Scenic Goa
Located on the West coast of India bounded by Maharashtra to the North and Karnataka to the East and South, Goa is India’s smallest state by area and fourth smallest by population. Goa is the richest state by virtue of its GDP, its scenic beauty, cultural heritage, beaches and places of worship.
Panaji is the state’s capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city
Goa’s history is diverse from being a part of the Mauryan Empire in 3rd century BC to the Satvahanas and Bhojas rule, later the Chalukyas from 580 – 750 AD and the Silharas in 1086 AD. Muslim rule prevailed for a brief period in the 14th century, the greatest influence being its discovery and subsequent rule by the Portuguese from 1510 AD for a period of 450 years. In 1961 Goa became a Union Territory of India and later a state in 1987. In 1992 the mother tongue of Goa, Konkani was included in the Indian Constitution.
Beaches.
Crescent shaped like the New moon, sensuous and inviting like the curves of a woman’s body are just examples of the description of Goa’s beaches. With the Arabian Sea lapping its 103kms coastline, Goa is blessed with the most enchanting beaches, mostly swimmer friendly.
North Goa:
Calangute the Queen of beaches with its 7kms sweep of fine sand is located 15kms from Panaji has all the facilities for the visiting tourist. Quieter and more isolated is the Baga beach, a base for water sports and fishing. The Vagator beach, crowned by the Chapora Fort is perhaps the most photographed Goan beach. With its weekly flea market and rocky formation, soft sand and swaying palms, the Anjuna beach was made famous during the hippie movement and later trance parties. Both Candolim and Sinquerim offer facilities for water sports, parasailing and water skiing. Aguada beach with the remnants of a 17th century Portuguese fort is a tourist hot spot. Morjim beach is the nesting ground of the Olive Ridley turtles. Harmal Beach and Morjim are favorites among the foreign tourist. 3kms from Panaji is the urban’ beach of Miramar crowded with locals and tourists alike on most days.
South Goa:
The beaches of South Goa are mostly quieter beaches, with lesser tourists and fewer facilities. Palolem, Agonda, and Betalbatim are isolated beaches offering nothing more than peace and tranquility to the visitor. Varca, Cavelossim, Mabor, Colva and Majorda are havens of tourism with hotels, resorts, discos, eateries and numerous stalls. Bogmalo beach with its air of exclusivity, Benaulim beach with traditional handicrafts and Betul fishing port complete the south circuit.
Sights.
The Bom Jesus Basilica holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier patron saint of Goa. Goa’s temples, notably the Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalasa Temple are of significance to the Hindu Konkani community in Goa and spread worldwide. Goa has many forts like Tiracol, Chapora, Corjuem, Aguada, Gaspar Dias and Cabo de Rama.
Goan cuisine with the two distinct Hindu and Portuguese influences is a gastronomical delight, supplemented by the fiery Feni made by fermenting the cashew nut fruit. The fare ranges from vegetarian among the Hindus to seafood and pork among the Catholics.