Churches
of Goa
At
Goa you will find some amazing buildings and structures that were erected
during the Portuguese occupation. Amongst the important structures special
reference has been given to churches. A large number of tourists and
travellers find their way to these popular attractions. Other than their
building structure these churches are also famous for historical events
associated with them. Some popular churches in the state are
Church Of Our Lady Rosary,
Convent and Church of St
Francis,
Basilica
De Bom Jesus Church,
Se
Cathedral Church,Convent and Church of the Cross of Miracles, Royal
Chapel of St Anthony, the Chapel of St Catherine, the Church and Convent of
St Monica, The Church of Camelites.
Goa - Wildlife
A part of Sahayadiri ranges fall in the state of Goa. These small hilly
ranges of the Western Ghats homes to a great many species of birds. Moving
away from the hills and towards the Arabian Sea tropical climate takes over.
The warm temperature and the loamy soil helps the vegetation and so does the
low lying hills. These hills are responsible for adequate rainfalls and
forest growth is more spread over here. A mere ten percent of the land area
in Goa constitutes the wildlife reserves. Even though, some exotic bird and
animal species are found in Goa. Important wildlife sanctuaries include
Bhagvan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary,
Cotiago Wildlife
Sanctuary,
Salim
Ali Bird Sanctuary,
Bondla Sanctuary,
Netravali
Wildlife Sanctuary.
Goa Resorts
Goa, often referred to as the 'beach paradise', draws thousands of tourists
from India as well as different parts of the world. For these tourists Goa
offers plenty of accommodation options including some of the finest resorts
of the world. These resorts, known for their contemporary amenities and warm
hospitality, provide you a comfortable and memorable stay. Moreover, most of
the resorts in Goa have luxury spas, which offer Ayurveda therapies to unite
your body, mind and soul. Far from the hustle and bustle of cities, Goa
resorts take you to a secluded world, where you can relax, relax and relax.
Goa Carnival
Goa Carnival, the most eagerly awaited festival in Goa is celebrated every
year in the month of February for three days and nights. A unique and
exclusive festival to Goa, Goa Carnival was introduced by the Portuguese who
ruled over the state around 500 years. Initially started as a rowdy
celebration by the local people, the Goa Carnival has now crossed the
boundaries of the state and attracts thousands of people from almost all
parts of the country. A number of events epitomizes the festival including
parades with bands, dances and songs with colourful costumes, stage play,
mock battles etc.
Art & Culture
Goa, a cultural bridge between the east and the west, boasts of rich art
and culture. The Portuguese had ruled over Goa from 1510 to 1961 and their
influences are still visible in Goa’s art and culture. Often referred
to as ‘a land of crafts and craftsmen,’ today, Goa is known all
over the world for its arts and crafts. Highlights of the Goan art forms are
bamboo craft, brass metals, woodcarving, seashell craft, wooden lacquer ware
and pappier-mache etc. Apart from these, music, dance and floklore also form
an important part of Goan life. Besides, Goa is also famous for rich culture
and warm hospitality, the glimpses of which you can see everywhere right
from cities to town and churches to beaches.
Goa Cuisine
Any trip to Goa is a culinary experience, perhaps unparalleled along the
western coast up till the God’s Own Country, Kerala in the south. Apart
from delectable local cuisine and delicious seafood, Goa offers the myriad
influences from a number of continents in its cuisine. Some of the most
popular dishes are Pork Vindaloo, Sorpotel and Chicken Xacuti. Sweets also
forms an important part of Goa cuisine, in fact, a wide array of sweets and
flavours will pamper your taste buds.
Goa Cruises
Apart from its serene beaches, Goa’s beautiful rivers and lakes also
attract visitors for some of the world’s finest cruising experience. In
Goa, river cruises and sea cruises are the adventurous way to explore the
far flung areas. River cruises are available in various options such as
Sunset Cruise, Sundown Cruise, Full Moon Cruise, Pleasure Cruise, Dolphin
Fantasy Cruise, Pearl of the Orient and Backwater Thrills. Sea Cruise is
offered by the Super Star Libra, a world-class floating resort operated by
Star Cruises. Super Star Libra offers sea cruises in varied options like
Kadmat Island-Goa Cruise, Kochi-Goa Cruise and Goa Cruise.
Water Sports in Goa
A trip to Goa is incomplete without indulging in some of the water sports.
Boasting of a wonderful coast, Goa offers a range of water sports for the
adventure seekers. An exclusive feature of Goa, water Sports are offered by
the star hotels and a number of private operators. While you are in Goa you
can indulge yourself in water sports like Parasailing, Jet-Skiing,
Water-Skiing, Knee and Wake Boarding, Windsurfing, Speedboat rides,
Catamaran Sailing and Sea fishing.
People &
Lifestyle in Goa
Goa’s population is a mixture of Hindus (65 %), Christians (30 %),
Muslims and several other religions. Hindus are dominant in the talukas
(districts) of Sanguem, Ponda, Satari, Quepem Bicholim, Pernem and Canacona,
while the talukas of Mormugao, Bardez, Salcete and Tiswadi is dominated by
the Christians. Of course, different religions separate Goan people, but Goa’s
identity is far different from any religious boundary. In fact, people of
Goa love to introduce themselves first as Goans and then as Hindu,
Christians, Muslims and others. Goans are also known all over the world for
their unique and relaxed lifestyle. Music and dance are the essential part
of Goans, while in food and drink they love their traditional dishes,
seafood and feni. Fairs, and festivals, nightlife, rave parties are also an
important part of Goa’s life.
Nightlife of Goa
Goa is a state which never sleeps and due to its unique feature it serves
up a variety of things to do at night. Nightlife of Goa attracts people from
cities and towns of the state and neighbouring states. A full-night party in
any of the Goa’s beach shacks is a fine option to drink and dance all
through the night or you may enjoy some of the delectable cuisine in any of
restaurant by the beach. Some of the popular nightlife options in Goa
include a lavish dinner in Panaji, Mapusa, Margao or Vasco, European food in
the sea-side restaurant, rave parties in bars, cruising through the Mandovi
river by night and gambling away the evening in the casinos.
Shopping
A visit to Goa is incomplete unless you bring back some souvenir from this
beach paradise. Shopping in Goa is an exciting affair, you may buy a wide
variety of items from the big city markets or small beach-side markets.
Apart from these, Goa is also known for its flea markets like Anjuna
Wednesday Flea Market and Anjuna Saturday Night Market. A wide range of
items are on offer in these Goan markets such as clothes, shoes, jewellery,
semi-precious stones, flowers, bags, handicrafts, traditional Goan items,
homemade pickles, sweets spices, baked delicacies, fruits, vegetables and
dry fish.
Transportation for Goa
Airlines : Dabolim Airport situated about 30 kms from the
capital city Panjim serves both national and domestic flights. A number of
airline services are available including Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and
Sahara Airlines. These services connect the state with other cities and
states.
Railways : Goa is further connected by the Konkan railways
with the neighbouring cities and states. Major railheads are located in
Margao and Vasco-Da-Gama.
Roadways : Kadamba bus stand, located at Panaji, is the
main bus stand that sees the checking in and out of the long distance buses.
Bus services are also popular means of transportation and commutation within
the cities.
Boat Services : Some vessels operate between Goa and
Mumbai. Besides that one can avail ferries to move into the adjacent
townships.
Along
the west coast of India lies a small state, beauty of a place and as live as
can be. Goa - with its pristine beauty and its sublime character intoxicates
the travellers that pass through. It is a gateway to the seas of happiness
witholding waves of contend. If you can't be merry here then you better quit
considering your travel plans and schedules.
