Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bound by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital. Vasco da Gama (Vasco) is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture.
Goa's known history stretches back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan Empire. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the 15th century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years (one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world), until it was taken over by India in 1961.
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Well known for its beaches, Goa is visited by thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. Goa is also known for its temples and world heritage architecture including the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, which makes it one of the biggest Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
Goa has a warm and humid climate for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, with day temperatures of over 35 °C coupled with high humidity. The monsoon rain from early June to September provide a much needed respite from the heat. Goa has a short cool season from mid-December to February. These months are marked by cool nights of around 20 °C and warm days of around 29 °C with moderate amounts of humidity.
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Currency can easily be exchanged at the capital city of Panjim. Some of the bigger hotels also have this facility.
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By Road: There are several bus routes from various cities, but most traffic is mainly from Bombay and Pune but with increasing demand from the south, there has been an increase in buses and trains from Bangalore.
By Air: Dabolim Airportat Goa is used by the military so it only accepts flights during the daytime (until 4 PM ) which makes a. sensible weekend escape from elsewhere in the country effectively impossible. Goa has daily flights to and from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune (no flights return to Pune) and has flights twice a week to Chennai and Cochin.
International Flight : The nearest international airport is at Mumbai (Bombay) from where there are flights to all the major countries of the world. At Goa’s only airport, Dabolim, there are international flights to Kuwait and UAE twice a week on Air India and charter flights to the United Kingdom, Germany, Russia and Switzerland.
By Rail: Indian Railways connect Goa from Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mangalore, Ernakulam and Thiruvanantapuram (via Bangalore) and all other places in India. The destination station is usually Madgaon in Goa. There is a daily express train service from Delhi. Traveling to Goa by Konkan Railway is a real pleasure as the train passes through greenery and many tunnels.
Getting Around : A lot of tourists rent ungeared scooters which are quite easy to ride. One can also rent geared motorcycles including the popular Royal Enfield, the British motorcycle which is now manufactured in India. One can get these scooters or motorcycles from garages or from people standing on the road next to these scooters and one can expect to spend between Rs.150 - Rs. 250 a day on a scooter and a little more if one is looking for a geared motorcycle. If one is not comfortable riding in Goa or if travelling in a bigger group, one can also rent a jeep. A lot of these jeeps are open without a roof and can really help one enjoy the Goa experience and is a better way to travel around as opposed to a regular sedan. One can expect to pay around Rs. 700 - Rs. 800 a day for them. One can also use the local buses to travel to different beaches in Goa. Note that these buses are not owned by Goa municipal authorities and as such the fare can vary.
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Beaches Anjuna Beach- Close to the Chapora Fort, its key attraction is a magnificent Albuquerque Mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and an attractive Mangalore tile-roof. In the nearby village of Arpora, two colourful Saturday night bazaars are held in the non-monsoon seasons. This is still part of "alternative" Goa, though charter and other tourists also visit the place in increasing numbers to "get a feel of the hippy years".
Palolem Beach is a scenic beach in extreme south Goa. Amongst the other beaches of Goa are Patnem Beach, Vagator Beach, Morjim and Asvem, Mandrem Beach ,Candolim and Sinquerim Beaches in North Goa's Bardez taluka and Colva and Benaulim Beach. Calangute Beach - the Queen of all Beaches in Goa was once highly rated, but now tends to get crowded. Expect traffic jams along the main crowded street.
Baga Beach is a family-beach and charter tourist destination just outside Calangute.
Old Goa is the former colonial capital of Goa. Full of history, it is today home to some scenic churches and nunneries that are well maintained and worth a visit. Make sure to spend at least half day to adequately understand and appreciate the place.
Panjim (Panaji), the state-capital of Goa, is barely 9 kms from here. So it is easy to take a bus from Panjim to Old Goa. Private vehicles too ply but taxis tend to overcharge in Goa.
It is best to visit the place on foot, since there is so much of history to seep in. Local guides, some approved by the tourism department of Goa, are available. The main places to visit here are Basilica of Bom Jesus, Church of St Francis of Assisi, and the Christian Art Museum.
It is a good idea to spend time walking around the monuments and see how Old Goa fits into global history and the meeting points of cultures of another century.
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The staple diet of the Goanese people consists of rice and fish curry along with pickles and fried fish. This can be sampled at many of the beach shacks. The Goan cuisine is a blend of Portuguese and local flavours. Many dishes such as Prawn Balchao and Kingfish in Garlic have a distinct Portuguese flavour.
Dishes such as Vindaloo and Xacuti (pronounced Cha'cuti); familiar from Indian restaurant menus are originally Goan dishes.
Some of the places to eat are:
Brito's, Baga - Known for its Mix Meat Platter, this place serves continental cuisine too. The deserts offered are delectable.
