Goa
Goa is best known as a tourist paradise, both in India and abroad. Lavishly gifted by nature for its scenic beauty, virgin beaches girdling its 105-km long palm-fringed coast interspersed with enchanting coves, bays and estuaries, paddy fields, shady coconut, cashew and mango groves dotted with tiny picturesque villages, temples and churches renowned for worship and pilgrims, forts and monuments and above all, friendly and hospitable people, Goa presents an ideal tourism profile.
Tourism is so prominent that the number of tourists almost equals the number of state population.
Goa attracts almost 12% of total foreign tourists arriving in India. In terms of direct charters, it is 75% of the total direct charter traffic in India. To give a big fillip to hospitality industry in the state, the Department of Tourism has taken multi-pronged strategy involving both private and government organisations.
Tourism is so prominent that the number of tourists almost equals the number of state population.
Goa attracts almost 12% of total foreign tourists arriving in India. In terms of direct charters, it is 75% of the total direct charter traffic in India. To give a big fillip to hospitality industry in the state, the Department of Tourism has taken multi-pronged strategy involving both private and government organisations.
| State: | Goa | |
| Location: | Goa is located on the West Coast of India. | |
| District Area: | 3,702 km² (1,430 sq mile) | |
| Altitude: | 1,167 meters (3,827 feet) | |
| Coastlines: | 101 km (63 miles) | |
| STD Code: | 0832 | |
| Temperature: | Summer: 35ºC, Winter: 20ºC |
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| Climate: | Hot and Humid climate | |
| Local Languages: | Konkani, Marathi, Kannada, Urdu, and Hindi | |
| Tourist Season: | October - March | |
| Population: | 1.344 million | |
| Sex Ratio: | 960 females:1000 males | |
| Literacy: | 82% | |
| Clothing: | Moderate Clothing |
Goa caters to each and every visitor no matter what your budget or expectations. North of Goa offers plenty of budget hotel accommodation on Calangute, Baga and Anjuna beach. While in the North, you could experience the shopping and eating extravagance on Candolim beach. Visit the famous Anjuna flea market or venture further north and discover the deserted beaches Morjim, Aswem and Mandrem.
The south of Goa offers visitors a far more relaxed and less crowded haven. Southern coastline of Goa is dominated by five and four star hotel accommodation. Stay in a five star resort and be pampered and seduced by luxury and comfort, shop in the busy market towns of Margoa, visit historic Old Goa and discover the untouched beaches of Agonda or Cola.
Se Cathedral
The largest of the churches in Old Goa, it is in the Portuguese-Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Its bell is one of the oldest in Goa and is called the Golden Bell. (Gallery timings: 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.)
Convent and Church of St Francis Assisi
This old church has carved woodwork and old murals depicting the file of St Francis. The floor is made of gravestones carved with the coat of arms of families going back to the 16th century. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm. The archaeological museum is open Saturday to Thursday , 10 am to 5 pm.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
This contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who was on a mission to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies of the East. The Professed House is next to the basilica and is a two-storeyed laterite building covered with lime plaster. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.
Church of St Cajetan
This church was built by Italian friars who were sent to the kingdom of Golconda to preach Christianity. Since they were not allowed to work in Golconda, they settled in Old Goa in 1640.
Church of St Augustine Ruins
This church, constructed by Augustinian friars, was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government.
Other buildings of interest in Old Goa are the Chapel of St Anthony, the Chapel of St Catherine and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
This is Panaji’s main church where Portuguese sailors gave thanks to Our Lady for a safe voyage.
Goa State Museum
This is near the bus stand in Panaji. (Open from 9 am to 1.15 pm and 2 to 5.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays). It has a collection of Christian art and Hindu and Jain sculpture and Indian paintings of different styles.
Chapel of St Sebastian, Fontainhas
This is famous for its striking crucifix which was originally in the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa.
The Secretariat
This has an interesting history. It was originally a palace of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.
