India Travel

Goa

Goa is noted for its resorts and beaches. Goa, on the west coast of India between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka and is better known to the world as the former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil, Goa is a land of swaying palms, miles of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west. Known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is popular with travellers around the world because of the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses.

Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, tourists to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. The Bom Jesus cathedral, Mangueshi Temple and Shantadurga are famous attractions in Goa. Recently a Wax Museum (Wax World) has also opened in Old Goa housing a number of wax personalities of Indian history, culture and heritage.

Weather

Goa is a coastal place that is located near the Arabian Sea which results in humid weather for most of the year. The month of May is typically the hottest with temperatures peaking around 35°C (95°F), but with the arrival of the monsoons in late June, the conditions become cooler and more pleasant. The monsoon season lasts until September and is followed by a short cool season from December to February.


Tourism

Internationally popular for its beaches, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic travellers every year, and has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for European travellers, particularly in the Northern hemisphere winter. Besides beaches, Goa is also known for its world heritage architecture including the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which are classified as a biodiversity hotspot. There is a lot one can do at Goa like

you can relax at the beaches. Goa has an almost unbroken 100 km coastline of beaches, visit the venerable catherals of a bygone era at old Goa, which are still in good condition, enjoy the cuisine at a range of resturants that cater to just about every palate, check out the several discos and pubs that have sprung up around Goa, and last but not the least ... try feni. It is a local specialty alcoholic drink made from cashew fruits.

Places of Tourist Interest:

• Beaches :
  -Agonda Colva
  -Anjuna Dona Paula
  -Arambol Miramar-Gaspar Dias
  -Baga Beach Palolem
  -Calangute Vagator

• Museums & Art Galleries :
  -Archaelogical Museum and Portrait Gallery. Old Goa Galleria de Icons Margao
  -Goa State Museum, Patto, Panaji The Big Foot Art Gallery & Local Handicrafts  Centre
  -Galleries at Se Cathedral Loutlim
  -St. Francis of Assisi and Bom Jesus

• Temples/Churches/Mosques/Historical Monuments :
  -Shri Manguesh Temple at Pirol, Ponda Ruins of Church of St. Augustine
  -Shri Shanta Durga Temple at Kavlem Viceroy's Arch all in Old Goa
  -Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla Reis Magos Church
  -Shri Mahalsa at Mardol The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao
  -Basilica of Bom Jesus Rachol Seminary
  -Se Cathedral The Church of St. Alex at curtorim
  -Church of St. Francis Assisi Jama Masjid at Sanguem
  -St. Cajetan Church Safa Masjid at Ponda
  -Church of Our Lady of Rosary Aguada Fort
  -Nunnery of Santa Monica Tirakol Fort

• Towns:
  -Panaji, Margao Marmugao Harbour
  -Vasco-da-Gama Pilar
  -Mapusa Chandor

• Wildlife/bird Sanctuaries :
  -Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
  -Molem Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
  -Bondla Forest Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

• Waterfalls/Lakes/Springs :
  -Arvalem Waterfalls, Mayem Lake
  -Dudhsagar Waterfalls near Colem Kesarval Spring
  
  
  When to Go

• The best period to visit Goa is during winters between November to February end. It is pleasantly cold during winters with temperatures ranging from 15o - 30o Celsius. Winters are probably the best months to visit this paradise and enjoy the sun, the sea and the sand!
  
   

Interesting Fact

Even after India's independence in 1947, Goa remained a Portuguese colony till Dec 1961.

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