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Goa is lively
and modern, with many western style entertainments. there is
a choice of luxurious hotels with plenty of night life, or simplicity
and tranquility in one of the inexpensive, clean and comfortable
rooms with their own charm, right on the beach. The Portuguese
influenced food is mouthwatering. Choose massive fish steaks
fresh from the sea or a wide and delicious choice of both continental
and Indian dishes. Panaji, the capital, is an easy-going town
with Portuguese styled cafes, whitewashed churches and overhanging
balconies; a delight after your journey. Old Goa, east of Panaji,
was once the capital of the eastern Portuguese Empire. Now,
it is little more than a fascinating small village surrounded
by huge convents and churches dedicated to the zeal of Christianity,
including the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi and
the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. The mortal remains of St.
Francis Xavier, who spread Christianity among the subjects of
the Portuguese colonies, are entombed here. Which beach to choose
from along the 100km long coastline of silvery sand. Possibly
Colva with its warm turquoise sea and fishermen hauling in their
nets by hand in the clear morning light as they chant an ancient
sea song; or maybe sophisticated Aguada, with its jet-set beach
and sixteenth century fort. Try the experience of a full-moon
party at Anjuna, or mingle with the variety of people in Calangute
selling handicrafts, jewellery and modern fabrics. Enjoy the
old Portuguese fort in Chapora, surrounded by secluded and sandy
beaches and dense green coconut palms. Visit all the beaches
or just adopt one and make it your home. Wild boar and sambar
in their natural habitat in the hills of the Western Ghats can
be seen in Bondla, one of the Goan wildlife sanctuaries. In
addition, the region is justly famous for its many colourful
festivals, including Mardi Gras, celebrated with Christian fervour.
There are so many delights in Western India and so many glorious
choices; from the vibrant life of commercial Bombay to the home
of the indomitable Mahatma Gandhi then down to the peace and
magic of sunny Goa - the choice is yours. As a matter of fact
the Goa is for relaxation and experience the idyllic peace.
If you have ever dreamt of a warm land of space and light, where
the beaches stretch for silvery miles, where the glittering
sea always beckons you, where the people are always smiling,
where the succulent juice from a bite of ripe pineapples or
papaya drips on your hot skin as you luxuriate lazily on the
white sand, then Goa, a fascinating blend of Latin and Indian
cultures, will be a place where the wish to linger will be overpowering.
Area: 3,660 sq km
People: Goan
Population : Approx 1.6 million
Religion: Hindu, Muslim and Christian
Climate : Maximum: 34° C and Minimum: 20° C
Language: Konkani, Marathi, Portuguese, English
Best times to visit : Throughout the year (November to
February is pleasant while June to September is rainy season).
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Goa Beaches
Beaches of Goa are much ahead of other beaches in India
in terms of popularity and the facilities that are available
here. The beaches here have been accepted as a matter of life,
there are exotic cuisine backing the pleasure of have on sun
and sand, and water sports facilities that include from water
scooters to water gliding. To add on you can shake your legs
for some time with a glass of feni and beer, engaged in shopping
on the beachside, or have midnight bonfire on the beach.
Important Beaches of Goa are
Anjuna Goa Beach , Arambol Goa Beach , Agonda Goa Beach
, Calangute Goa Beach , Colva Goa Beach , Dona Paula Goa Beach
, Miramar Goa Beach , Palolem Goa Beach , Vagator Goa Beach
.
River cruises
Daily river cruises are run both by the GTDC and La Goa Travels.
The hour-long sunset and sundown cruises takes you down the
river Mandovi from Panaji's Bombay jetty returning after doing
a round of Miramar beach while a professional troupe entertains
you with folk dances and songs.
