Introduction
For
those who want to be at the paradise and relish a hitch without spending big
bucks, for them Goa is the ultimate lace to be in. Goa is sobriquet as the
beach capital. Being a Portuguese colony until 1962, Goan culture and
heritage reflect her colonial past. This unending heritage will send your
soul into a trance. Sleepy villages, long enchanting coastal line, rice
fields and picturesquely settled churches, forts, cascades and huts- Goa
will give you sheer delight of soul.
Goan culture, architecture, cuisine and lifestyle are considered as the most
westernized in modern India. Music, dance, poetry, visual arts, folklores
are the main heart beats of its throbbing life. Christian legacy and the
mediaeval architectural style of churches have added stunning glitter to the
Goan charm. Be it Fenny, be it Carnival, Be it watersports, Or rave parties,
Goa will cast a spell on you.
General Info
¤ Capital City - Panaji
¤ Time Zone - + 5.30 GMT
¤ Area - 3,702 sq. km.
¤ Highest Peak - Sonsogad (3,827 ft)
¤ Local tongue - Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and
English
Climate/Best Time to Visit
Tropical climate of Goa is known for balmy weather round the year. It rains
here heavily just after summer months of March to June. Summers are very
humid and humidity minimizes during March to May. Mercury rises at 35 º
C in summer and remains at a soothing level of 20 º C during winter.
Places to Visit
» Panaji (Panjim)
Capital city of Goa, Panaji is known for sonorous bells of the church of the
Lady of Immaculate Conception and loud cheers of party mongers both. Idalcao
Palace, Brazilian Institute, Chapel of St. Sebastian, Caravela and Panjim
Jetty are some of the major attractions of this exotic city.
» Vasco-da-Gama
Located by the Zuari river and the Arabian Sea, this flourishing town
houses Dabolim Airport, Mormubao Port and Goa's naval base. Pilot Point,
Japanese Garden, Naval Aviation Museum and Saptah Festival at Damodar Temple
are some other attractions of the town.
» Margao
The capital of Salcete province and commercial hub of South Goa, Margao, is
a stop over for the tourists going to Goan beaches. Church of the Holy
Spirit at Margao represents Baroque architecture and Monte Hill offers a
good view of whole area.
Getting There
Goa is well-connected with all the major cities of India with regular
flights. Nearest airport is at Dabolim, near port town of Vasco-da-Gama. It
is 30 km from Panaji and owned by Indian Navy. It takes now 8 hours to reach
Goa from Mumbai by Konkan Railway. Goa is linked with all the major towns of
the country via NH 4 A, NH 17 and NH 17 A. Buses operate from Goa to most of
the cities and luxurious car rentals or taxis are also available for the
tourists.