Terekhol Fort
This is a beautiful old Portuguese fort at Terekhol and houses the Hotel Tiracol Fort Heritage.
Rachol Seminary and Church
This is worth visiting for the Museum of Christian Art which has a rare collection of textiles, silver and articles once used in the churches of Old Goa. (Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 12.30 am & 2.30 pm to 5 pm.)
Braganza House
This is one of the colonial mansions now thrown open to the public and is furnished with antiques.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
This is the smallest of Goa’s sanctuaries, and is the easiest to reach. Bookings should be made in advance at the office of the Department of Forestry in Panaji.
Molem & Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are larger than Bondla Sanctuary but you will need your own transport to get there. Accommodation is available at Molem but not in the Cotigao Sanctuary.
Dudhsagar Falls
A one-day trip from Margao, you can get to the Falls and back to Margao by late afternoon.
Shri Bhagwati Temple
28 km from Panaji. This temple is more than 500 years old. The festival of Dussera is celebrated with gaiety here.
Shri Shantadurga Temple
This temple, dedicated to the goddess of peace, has a pagoda-like structure and a roof made of long slabs of stone. The annual carnival held here is well worth attending to see the blend of Christian and Hindu cultures.
Shri Mangesh Temple
This interesting Shiva temple is at Priol Ponda Taluka, about 22 km from Panaji.
Beachs in Goa
The south of Goa offers visitors a far more relaxed and less crowded haven. Southern coastline of Goa is dominated by five and four star hotel accommodation. Stay in a five star resort and be pampered and seduced by luxury and comfort, shop in the busy market towns of Margoa, visit historic Old Goa and discover the untouched beaches of Agonda or Cola.
Se Cathedral
The largest of the churches in Old Goa, it is in the Portuguese-Gothic style with a Tuscan exterior and Corinthian interior. Its bell is one of the oldest in Goa and is called the Golden Bell. (Gallery timings: 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.)
Convent and Church of St Francis Assisi
This old church has carved woodwork and old murals depicting the file of St Francis. The floor is made of gravestones carved with the coat of arms of families going back to the 16th century. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm. The archaeological museum is open Saturday to Thursday , 10 am to 5 pm.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
This contains the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who was on a mission to spread Christianity in the Portuguese colonies of the East. The Professed House is next to the basilica and is a two-storeyed laterite building covered with lime plaster. Open from 9 am to 12.30 pm & 3 pm to 6.30 pm.
Church of St Cajetan
This church was built by Italian friars who were sent to the kingdom of Golconda to preach Christianity. Since they were not allowed to work in Golconda, they settled in Old Goa in 1640.
Church of St Augustine Ruins
This church, constructed by Augustinian friars, was abandoned in 1835 due to the repressive policies of the Portuguese government.
Other buildings of interest in Old Goa are the Chapel of St Anthony, the Chapel of St Catherine and the Church of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception
This is Panaji’s main church where Portuguese sailors gave thanks to Our Lady for a safe voyage.
Goa State Museum
This is near the bus stand in Panaji. (Open from 9 am to 1.15 pm and 2 to 5.30 pm, Mondays to Fridays). It has a collection of Christian art and Hindu and Jain sculpture and Indian paintings of different styles.
Chapel of St Sebastian, Fontainhas
This is famous for its striking crucifix which was originally in the Palace of the Inquisition in Old Goa.
The Secretariat
This has an interesting history. It was originally a palace of the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur.
Terekhol Fort
This is a beautiful old Portuguese fort at Terekhol and houses the Hotel Tiracol Fort Heritage.
Rachol Seminary and Church
This is worth visiting for the Museum of Christian Art which has a rare collection of textiles, silver and articles once used in the churches of Old Goa. (Open Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am to 12.30 am & 2.30 pm to 5 pm.)
Braganza House
This is one of the colonial mansions now thrown open to the public and is furnished with antiques.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
This is the smallest of Goa’s sanctuaries, and is the easiest to reach. Bookings should be made in advance at the office of the Department of Forestry in Panaji.