Montego Bay Goa (Morjim)- This is a full fledged restaurant serving Continental, Indian, Seafood and the local Goan Cuisine
Cavala, Baga - Offers beautiful authentic Goan food in a charming setting along with great entertainment.
Most beaches have shacks that serve surprisingly delicious meals, especially sea-food and they usually consult the tourist to see how they like the food. Don't miss the shack experience.
Most fancy hotels and restaurants serve mediocre food so it is best to eat at local places. Ask a taxi driver where these are and don't let him take you to any fancy restaurants as they receive a commission. For a taste of the local flavour with clean facilities but low prices go to Caji's Place, Colva.
Alcoholic Beverages The popular alcoholic beverages in Goa is Beer and Wine. There is also the local liquor-Fenny which is quite potent and strong. It comes in 2 flavours, Cashewnut and Coconut.
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Goa has all types of hotels to suit the budget of each and every person. Accommodation in Goa is up to the mark and caters to tourists of all kinds. The different types of hotels in Goa include Five Star Hotels, Heritage Hotels, Four Star Hotels, Three Star Hotels, Two Star Hotels, Budget Hotels, Guest House / Homestay / Tourist Lodge and Wilderness Camps. All the hotels provide warm hospitality and efficient services to the tourists. Most of the hotels have their own private beaches. There are many good quality Budget Hotels in Goa.
Most of the Heritage Hotels in Goa are located near exotic beaches so that the tourist can enjoy their stay in the midst of nature. Goa offers ample opportunity for adventure sports and activities like hiking, fishing, swimming, volley ball and river cruises. Speak with the hotel authorities who might prove to be helpful in these aspects. Heritage Hotels in Goa include Hotel Panjim Inn, Panjim Pousada, Presa Di Goa, Siolim House and Tiracol Fort Heritage.
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From wines to cashew-nuts, enchanting local music to alternative books and handicrafts, Goa has a lot to offer. Goa's handicrafts include carved furniture, brassware and crochet.
In Panjim, the 18th June Road is faster emerging as a lure for shoppers and tourists. Mapusa, while hosting a traditional market each Friday, attracts a number of tourists, especially foreigners. Goa's talented goldsmiths are neatly located in a line at Mapusa's market, and in parts of Margao and Panjim. Check out traditional Goan lacquerware toys (available at the Aparant Emporia).
Located in the heart of the 'backpackers' scene, the Anjuna flea market is the place to be on Wednesday's in Goa. The Flea market, which begins around 9am and shuts down only with the setting of the sun, is a unique experience which the visitor in Goa shouldn't miss.
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There are many outdoor parties during the peak season from December to March. The number of night clubs and pubs in Goa has increased over the last few years. The popular clubs and discos are Zanzibar, Tito's, Club Cabana, Cafe Mambo's etc.
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The Carnival in Goa is a non-stop 3-day festival of color, song and music celebrated before Lent. The soothing atmosphere, full of fun- 'n' -frolic, which the Carnival generates, is much longed for. It does not matter whether one enjoys or watches others enjoying themselves. There is enthusiasm and happiness all around. It was introduced by the erstwhile rulers as a rowdy celebration in which flour; eggs, oranges, lemons, mud, sand-filled gloves along with dirty water, various liquids and glue were aimed at passersby. Used pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils were also thrown out of windows. Perhaps this was done to discard the old and the dirty before the Lent fast.
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Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is situated 52 Kms from Panaji in the foothills of the Western Ghats in Goa. There are botanical gardens, a zoo and deer park. The gardens are very pleasant.
Dona Paula - Dona Paula Bay is where two of Goa's famous rivers meet the Arabian Sea. Named after Dona Paula de Menezes, it is also called the Lovers’ Paradise. Dona Paula Beach is 7 km from Panaji. It is a picturesque spot, commanding a fine view of the Zuari River and Mormugao Harbour. Dona Paula is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water scooter facilities are also available here.
Goa's second-largest wildlife sanctuary is at Cotigao. Its terrain is fairly plain, with hills in the south and east -- at one very end of Goa. Much of the sanctuary is covered with dense forests, with a few open grass lands. Cotigao is near Poinguinim, some 44 kms from Margao. Take the Panjim to Margao road (32 kms), onto Canacona (36.8 kms) and further down for seven km on NH17 upto Poinguinim. At the left is a bold entrance board to the sanctuary. Some two kms further is the sanctuary gate at Shristhal. Entry is permitted from 7 am to 5.30 pm.
Birds are aplenty. Some 200 species can be spotted, given time and patience. These include the Indian Pied Hornbill, Larger Golden Backed Woodpecker and the Great Indian Woodpecker.
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Goa is more than just a set of scenic beaches. It has long been a meeting place of cultures, and played a role in global history in the past centuries. Visitors get the opportunity to check out local resources, meet interesting people, visit unusual institutions and generally find more than they expect here.
