Location
The state of Goa is situated on the western coast of the Indian peninsula.
It is bounded by the states of Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the
east and south. The Arabian sea covers its shores on the western part. The
capital city of Panaji is also the major connecting point of the state with
the rest of the world while Vasco da Gama or Vasco is the largest town.
Climate of Goa
Goa has a temperate climate. The temperatures remain moderate with very
less variations during different seasons. The monsoon season starts in the
month of June and extends till the end of September. The weather is
generally nice and sunny with temperatures ranging between 23 to 32 degrees
Celsius. The rainy season witnesses an average rainfall of about 200 - 250
cm. After the monsoons, the skies clear up making way for sun which shines
brightly over the state for the rest of the year.
Accessibility
Goa can be accessed by air through the Dabolim Airport which is situated at
a distance of about 29 km. from Panaji. A well-built rail network connects
Goa to other major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.
Many express, super-fast and passenger trains are available from the two
main railway stations of the state which are situated in Margao and Vasco da
Gama. Kadamba bus station in Panaji has regular buses of Maharashtra, Goa
and Karnataka roadways providing inter state bus services. Boat services are
also available between Mumbai and Panaji.
Culture of Goa
Goa is a mix of many cultures and languages. Thanks to its motley past
which saw people of various communities coming and settling here. Konkani is
the mother tongue of the Goans while Marathi is also widely spoken. Being a
popular tourist destination, English language is also in wide use to offer
the tourists a friendly and convenient environment. The main religions of
the state are Hinduism and Christianity which make up for about 95% of the
total population. Among other religions are Islam and Buddhism. The people
of Goa are very friendly and fun loving who believe in enjoying life to the
fullest. The Goan food is generally very spicy. Rice, fish and coconut are
the three ingredients which are used to prepare most of the Goan dishes. Sea
food including prawns, crabs and lobster are particularly relished by the
people.
Tourist
Attractions of Goa
Goa has a lot to offer including sunny beaches, beautiful churches and
temples. The tourist attractions of the place grip the visitors who leave
the place with indelible memories only to come back over and again.
Panaji
Panaji, the capital of Goa and one of the main towns of north Goa district,
is the first place you touch down upon when coming to Goa. Panaji does not
boast of great buildings or many tourist attractions but the traditional way
in which the place is preserved still attracts visitors from far and wide.
The town is full of beautiful red roofed houses built in Latin style,
fascinating gardens and statues. The main tourist attractions here are
library, Braganza Institute, Jama Masjid, Mahalaxmi Temple, St Thome Quarter
and Sebastian Chapel.
Churches and Temples of Goa
Goa is dotted with many churches and temples which are a witness to the
glorious past of the state. A pilgrimage to Goa is a different experience
considering the variety of religions that exist here. Some of the famous
churches of the state are Church of Our Lady of Rosary, The Rachol Seminary,
Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom
Jesus. Among the main temples are Brahma Temple, Shri Bhagavati Temple, Shri
Datta Mandir, Shri Damodar Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple, Devaki-Krishna
Temple and the Shri Gomanteshwar Temple.
Festivals of Goa
Many Hindu festivals are celebrated in the state along with Christian
festivals, a fact that would surprise many people who think of Goa as a
Christian majority state. Hindu festivals Mahashivratri is an important
festival of the Hindus which is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva. Goa
Carnival, a three-day festival is perhaps the most famous among tourists.
The festival involves dance, music and merrymaking. The festival is
celebrated across the state in all the main Shiva temples. Christian
Festivals The festival of the 'Feast of the Three Kings' is celebrated on
January 6 each year. The festival of Holi as celebrated in other parts of
the country is celebrated as Shigmotsav in this part of the state. The
festival which is celebrated with water and colors marks an end to the
winter season. Other festivals of Goa include the Food and Cultural
Festival, Artist's Camp, Pop, Beat and Jazz Music Festival and Bhajan
Competition.
Beaches
of Goa
Goa also known as the beach capital of India, with its more than 100 km.
long coastline touts of some of the most stunning beaches in the world. The
beaches of Goa are much more popular than some of the other beaches in
India. There are a lot of facilities available for the tourists including
water sports. You can hang up your boots while on the beach sipping on a
chilled glass of Fenni or plan a bonfire by the night. Situated at a
distance of around 50 km. north of Panaji, Arambol is a small village which
has two of the most enchanting beaches of Goa. It is easily accessible with
good accommodation facilities available for tourists.
The town of Mapusa, situated in the northernmost part of Goa, has many
beautiful beaches including Calangute beach, Baga beach, Arjuna beach and
the Small Vegetor and Big Vegetor beach. Panaji houses a lot of captivating
beaches all around it. Some of those are Dona Paula beach, Miramar beach,
Bambolim beach and Bogmalo beach. Some of the main beaches in and around
Margao are Colva beach, Benaulim beach, Mobor beach and the Majorda beach.