Molem & Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuaries
These are larger than Bondla Sanctuary but you will need your own transport to get there. Accommodation is available at Molem but not in the Cotigao Sanctuary.
Dudhsagar Falls
A one-day trip from Margao, you can get to the Falls and back to Margao by late afternoon.
Shri Bhagwati Temple
28 km from Panaji. This temple is more than 500 years old. The festival of Dussera is celebrated with gaiety here.
Shri Shantadurga Temple
This temple, dedicated to the goddess of peace, has a pagoda-like structure and a roof made of long slabs of stone. The annual carnival held here is well worth attending to see the blend of Christian and Hindu cultures.
Shri Mangesh Temple
This interesting Shiva temple is at Priol Ponda Taluka, about 22 km from Panaji.
Beachs in Goa
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North Goa Beach Vagator Beach, Goa Anjuna Beach, Goa Baga Beach, Goa Calangute Beach, Goa Candolim Beach, Goa Sinquerim Beach, Goa Coco Beach, Goa Vainguinim Beach, Goa Bambolim Beach,Goa Miramar Beach, Goa |
South Goa Beach Bogmallo Beach, Goa Arossim Beach, Goa Uttorda Beach, Goa Majorda Beach, Goa Betalbatim Beach, Goa Colva Beach, Goa Sernabatim Beach, Goa Varca Beach, Goa Cavelossim Beach, Goa Mobor Beach Rajbaga Beach, Goa Benaulim Beach, Goa |
Beach Sports
The warm golden sands and the lovely cool sea of Goa's beaches offer wonderful and refreshing opportunities to indulge in the vigorous beach basketball, the slower and easier beach volleyball, making sandcastles with the children or go in search of variety of shells with them in a beach combing expedition. Goa is the perfect place to indulge in beach activities with an irresistible combination of silvery sands, palm grooves and the playful sea waves alluring people with their tidal rhythm.
Casinos
All the amateur and the professional gamblers will certainly enjoy Goa, 'Las Vegas of India'. With the motto of 'Life is a Gamble', take the in the top-notch casinos of Goa that present popular games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps. The uniqueness of Goan casinos lie in the way they offer a delectable blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and friendly local hospitality. You can some of the best casinos in Goa with an aura filled with excitement and vigor. One can also enjoy playing a small game while ship cruising through the seas luxuriously such as in Caravella.
Rave Parties
Goa's rave parties held every night around the time of New Year and Christmas are famous through out the world. Started with an influx of drugged and drunken hippies from all over the world in the 1960s, they have now evolved to a more family-oriented mood and have given birth to a new music kind known as Goa Trance that characterize the nights of Goa. Multi-layered synth lines and sub-bass rhythms characterize this branch of techno-music. Rave parties are full of dance, music and fun.
River Cruises
Long and wide beautiful rivers and the scenic lakes of oa offer long and languorous river cruises that have become one of the major tourist attractions in Goa. Different moods at different time of day such as in daytime, sunset or moonlight along with adventurous crocodiles or dolphin spotting cruises make them a real wonder for the tourists.
Shopping in Goa
Shopping at the colorful local markets displaying exotic products ranging from cosmopolitan department stores and designer boutiques to makeshift stalls in the Anjuna Flea market, the Mapusa Friday market and the new market at Margao is one of the most enjoyable moments at Goa. Anjuna Flea Market came into existence with the hippies auctioning their belongings and has now developed into a sort of souvenir bazaar selling handicraft items from all over India such as Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kashmir. Wooden carvings, coir mats, wood furniture, straw hats and freshly baked bread at Mapusa Friday market is much more Goan in its look and also trades fish, fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce.