Institute Menezes Braganza
The walls of lobby of the Institute of Menezes Braganza, which
houses the Central Library, are lined azulejos, Portuguese painted
and glazed decorative tiles created by use of cobalt blue paint
on white tin-glaze. They depict scenes of Vasco da Gama's journey
from Lusiadas, the epic poem composed by the Portuguese national
poet Camoes, who visited Goa at the height of its glory in the
16th century.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Spread over 1.78 sq km and located at the western tip of the
island of Chorao along the river Mandovi, the Salim Ali Bird
Sanctuary is an idyllic, mangrove retreat criss-crossed by a
maze of tributaries and inland streams. A variety of local as
well as migratory birds breed and visit the area. The sanctuary
can be visited any time of the year with the permission of the
Chief Wild Life Warden, Forest Department, Junta House, Panaji.
The sanctuary can be reached on foot after crossing over on
the Ribandar - Chorao ferry. An ideal way to see the sanctuary
is to take a boat tour on a canoe fitted with an outboard motor.
Goa State Museum
At Patto. This is a vast storehouse of invaluable objects gleaned
from several sources. From the former state museum at St. Inez,
it has a fine collection of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian art
which includes sculptures, paintings, coats of arms, coins,
manuscripts and woodcraft. Since its inauguration in 1996 it
has added several galleries. One is devoted to former governor
of Goa, Bannerjee's private collection which includes artefacts
from the Indus Valley, Gandhara art, miniature and modern paintings,
as well as Buddhist and other objects from various countries
in South East Asia, and Nepal. There is also a gallery of contemporary
art and one of religious music, manuscripts and utensils. One
gallery houses the Institute Menezes Braganza's treasured collection
which has, among other things, signed limited edition prints
by great impressionist painters Matisse, Braque, Renoir, Rousseau
and Cezanne, dozens of original paintings by Indian, Goan and
European artists, including M F Husain, bronze statuettes by
French sculptors, coins and stamps, priceless antiques, as well
as the original table from the Goa Inquisition. Popular with
visitors are two lottery machines dating from the Portuguese
era. The museum plans to add several more galleries this year
on anthropology, Goa's freedom struggle, landscape, and one
on Goa's flora and fauna to be set up by the WWF.
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. Entrance free.
Mormugao Fort
Dating back to 1624, this was once the most important of coastal
forts, situated at the extreme northwestern point of Salsete
and guarding the entrance to the port. An inscription over the
gate reads (in translation from the Portuguese): The Catholic
King Dom Filippe, the third of this name, reigning in Portugal,
Dom Francisco da Gama, fourth Count of Vidigueira, Admiral of
India, a member of His Majesty's Council and a Gentleman of
the Royal Household, being Viceroy for the second time, this
Fortress was begun, the first stone being laid on ...April 1624…."
The fortress, about 10 km in circumference, contained 20 bulwarks,
three magazines, five prisons, a chapel and quarters for the
guard. There were two beautiful fountains. One, the Fonte de
Malabar, bore the royal arms and was said to spring from a gold
mine. The other, Fonte de Santo Ignacio, had a more modest origin
in a sulphur mine.
Nothing much is left today except some ramparts of the citadel
of the fortress, which towers above the harbour. Part of the
wall and a small chapel have survived. The fort is worth a visit
if only for the magnificent view it commands.
Mormugao harbour
One of the finest anchorages on the West Coast of India, the
harbour is the principal centre of economic activity in Goa.
While Goa's other former anchorage, Aguada, was virtually closed
to navigation during the monsoons, Mormugao is accessible at
all times. Sheltered by the laterite plateau abutting it, it
has been further protected by a breakwater wall.
The principal exports are of iron ore, especially to Japan,
and it is for this that most of the foreign vessels come in.
There is plenty of coastal trade with other parts of the country,
especially Mumbai, and there are usually several steamers and
vessels anchored in stream.
The illuminated ships and bright harbour lights reflecting in
the waters of the bay make a fine sight at night.
One place for a fine sea view is the head office of the mining
concern Chowgule and Company, which is at the far end of the
harbour, at the edge of the Sada headland.
Another place is three km long Baina beach, which lies directly
across the waters from the outer anchorage of the harbour and
commands a perfect view of the ships anchored in mid-stream.
Unfortunately, Baina has acquired notoriety as Goa's red-light
district.
