Goa Tourism
GOA has over the centuries, opened its doors and its heart to the Mauryan, Kadambas, Yadavs, Chalukyas, Dravidians, Arynas, Delhi Sultants, Vijaynagar rulers, Bahamani Sultans, Arabs, Persians and Jews. Finally in 1510 an event took place that was to leave an idelible mark on this
"Pearl of the Orient".
A Portuguese explorer, Afonso de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451 years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became a part of the Indian Union .
Goa's over 100 kms long coastline is studded with some of the world's loveliest beaches - Calangute, Colva, Baga, Vagator and Miaramar. Golden Beaches, Blue Skies and Pale Green Hills, Silvery Sand fringed with palms - this is Goa - the land of Paradoxes, the land of Fun and Frolic, of calm and tranquility.
Goa indeed is enviously adorned. An amalgamation of religious architecture, built in the 16th century, it was a city with awe inspiring Cathedrals. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the St. Cathedral with its fourteen splendid altars, and the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi are the magnificent sites to visit. The known temples are the Sri Shanta Durga at Kavlem, Shri Mangest Temple, Sri Saptakoteshwar Mukhalinga and the Drivaidian Sri Malikarju Temple at Canacona. The brief tenure of Islam has left mosque of the Namazgah and the ruins of the Safa Masjid at Ponda. A visit to the Museum of Christian Art, 12 kms from Margao in the South Goa is a must housing artifacts from private collectors and from the churches 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.
Goa Places to See
Panaji: The capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, a small a charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid garden, statues and avenue's lined with Gulmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchantit panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill Top).
Goa Wildlife
The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms. The widest belt of forests along the western ghats is in Goa and neighbouring Karnataka state. The high rainfall accounts for this because the elevation of the mountain range here is lower.
Cuisine in Goa
Visitors to Goa tend to think that food and drink in Goa means the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. And for most Goans these are indeed the three basic necessities of life -- fish, curry and rice. They combine to make a heavenly daily meal for the average Goan. But Goan cuisine, like the land itself, has many flavours and tastes with its vast treasure trove of culinary delicacies.
North Goa
North Goa is known and loved as a land of golden beaches, palm trees, paddy fields and wooded hills. Its churches, temples, shrines and forts tell its history. It is associated with music, the famous Goan cuisine and most of all with a peace-loving , smiling people.
Churches in Goa
One of Goa's important institutions, Goa's famous and magnificent churches are largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization Church building was one of the main occupations of the early Portuguese and in fact one of Vasco da Gama's main missions for finding the sea route to India was to "seek Christians and spices".
Goa People and Lifestyle
Goa's isolation from the rest of India for more than four centuries under the Portuguese rule, its geographical borders in the form of the Sahyadri ranges and the tidal rivers have managed to give the people of Goa a unique and separate identity. The people of Goa prefer to call themselves Goans and not Goanese as mentioned in guidebooks and brochures. Goans are very much aware of this unique identity; they are proud of it and guard it fiercely.
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