Water Sports
Goa's splendid coastline, rivers and lakes present multiple opportunities for thrilling aquatic sport activities such as surfing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing. One can also opt for riding a water scooter or a speedboat at Dona Paula or leisurely sail on a paddleboat on the picturesque Mayem Lake. Scuba diving at Grand Island and paragliding at Arambol beach and Bogmalo beach are some of the most opted aquatic sports in Goa along with the multiple national windsurfing events that attract the attention of the tourists to Goa's endless array of coastal and inland waterways
The warm golden sands and the lovely cool sea of Goa's beaches offer wonderful and refreshing opportunities to indulge in the vigorous beach basketball, the slower and easier beach volleyball, making sandcastles with the children or go in search of variety of shells with them in a beach combing expedition. Goa is the perfect place to indulge in beach activities with an irresistible combination of silvery sands, palm grooves and the playful sea waves alluring people with their tidal rhythm.
Casinos
All the amateur and the professional gamblers will certainly enjoy Goa, 'Las Vegas of India'. With the motto of 'Life is a Gamble', take the in the top-notch casinos of Goa that present popular games like roulette, blackjack, baccarat and craps. The uniqueness of Goan casinos lie in the way they offer a delectable blend of cosmopolitan sophistication and friendly local hospitality. You can some of the best casinos in Goa with an aura filled with excitement and vigor. One can also enjoy playing a small game while ship cruising through the seas luxuriously such as in Caravella.
Rave Parties
Goa's rave parties held every night around the time of New Year and Christmas are famous through out the world. Started with an influx of drugged and drunken hippies from all over the world in the 1960s, they have now evolved to a more family-oriented mood and have given birth to a new music kind known as Goa Trance that characterize the nights of Goa. Multi-layered synth lines and sub-bass rhythms characterize this branch of techno-music. Rave parties are full of dance, music and fun.
River Cruises
Long and wide beautiful rivers and the scenic lakes of oa offer long and languorous river cruises that have become one of the major tourist attractions in Goa. Different moods at different time of day such as in daytime, sunset or moonlight along with adventurous crocodiles or dolphin spotting cruises make them a real wonder for the tourists.
Shopping in Goa
Shopping at the colorful local markets displaying exotic products ranging from cosmopolitan department stores and designer boutiques to makeshift stalls in the Anjuna Flea market, the Mapusa Friday market and the new market at Margao is one of the most enjoyable moments at Goa. Anjuna Flea Market came into existence with the hippies auctioning their belongings and has now developed into a sort of souvenir bazaar selling handicraft items from all over India such as Gujarat, Rajasthan and Kashmir. Wooden carvings, coir mats, wood furniture, straw hats and freshly baked bread at Mapusa Friday market is much more Goan in its look and also trades fish, fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce.
Water Sports
Goa's splendid coastline, rivers and lakes present multiple opportunities for thrilling aquatic sport activities such as surfing, snorkeling, jet-skiing, boogie boarding, scuba diving, water-skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and deep sea fishing. One can also opt for riding a water scooter or a speedboat at Dona Paula or leisurely sail on a paddleboat on the picturesque Mayem Lake. Scuba diving at Grand Island and paragliding at Arambol beach and Bogmalo beach are some of the most opted aquatic sports in Goa along with the multiple national windsurfing events that attract the attention of the tourists to Goa's endless array of coastal and inland waterways
Goa enjoys a pleasant climate all through the year. Even though the summer is little hot, the see breeze from the sea offers solace to the heat. There are no extreme climates in Goa - the weather basically remains sunny and pleasant throughout the year. Summer has a maximum temperature of 40°C and winter has a minimum of 20°C. Medium rainfalls occur during July to September.
During the year end, one can enjoy the festivities related to major religious festivals, the Christmas and the New Year. During this period Goa is completely lit up and there will be many merry making events. There is a carnival in February and Sao Joan festival in mid-June, which are all celebrated with much fanfare.
Best season to visit this nature’s gift is all through year, even monsoon season is beautiful and attractive.
