One of the
famous world tourist destinations the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan coast. It is also known as "Tourist Paradise" and "Pearl of the Orient". Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled over Goa among them most famous was the Portuguese. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on December 19, 1961 and became a Union Territory. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.
Travel in Goa is highly recommended as it offers diversity and essence of India - the magnificent scenic beauty, and the architectural splendor of its temples, churches and old houses superb sights, reins of Portuguese culture, and above all a great, carefree and warm travel experience. Goa is a land known for its atmosphere, its beaches, which has more than 100 km of coastline and the sea has different shades to offer at various places, the golden sands, the blue waters, the sylvan forests and the lakes, its wonderful fresh seafood cuisine, its people and its churches and temples in small villages. The pleasure of discovering a crab under a stone, and the peace of watching a quiet sunset on a beach is calming oneself. Such is the beauty and magic of Goa; one can rest assured that the mood of the sea will not be repeated in Goa.
The whole experience is miraculous, the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine. Travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, one can assure that more than anywhere else on planet earth; this is a place where people really know how to relax.
Places to visit:
Beaches of Goa: Anjuna, Arambol, Agonda, Benaulim, Benavali, Bogmalo, Baga, Calangute, Cavellosim, Candolim, Catherine, Colva, Dona Paula, Gasper Dias, Mobor, Majorda, Miramar, Palolem, Vagator, Sinquerim, Siridao, Varca etc…
Temples: Sri ManguesiTemple, Sri Santa Durga, Sri Mahalaxmi, Sri Nagesh, Sri Chandranath, Mahadev Temple, Sri Gopal Ganpati.
Churches: Se Cathedral at old Goa, St. Francis, Bom Jesus Basilica, St. Cajetan, Church of the Lady of the Mount, St. Augustine Tower & Santa Monica cloister.
Fort: AGUDA Fort, Cabo (Raj Bhavan), Tirakol.
Others: Goa Carnivals, Fair & Festivals, Old Market, Wild Life & National Parks, Zoo & Adventure & Water Sports, Museum, Art gallery, Water Falls.
Language Spoken: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi & English.
Best Season: Oct to Mar. Goa Carnival Takes Place in February or March every year.
Package Tours for Goa Carnival 2009How to reach:
Air: Goa is one of the important destinations for Indian Tourism industry. So all major airlines provide flights to this location from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin and other parts of India.
Sea: You may book cruises and ships form any major sea port in the west coast of India and from many foreign locations too.