India Travel Guide

See famous cities & top major highlights

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Goa

Breathtaking coastal views stretching up to 100 km, Goa falls in the category of the finest tourist places in the world. Besides palm-fronted beaches and inviting azure waters there is much more to it.

Goa - Where even the Sun Worship the Sea
Many moods of life....caressed by nature... Silvery sands cascading into turquoise turbulence.....Waves receding marking the golden beaches with shells. Sun burnt colonial cottages and white washed chruches standing in mute testimony to a glorious past. Wondrous cuisine, mouth watering flavours and aromas whiffing in the air. Beckoning and era bygone. Unveiling the moods of life in an alluring land - Goa.

Goa - The Land Of Exotica
Bathed in the warmth, washed in the waves, the sands embalming the spirit of time. Colours of life transforming the bright yellow to a fiery orange and to a mysterious rust; all merging into a pensive blue. Sheer poetry of life coming into existence in an amalgamation of celebrations-celebrating the joy of being in a land that is Goa.

Legancy of a Glorious Past Goa
For centuries Goa has taken in its folds dynasties and religions-Mauryas, Kadambas, Yadavas, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Aryans and Delhi Sultans. Each era leaving behind an indelible mark on the sands of Goa. A collage of the Portuguese architecture, Oriental richness and Imperial grandeur, all blending into one culture-Goan!

Sun, Sand and Sea
Goa is endowed with a coastline that stretches to almost 100km. Pristine, palm fronted beaches entice tourists with their inviting azure waters. Though Calangute, Vagator, Anjuna and Baga beaches are part of the same coastline, each is different in its natural beauty and temperament. There are a wide variety of places to stay and eat suiting every budget. The action point has shifted from Calangute, the paradise of the sixties to the adjacent Baga beach. Anjuna Beach is famous for its Wednesday flea market and its ability to attract all kinds of eccentrics and die-hard hippies.

Abode Of Gods
Built in the 16th century, Basilica of Bom Jesus is the most popular and famous of the churches of Goa. Dedicated to Infant Jesus, the mortal remains of St.Francis Xavier, kept in a rich casket are enshrined here. Other than Basilica of Bom Jesus the Church of Our Laldy of Rosary, the Se Catthedral with its 14 splendid altars and the convent of St.Francis of Assisi are some of the other magnificent sites.

The Hindu Gods are partial to Goa too! The better known temples include Shri Shanta Durga, Shri Mangeshi, Shri Saptakoteshwar and Tambdi Surla temples. Mahadeva temple at Tambdi Surla is the only specimen of Kadamba Yadav architecture of the 13th century in Basalt.

Cruises & Outings
River cruises and other past times: The most popular cruise on the river Mandovi is Santa Monica. Situated near the typically Goan village of Aldona is a mineral water spring of Pomburpa which can be approached by a short cruise. Water sports facilities are available at Dona Paula, 7 km from Panaji, the state capital. Dona Paula also offers a magnificent view of the Zauri river estuary and Mormugao harbor. 60km from Panaji are Dudhsagar falls, plummeting hundreds of feet, cascading to form one of the richest ecosystems.

Goa- Where Life Is A Perpetual Celebration
Three days a year Goa surrenders to the spirit of fun & frolic and celebrates the Carnival. A Portuguese legacy,Goans celebrate the Carnival with dances, music, food and festivities and float parades in all the major towns. Held usually in February, the Carnival exudes the spirit of joie de vivre, with tourists and locals dancing in the streets. The mixed culture of Goa is manifest in other festivals too. The dance forms like Kunbi & Mando are vivid examples of this fusion of Oriental and Western cultures-with predominantly western music and oriental movements.

Wine & Dine In Goan Style
Mouth watering Goan dishes to suit every palate-from Chicken Xacuti and Pork Sorpatel to Prawn Balchao- are a must of every visitor's itinerary. Apart from the ubiquitous sea food, Goa offers some of the very best of Chinese, Punjabi, Continental, South Indian, and course, Portuguese restaurants. Cashew feni and Coconut Palm feni complete the heady experience of dining in Goa. Appreciated the world over, drinking Feni is a singularly Goan experience. It is potent, has a very distinctive aroma, and is an experience not to be missed.

How to Reach Goa

Air - Goa's only airport, Dablolim International Airport, is about 30 km from Panaji, the Capital of Goa.

Rail - Two main Railway Stations in Margao and Vasco Da Gama are connected with major cities in India including Bangalore, Hyderabad, etc.

Road - Goa is connected by motorable roads to all the major cities in India via National Highway NH 4A, NH 17 and NH 17 A.