It is also a naval station with restricted areas. Keep a lookout
for warning notices. |
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Goa
Carnival
Carnival in Goa is now what it was meant to be: a people feast
and not a spectacle to lure tourists and consumers. The Carnival
in Goa is essentially a spring festival celebrated with joy
and revelry on the beautiful beaches of Goa. The erstwhile Portuguese
settlement of Goa sings, dances and makes merry through the
days and nights of the Carnival. The most famous celebration
of Goa appeals to a wide range of tourists from around the world.
Get going to the Goa Carnival and make merry.
Phalgun
Shigmotsavor or Shigmo: All over Goa, Special celebrations at
Panaji, Mapusa, Vasco Da Gama and Margoa. A Spring festival
celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun in March.It
is a grand five day festival of colour, celebrated distinctively
in the villages, corresponding with Holi or Spring Festivals.
Shigmo is universally celebrated in Goa, but specially in Panaji,
Mapusa, Vasco Da Gama and Margoa.
Ghodemodni or Parade of the horse riders, is part of Shigmo
and is found in Fatorpa and Bicholim. Hypnotic and rhythmic
music of drums and Whistles accompany the martial dance, which
Parades down the main street, imitating horses and their riders.
Rombat takes place on the second and third day of Shigmo. It
is a Procession of men in traditional dress carrying banners
and umbrellas dancing to the music of drums. Young boys wave
green twigs, signifying the arrival of spring
Drama Festivals form an important part of Shigmo with most villages
staging plays during the week.
Holi is celebrated as Gulal or Rangapanchami at Sri Damodar
Temple in Zambaulin.
Bhadra-Pada
Ganesh Chaturthi birthday of Lord Ganesh, the most important
deity in the Konkan, and is celebrated all over Goa. Thousand
return to Goa for this festival, which is associated with good
Harvest.
Novidade In each village, the first offering is is made to the
church and the paddy specially blessed. No farmer, will harvest
his rice crop before it is offered in a ceremony called 'Novidade'
in which the parish priest himself harvests sheaf of rice and
returns with it to the Church, Local people accompany him with
music, fire works and Jubilation . It is a true feast day for
all. Women folk of Goa's earliest tribal settlers perform a
dance called Bhandup in half second half of the month.
Paush
Malni Purnima is the festivals at Sri Devaki Krishna Temple
at Marcel. The Zatra of Shri Shantadugra is held at Dhargal
in Pernem. The deity is taken out of the temple in a colourful
procession for the day. The annual Zatra of Shri Shantadurga
at Kunkoliemkarin at Fatorpa in Quepem also falls in this month.
Thousands flock to attend the festival from afar. Zatra in all
Temples, of special importance being at Mangueshi, Nagueshi,
Ramnathi, Kavlem, Madki, Kundai, Shiroda, Khandepar, Borim,
Kapileshwari, Mulgaon, Fatorpa, Amona, Mashel, Mala-Panaji,
Mapusam, Velinga, Karmali, and Calangute.
The Datta Jayanti is celebrated as the annual festival at Shri
Datta Temple at Dattawadi, Sanquelim. |
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By Road
: For the road runners, there are three national highways
intersecting Goa, from the north, NH-17 which is the Bombay-Goa
route; from the east, NH-4A which is the Goa-Belgaum route;
and from the south, NH-17 which is the Goa-Karwar route. The
roads in Goa are generally in good condition. For most tourists
road travel essentially means bus travel.
By Air : Undoubtedly, this is the preferred mode of travel,
Goa is a short 45min flight from Mumbai. There are also daily
flights to and fro from Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, Delhi and
Cochin.
By Rail : Though Goa always had access by rail, this
mode of travel has now shifted into high gear with the opening
of the Konkan Railway, a semi government initiative. The Konkan
Railway connects the western coastal areas of India and starts
from Mumbai and passes via Goa to Mangalore with connections
to almost every city and town en route. The main train stations
in Goa are Margao and Vasco da Gama. |
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