About Goa Goa is a small state on the west coast of India. It has an area of 3702 sq. kms. and a population of 13,42,998 (2001 census). Goa has a coast line of 104 kms long on the west (Arabian sea), of which most is beaches and the western ghats (Sahyadri range) to the east which is a rain forest. Goa is well connected to the rest of the country by an International Airport, Sea Port, Konkan railways, South-Western railway and National Highways NH17 and NH17A.
The main industries in Goa are Tourism, Fisheries, Distilling of liquor (liquor is also cheap in Goa), Shipping and Mining. Agricultural industry in Goa is based on Cashew, Coconut, Rice and Sugarcane. Goa also has rich mineral deposits of Bauxite, Iron, Limestone, Manganese and Silica.
The landscape has many rivers originating in the Sahyadri range and flowing into the Arabian sea. The two major rivers are Zuari and Mandovi, other rivers include Talpona, Sal, Chapora and Tiracol. One third of the land is covered with forest.
Goa receives rainfall from the South West monsoons between June and September, during this period it is off season with prices of packages falling to their lowest and even the midle class can afford to enjoy in 5 stars.
Languages spoken in Goa are English, Hindi, Konkani, Marathi and Portuguese. Other then these common languages of Goa there are people who speak other north and south Indian languages and French too.
Being a tourist destination, Goa receives tourist by road, air, rail and also by cruise lines. In Goa casinos are also permitted, so one need not go to Las Veigas to enjoy one.
Goa promotes beaches, water sports, water falls, nature, archeological heritage, river cruises and casinos.
The stretch of beaches start from the northern tip of Goa in Pernem Taluka with Tiracol Fort, Querim, Kalacha, Arambol, Dunes, Mandrem, Ashvem and Morjim. Of these beaches in Pernem Arambol and Morjim are popular. This stretch being a bit away from the main cities, there are a few tourists here, so these beaches are less exploited and clean.
Coming down to Bardez Taluka we start with Chapora Fort, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Siquerim and ends with Aguada Fort. Close to Aguada Fort is also the Reis Magos Fort. This stretch is crowded as it is close and well connected to cities like Panjim, Porvorim and Mapusa. This stretch also has a concrete jungle and large number of resorts. Anjuna is well known for its flea market held on Wednesday's, this beach was once extremely popular world wide as a hippie hang out.
To the center of Goa in Tiswadi Taluka we have the capital Panjim. The popular beaches in this region are Miramar, Caranzalem, Vainguinim, Bambolim and Siridao. Miramar among them is a famous beach, apart from these we have Dona Paula a famous tourist point near Vainguinim beach.
In Mormugao we have the Dabolim Airport, Vasco-da-Gama (South Western Railway) and the Mormugao Harbour. Here we have Bogmalo, Velsao, Cansaulim and Majorda beaches. Among these Bogmalo is close to the Airport and more popular.
Further down in Salcete Taluka we have a stretch of beach that starts from Velsao and ends at Mobor. In Salcete we have Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Mobor. Colva is a famous and a crowded beach as it is close and well connected to Margao the commercial capital of Goa.
Towards the South we have Betul, Cabo-De-Rama Fort, Agonda, Palolem and a number of other beaches. Palolem is quite popular among tourists but this stretch being far the other beaches do not get many visitors.
Water sports is available at almost all the major beaches, it is provided by private operators and beach resorts. Scooter boat and motor boat ride, para sailing and scuba diving are the common activities carried out on the beaches. Mayem lake in Bicholim has padel boats operated by Govt. of Goa, which can be hired for trips in the lake, but one should have enough strength to padel around the lake.
Dudhsagar water falls is a well know and famous since the Portugues regime. As the water flows from the neighbouring state into Goa through the Western Ghats it falls from a height and is white in color. Because of its color it came to be known as Dudh (milk) sagar (ocean). The water fall is located near the border in Sanguem Taluka. The South Central railway passes just next to this fall, giving a very close view of the water fall. Other then Dudhsagar, there is Arvalem water falls in Bicholim Taluka and springs at various locations.
There are a number of nature resorts and Sanctuaries in Goa. Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary is located in Ponda Taluka, Mahaveer Wild Life Sanctuary is located in Sanguem Taluka and Cotigao Wild Life Sanctuary in Canacona. Apart from wild life sancturies there are spice farms.
Goa has a large number of ancient churches and temples. Some of the well known churches are located at Old Goa. Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, the Rachol Seminary, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Convent of St. Monica are some of the important Churches of Goa. These ancient Churches house a number of archeological treasures. There is also an meauseum displaying the heritage of Goa and the Portugues rule at Old Goa. Christian pilgrims from world over come to Old Goa to grasp a sight of the remains of St. Francis Xavier enshrined in the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Other then churches there are a number of ancient temples, Tambdi Surla in Sanguem Taluka is a beautiful one. There are many temples around Ponda city, Fatorpa (Quepem) etc. which can be visited. Apart from churches and temples there are Arvalem caves in Bicholim, Pandava caves near Rivona and a number of Forts.
There are number of boat operators in Panjim who operate river cruises in the evening. Apart from evening cruises they also provide dolphin and crocodile cruise during the day. Other then these big operators there are other small boat owners who provide dolphin and crocodile cruise.
There are casinos in most of the stared hotels, as well as flooting casinos in cruise boats. Apart from casinos there are disco-techs which promote night life in Goa.
Among the various colorful feasts and festivals that are celebrated in Goa are Carnival and Shigmo. People wait with intense enthusiasm for these occasions. Carnival is unique with the Portuguese touch and flavour and people from allover rush to Goa for this occasion. Float parades depicting a variety of scenes of tradition and folklore are also held in different parts of Goa. Holi in Goa is celebrated as Shigmotsav, which is a festival of goodbye to winter and welcome to spring celebrated with colour, songs and dances. Float parades depicting a variety of scenes of mythology are also held in different parts of Goa. Diwali is also celebrated in Goa in a special way with the float parades of the effigy of Narkasur (a demon from the epic Mahabharata, who is burned in the early hours of the Diwali morning marking the end of evil), depicting a variety of scenes of mythology in different parts of Goa.
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