 Goa; 'the pearl of the east', is known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important destination in every tourist's itinerary. Goa represents the perfect trio of Sun, sand and sea. Goa is a State seemingly blessed with fabulous weather, fabulous beaches, helpful people, good food, hill-top forts, little white-washed churches, soaring Portuguese-era cathedrals, a unique cultural legacy-small wonder, making Goa tour is one of the India's most wanted tours.
The tourists generally get confused when they have to decide between the numerous feasible leisure options available while their Tour to Goa. If you are fortunate enough tpo have your Goa tour in February, then the great Goan Carnival awaits you in full flair of colour and music. The most attractive part of the Goan Carnival is the mask dance, rhythmic music and thirst quenching Feni.
If you get bored of the flamboyant celebration of Goa carnival, then you can set out to explore the villages of Goa, the ancestral Goa that dwells in Loutolim. The tourists can also visit the tranquil and snow white beaches of Goa, churches, temples, markets and turn active in water sports as well. The night life of Goa also becomes vibrant with the approach of the dusk. The discotheques, bars and night clubs are there in the star category hotels as well as certain parts of the city.
History of Goa
If we go deep into the Goan history, then the seldom known yet an interesting fact surfaces that it was also a part of the Mauryan Empire, around third century BC. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur, and the Chalukyas of Badami, took over the governance later. Other dynasties followed until the onset of Vijayanagar Empire for almost a century. This era ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, from whom the rule passed on to Adil Shah of Bijapur. In the tussle of power between the Dutch, English, French and Portuguese, in 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. Having ruled for around four centuries, in 1961, the Portuguese left Goa making it an independent state of Indian union.
Tourist Places in Goa
Beaches in Goa
If you are planning a Tour to Goa, then it is definitely going to be a fascinating experience as Goa has over 40 lovely beaches to boast about. The Goa beaches that are among the best beaches in the world have silvery white and soft sand unlike other beaches in India. The most famous beaches in Goa are Anjuna, Baga, Calungute, Colva, Cavelossim, Benualim, Majorda, Dona Paula etc.
Accommodationin Goa is not at all an issue. The beach resorts situated close to the beaches ensure your comfortable stay. Amongst the leading Deluxe Hotels in Goa are Hotel Taj Exotica, Fort Aguada Beach Resort Goa, Marriott Resort, Park Hyatt Goa Spa and Resort, Cidade De Goa Resort, The Renaissance Goa Resort, Majorda Beach Resort, Inter Continental, The Grand Resort and The Leela Palace Hotel. A range of budget hotels are also available at Goa.
Forts in Goa
There are a number of old Forts in Goa that narrate their own story fulfilling your curiosity. After the fun and frolic at Goa carnival, these Goa forts and monuments come as forms of serene beauty. The famous forts in Goa include Fort of Aguada, Cabo Raj Niwas, Cabo De Rama, Chapora Fort, Tiracol Fort. You can scrutinize and appreciate the French and Portuguese blend in art and architecture. When you visit the forts in Goa, the concoction of different cultures-namely Portuguese, Hindu and Muslim- strikes you at the first instance.
Temples in Goa
Some old temples of Goa that have survived the ravages of time are noted for their natural beauty and simple architecture. As in the days of yore, betel nut trees, coconut groves and lakes of pure water surround them. Among the oldest, Saraswat Temples in Goa are the Mangeshi temple of Priol, the Shanta Durga Temple at Kavele, the Ganapati temple at Khandole, the Maha Laxmi temple at Bandewade and the Sri Nagesh Maharudra Temple at Bandora. These temples boast of the Hindu roots in Goa where even the converted Christians of the state perform pujas and donate money for their Hindu brethren.
Churches in Goa
The churches in Goa are famous for their architecture and intricate designs. Most of the churches in Goa display a tiered frontispiece and are framed with columns and pilasters. They belong to the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The most important churches in Goa are: Basilica of Bom Jesus and Goa Se Cathedral.
Water Sports in Goa
The water sports and the related activities are well flourished in Goa. The water sports in Goa give you that adventurous thrill and flexibility to your stiff muscles. The various water sports available in Goa are: Windsurfing, Dinghy Sailing, Scuba Diving, Speed Boats, Parasailing and Swimming.
Shopping in Goa
Shopping in Goa, India, can be an enthralling experience as you can get not only Goan memorabilia here but also souvenirs from various corners of India. Goa is one place in India where you can shop in the shops by the street side as well the beaches in Goa. The beach side shops prove the best hunting grounds to pick up souvenirs that remind us of the colonial history of Goa. The famous Goan market is the Goa Flea Market at the Anjuna beach. If a tourist wishes to shop for exclusive Goan crafts, then the Government of Goa Emporia and the Handicrafts Emporium in Panjim are the right centers..
How To Reach Goa
Goa's international airport is Dabolim, at a distance of 29 km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco Da Gama. The air network in Goa connects various places of India through domestic airlines. A number of international airlines are also available.
Goa's two main stations are at Margao and Vasco Da Gama. Reaching Goa by train is easy from Mumbai, Bangalore, and Delhi. Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. The Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji giving you an enjoyable sea voyage. For the local transportation one can easily find bus, car and the unique experience of the motorcycle taxi. Several ferry services are also available.
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