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.
Goa Map
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 Net Reference Links
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.