During the year end, one can enjoy the festivities related to major religious festivals, the Christmas and the New Year. During this period Goa is completely lit up and there will be many merry making events. There is a carnival in February and Sao Joan festival in mid-June, which are all celebrated with much fanfare.
Best season to visit this nature’s gift is all through year, even monsoon season is beautiful and attractive.
Though Goa is a small state, one should not underestimate its connectivity with the rest of the country. Goa has one of the best airports conforming to international norms. It also has railway stations connecting different parts of Goa with important towns and cities of India. For local and inter-state transportation, there are state run and private buses, which ply on a well-developed network of roads. Not only this, Goa has a bonus of ferry services for nearby coastal areas. Given below are transportation details in an elaborate form.
By Air:
Goa is finely linked with almost all major National and International tourist destinations through standard and recurrent flights. Tourists can board a flight to their desired destination from the Dabolim Airport in Goa near the town of Vasco da Gama. Many chartered flights connect Goa with United Kingdom and other European countries. Goa also offers international flights for some destinations in Gulf countries.
By Railway:
Goa has commendable railway tracks, which connect it to the major metro cities of India. The Konkan railways have abridged the time period of the journey to Goa and have provided a fine link with other tourist destinations in India like Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in Kerala.
By Road:
Goa has an elaborate network of roadways, which connect it with major metropolitan cities in India like Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai, through the intricate network of National Highways (NH - 4A, NH -17 and NH -17A). The bus services are frequent and easily available. They are either owned by the state (run by the Kadamba Transport Corporation), or owned privately by tourist companies or are run by the Transport Corporations of neighboring states. The buses that operate on these routes connect Mumbai, Hubli, Pune, Belgaum, Bangalore and Mangalore with Goa. The tourists can choose from a variety of buses ranging from economic to semi-sleeper and sleeper coaches to deluxe Air-conditioned buses.
By Sea:
A significant range of Cruises is available which operates between Mumbai and Panaji thus covering the complete Konkan shoreline. These cruises offer the tourists a close and spectacular vision of the Konkan coastline, which is dotted with beautiful palm trees. A new cruise, which was introduced in December 2003, plies thrice a week from Mumbai to Panaji. However, it is closed temporarily during the monsoons because of rough weather and uncertain behavior of the sea.
By Air:
Goa is finely linked with almost all major National and International tourist destinations through standard and recurrent flights. Tourists can board a flight to their desired destination from the Dabolim Airport in Goa near the town of Vasco da Gama. Many chartered flights connect Goa with United Kingdom and other European countries. Goa also offers international flights for some destinations in Gulf countries.
By Railway:
Goa has commendable railway tracks, which connect it to the major metro cities of India. The Konkan railways have abridged the time period of the journey to Goa and have provided a fine link with other tourist destinations in India like Delhi and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum) in Kerala.
By Road:
Goa has an elaborate network of roadways, which connect it with major metropolitan cities in India like Bangalore, Pune, and Mumbai, through the intricate network of National Highways (NH - 4A, NH -17 and NH -17A). The bus services are frequent and easily available. They are either owned by the state (run by the Kadamba Transport Corporation), or owned privately by tourist companies or are run by the Transport Corporations of neighboring states. The buses that operate on these routes connect Mumbai, Hubli, Pune, Belgaum, Bangalore and Mangalore with Goa. The tourists can choose from a variety of buses ranging from economic to semi-sleeper and sleeper coaches to deluxe Air-conditioned buses.
By Sea:
A significant range of Cruises is available which operates between Mumbai and Panaji thus covering the complete Konkan shoreline. These cruises offer the tourists a close and spectacular vision of the Konkan coastline, which is dotted with beautiful palm trees. A new cruise, which was introduced in December 2003, plies thrice a week from Mumbai to Panaji. However, it is closed temporarily during the monsoons because of rough weather and uncertain behavior of the sea.
Travel Packages
Lazy Lagoon Sarovar Portico, Goa - 3nt Goa
Package No.: INGOA4D3N001
Package No.: INGOA4D3N001
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