The most comprehensive beach resort in the country, Goa is approachable from Bombay by air. Goa’s coastline provides endless sun drenched crescents of sand. Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute and Candolim stretch out in an unbroken palm fringed line. Other beaches are at Miramar and Colva. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for which are available. In addition, every sort of accommodation fringes the beaches, from deluxe resorts to budget lodgings Inland, 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields.
Panjim, the capital city, and Margao, an important town, have private houses and government buildings that date back to Portuguese times. Old Goa, now deserted, has a collection of Goa’s largest churches: Se Cathedral with its Iberian exterior, Bom Jesu which enshrines the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and the starkly beautiful Convent of Saint Monica are a few of these. Mapusa, a market town, comes alive every Friday with a quaint pavement
bazar.
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Holidays in Goa
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Places to see in and around Goa
The Goan coastline is heaven on Earth for swimmers, anglers, water sports buffs and sunbathers.
The cruises in Goa are unforgettable experience for lifetime of the tourists. A cruise on the Santa Monica yatch is as much fun with the accompanying song and dance as the one along the Mandovi river. On these cruises make sure to watch the splendid sunset and the unparalleled moon rise.
Along with the beautiful beaches, Goa has remarkable lakes too. The mayem Lake, all of 35 km from Panjim, is an example. It is an ideal picnic spot with the Cottages and the awesome environs. Boating is one activity every tourist visiting this artificial lake must indulge in.
Over the centuries 'Govapuri' has been seen, conquered and influenced by the foreign powers. The variety of gifts each one brought for the people is amazing. This magnificent natural harbor with the fertile land and the plentiful water supply has attracted people since the times of the golden goose of the spice trade.
The state reveals a unique amalgamation of the East with the West. The Christmas is celebrated with equal zest as Diwali, the spirits are as high at the Carnival as on Durga Pooja. The fun and frolic never seems to end. Beer is enjoyed as much as the traditional tipples of Feni, the local Hootch, and Toddy (Todi), a derivative of palm sap.
The Portuguese who ruled for over 450 years on Goa, gifted the chilies to India besides introducing the tobacco, lichis and oranges. The other introductions range from Pineapple from South America, papaya from the Philippi.
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Places of Interest
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Calangute Beach
Visit Calangute Beach extending along the Arabian Sea in an inward arch of about 7 kms which is very popular with the visitors. Also visit the Mapusa City.
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Old Goa
Visit Old Goa - the Basilica of Bom Jesus built in the 16th century, wherein, is enshrined in an ornate silver casket, the body of St.Francis Xavier, the most popular and famous of all churches in Goa. Also visit Se Cathedral, the biggest in Goa, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, St. Cajetan Church, built in the style of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Church of Lady of Rosary and Nunnery of St. Monica.
Visit Pilar, Margao, Colva Beach, Vasco-de-Gama, Mormugao Harbour and back to Panaji via Cortalim and Agassaim.
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Temples
Visit the Temple of Shri Mangesh, a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on a hillock at Priol - in Ponda Taluka. Though small, the temple has an air of distinct elegance and its lofty white tower is a landmark of the countryside. Also visit the Shantadurga Temple and Shri Ramnath Temple.
