It provides spectacular views with bottle green hills wooded with jackfruit, mango, and cashew groves, cut across by river and edged by miles of sun-drenched beaches. Warm, languid climates, and a gentle unspoilt people, complete this compelling kaleidoscope.

In Goa, you are never at a loss for options, there are a hundred beaches strewn all around the coast, but here are some of the highlights.

Places of Interest

Dona Paula Beach

With its aura of romance and myth, the Dona Paula Beach is thronged by tourists not only in search of their deceased beloved, but also to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy who threw herself off the cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman named Gaspar Dias. The Dona Paula Sports Club provides facilities for cycling, motorboat rides, water-scooter, windsurfing, toboggan, ski-biscuit, toboggan, water-skiing, parasailing, skibob, sports fishing, snorkelling, harpoon fishing, yachting, and kayaking on the beach.

Old Goa and Churches

Old Goa is only nine kilometres east of Panaji. Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with churches like the Se Cathedral, the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi (largest Christian church in Asia), Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St. Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine.

Panaji

Too small and mellow for a state capital, Panaji is situated on the south bank of the Mandovi River. The place became capital of Goa in 1843, replacing Old Goa. People here are friendly, perhaps an effect of long relations with people from other parts of the world. The city is charming and the colonial effect is evident in the city landscape. 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. Visit a Goan market and you will discover the essence of the land. There is fish in plenty, woven baskets and earthen pots, pickles and preserves, tender coconuts and bananas and, if you're lucky, even blue china and bronzed candelabras.

Mapusa

Mapusa, which is the main market town in north Goa, may well be the primal site of the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan coast. It witnesses the weekly and happy conclave of buyers and sellers from all over Goa on Fridays. The Mapusa weekly fair is the logical sequence to the ancient festivals in honour of Kanakeshwar Baba, venerated at the Bodgeshwar temple.

Ponda

Antruz, the inspired name of the Ponda subdivision, was the redoubt where the Hindus, displaced by the Portuguese from the coast, barricaded themselves between rivers and hills to hold their sway. Here they preserved their culture and further enriched it. The area has several Hindu temples such as Sri Ganapati Temple and Mahalaxmi Temple.

Calangute Beach

Calangute Beach is situated some 15 km north of Panaji. This is a 7-km-long beach and the scenic natural beauty of the peaceful coastal countryside has turned this beach into one of the most popular destinations in the world. The real discovery of this beach was done by the Hippies who loved its pristine surroundings and blissful serenity and golden sands. They spread the word around and the beach saw hordes of European tourists coming. Tourists even now trudge down the dusty, weather-beaten roads in search of that idyllic coastal Goa.

Anjuna Beach

Also known as the ‘freak capital’ of the world, Anjuna beach is just the right place for lazing holidaymakers. The place comes live with its ever-famous full-moon parties and the Wednesday flea market to take one on to a trance trip. The beach is most popular among the local populace who love its 20-km-long virgin white sands, fringed and sun drenched.

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. The sanctuary is a birdwatchers' paradise. Besides, there are many floral and faunal varieties that would attract you towards it.

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.

Molem Wildlife 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. The sanctuary is a birdwatchers' paradise. Besides, there are many floral and faunal varieties that would attract you towards it.

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.

General information

Area 3,702 sq. km

Population 1,169,793

Altitude Sea level

Languages Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English

Best time to visit October to February

STD Code 0832