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DESTINATION GUIDE INDIA - GOA

ABOUT GOA

Goa's history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan empire. Later, at the beginning of the Christian era, it was ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur. Control eventually passed on to the Chalukyans of Badami, who ruled from 580 to 750 AD. Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312, but Harihara I of the Vijayanagar Empire, whose capital was at Hampi, forced the invaders out in 1370. Over the next 100 years, Goa's harbours were important landing places for ships carrying Arabian horses to the Vijayanagar cavalry at Hampi. 

Blessed as it is with natural harbours and wide rivers, Goa was the ideal base for the seafaring Portuguese who arrived in 1510. They aimed to control the spice route from the east and had a strong desire to spread Christianity. Jesuit missionaries, led by St Francis Xavier, arrived in 1542.

Beaches are the most attractive and frequented spots in Goa. In fact, Goa is almost synonymous with beaches. Nearly the entire coastline is dotted with world-class beaches, which acquire their names after the nearby village or locality. Two continuous stretches of beaches - northern and southern stretches - mark the Goan.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS AND PLACES - GOA

Panaji: The capital of Goa is a heritage location with many renowned Churches and buildings constructed in Gothic style, situated on the left bank of the Mandovi river. The church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, the Chapel of St. Sebastian, the Goa State Museum, the Secretariat building, the statue of Abbe Faria are must-see stops on the itinerary of any tourist.

Old Goa: The holy Basilica of Bom Jesus, houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage center among Roman Catholics. Other well-known churches are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine.

Dona Paula: This popular beach, which is 7 km from Panaji, derives its name from the daughter of a viceroy who chose to kill herself when forbidden to marry the man she loved. This beach is also called Lovers Paradise. This beach offers various water sports activities including water-scooter rides motorboat rides, windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.

Calangute Beach: Perhaps the best known of Goa's beaches, this beach is a stretch of 7 kilometers of golden sand. Curving across the coastline of North Goa, Calangute beach is popular with people of all ages. Food and trinket stalls add to the tourist attractions of the idyllic beach itself.

Colva and Benaulim Beaches: Located in South Goa, 20 km from Panaji, these beautiful beaches are quieter and more laid back than the more popular beaches near Panaji. Colva beach is stretches for 20 km and is Goa's longest beach. The festival at the local church, bull fights in the vicinity and stalls on the beach selling trinkets are some of the attractions of this beautiful getaway.

Please note that there are no nude beaches in India and nudity may offend local customs.

Temples of Goa: Goa has a number of Hindu temples that have historical significance. Temples worth visiting are the Shri Mangesha Temple, the Shanta Durga Temple, the Shri Ganesha Temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple, and the Shri Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Shri Anantha Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple and Devaki-Krishna Temple.

Anjuna Beach: Located 18 km from Panaji, this beach, popular among young revelers, was known for being a favourite hippie party spot in the 1970's. Even today the Anjuna beach is the site of trance parties, on moonlit nights. A flea market on Wednesdays, where trinkets and memorabilia can be bought is also a popular tourist attraction.

HOW TO REACH - GOA

» By Air - Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa.

» By Rail - It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening of the Konakan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably. From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach the desired destinations.

» By Road - Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji.