Tourism
of Goa
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.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a
soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the
prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Much of the
real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the
hinterland away from the coastal area.
Legends from Hindu
mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the
creation of Goa.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled
Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most
famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.
Goa was liberated
by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and
became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May
30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian
Republic.
Having been the meeting point of races, religions and
cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and
distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and
Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority
representation of Muslims and other religions.
All the communities
have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given
Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and
tolerant nature of the Goan people allows them to celebrate and enjoy the
festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas,
Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm.
The state of Maharashtra
borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The
vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline
for which Goa is justly famous.
Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi,
Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way
throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance
to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of
Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these
waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed
coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.
Panaji
(Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and
Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced
by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An
intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in
getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.
The vast
green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an
abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns,
mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals
and the visitors.
Along with English which is widely spoken all
over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language
Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state
Goan
cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during
the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the
Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is
not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.
Since the
arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on
the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
The tourist
season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March.
The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.
Then
the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the
full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical
thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at
its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.
Besides
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, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where
people really know how to relax.
About
Goa