Goa

GOA

Goa  is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in Wes  India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole.  

Panaji

Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese colony, the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.

Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.

The grand fort of Aguada

The grand fort of Aguada was constructed in 1612 in order to prevent the entry of ships into the river Mandovi thus protecting old Goa from enemy attacks. Located at a distance of around 22 km from Bardez, Fort Aguada boasts of the first ever light house in Asia. Equipped with ammunition rooms and barracks, Fort Aguada was the first line of defence as far the Portuguese control over the region of Goa was concerned.

Fort of Chapora

At a distance of approximately 12 km from Mapusa lies the Fort of Chapora. The fort is easily accessible from Vagator over the hill leading to the fort. This fort was also made famous by the hindi bollywood movie Dil Chahata Hai which was shot here.

The towering fort perched atop a rock hill, was constructed in 1617 by the Portuguese invaders by demolishing an earlier Muslim structure, in the village of Shahpura, which was meant to be a watch post.

Though the fort was lying in ruins due to neglect, recently efforts have been made to restore the lost heritage and recreate the old magic. It is possible to observe the entrances of two long winding tunnels which served the purpose of supply of logistic requirements to besieged fort defenders. The fort offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the surrounding ocean and shoreline.

The Baga beach

The Baga beach is sandwiched between the two bigger cousins, the Candolim beach and the Calangut beach. The beach is somewhat smaller in size but is definitely cleaner and more relaxed and recluse than the other beaches in Goa. Apart from the usual beach activities and tasty food Baga beach also offers an opportunity to enjoy Wind Surfing between January and March. There are operators who are eager to conduct short training modules and provide the required gear to undertake the same. The National Wind Surfing Championship is also conducted every year around September - November at the Baga beach.

The Calangute Beach

The Calangute Beach, located around 17 km from Bardez, is famous for being the first beach to inculcate the hippie culture in the 60's and 70's. The hippies were edged out slowly as the mainstream tourists started to flock Goa in search of peace and enjoyments of a tourist place.

Though the beach is very popular and crowded, the long stretch available to tourists ensures that everybody gets a place of his own in the crowd. Apart from the regular beach activities, Calangute is also famous for its rave parties which go on for hours, and days sometimes, while the party gang hops from one party to the next. Ideal time to visit this beach is from November to February.

The Candolim Beach

The Candolim Beach is well known for its serene atmosphere and a long stretch of peaceful silvery beach which has very little commercial activities on it.

Stretching from Escrivao Vaddo to Vaddy Vaddo expanse along the Calangut Candolim highway the Candolim beach provides an ideal gateway to peace station through its numerous accommodation facilities dotted along the beach. This is the ideal beach for people looking to move away from the more busy commercialized sandy shores.

Parasailing, Water skiing as well as various other adventure sports activities can be undertaken at the Candolim beach and the facilities, training as well as expertise is readily available. The best time to visit this beach is during December to February months.

The Vagator beach has something, which very few beaches can boast of - its beautiful silver sandy stretch has huge red cliffs overlooking it. These imposing stalwarts also ooze out two fresh bubbling springs just near the shore making for a spectacular sight.

Further, the magnificent Chapora Fort situated at the northern end makes it picturesque. Dotted with black lava rocks, golden sands & blue waters make Vagator - a beach to look out for. The beach is located around 15 km from Bardez.

Basilica de Bom Jesus

It is one of the most important attractions of Goa. The Basilica was constructed in 1605 and is world famous for housing the tomb and mortal remains of St Francis Xavier who is considered by Catholics as one of the patron saints of Goa. The body of the saint is still in very good condition even after more than 400 years, surprising for many scientists. It is taken out and kept for public display once in every decade. 2004 was the year when the body was last removed and displayed. The basilica is constructed in Portuguese style and the architecture is mesmerizing.

The Se Cathedral

The Se Cathedral has a prestigious neighbour towards its west where the Convent of St. Francis of Assisi is located. Created in the year 1517 by the famous eight Franciscan friars this Convent started off the block as a small chapel with a few houses belonging to Thanedar Joao Machado which were offered by the Governor to the friars.

Modified in 1521 as a church it was later consecrated on 2nd Aug 1602 to the Holy Spirit. The Convent plays host to a museum of Archaeological survey of India and boasts of some of the best collections of artifacts, sculptures and paintings. The scenes from the Bible are displayed on the wall frescoes inside the convent and the original nine altars and six chapels have been reduced to only three

The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

 Goan churches are well known for a strange amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese architecture. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception is an imposing building situated right at the main square (Church square) of the town. This place is a central place of worship and prayer for the locals.

The church was built in 1540 and underwent rebuilding and renovation in 1619. Modeled as per the structure of church of Reis Magos this church boasts of tall twin towers constructed in a typical Portuguese baroque style. Dedicated to 'Nossa Senhora da Imaculada Conceicao' the main altar of the church has been artfully carved in Renaissance style. The church bell is large and is in fact the second largest bell in Goa.

The Mangueshi Temple

The phenomenon of destruction and desecration of religious places also succeeded the victory march of armies. There is no dearth of places with such history. The Mangueshi temple in Priol tells a similar story wherein the temple, originally located in Kushasthali (Cortalim) was shifted under the fear of destruction (by Portuguese) to Pirolim which was under the control of Adil Shah of Bijapur.

The temple underwent numerous repairs thereafter and the external architecture of the temple amply reflects profound influence of Mughal, Portuguese as well Hindu architecture. The sanctum holds an idol of Lord Manguesh who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Note: Foreigners are not allowed inside the temple, citing objectionable dressing and conduct as the reason.

Dudhsagar

Dudhsagar is one of the world's most exquisite falls that lies in India.The falls lie high up in the Mandovi River's watershed and so are not particularly spectacular during the dry season. During the monsoon season however, the falls are transformed into one of the most powerful falls in India.

Dudhsagar Falls is listed as India's 5th tallest waterfall,and is 227th in the world at 310 m.  The water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes during the monsoon season, forming one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Goa. It is a major part of the Goa ecosystem.This is a four tiered waterfall with a total height of 310 metres   and an average width of 30 metres .

Flea  Markets

Flea markets are an inseparable part of the folklore of Goa. With its vast coastline, & thriving tourism industry the Flea markets are bound to attract visitors. The Anjuna Wednesday, Ingo’s Saturday Night Market, The Friday Bazaar at Mapusa, Arpora Saturday night market are among the popular flea markets which are a must visit.

The markets basically present an opportunity to drink, eat, make merry and most importantly shop for some rare antiques, junk jewelry, keep sake boxes, beach wear, Tibetan crafts, Kashmiri handicraft, clothes, jhola bags.Originally started by foreigners trying to dispose off their second hand goods, the Flea markets have become an inseparable part of Goan culture.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITY

Karting

The passion of driving in the fastest lane is surely catching up in India and the facility of Karting in Goa is a right indication towards it. The Go-Karting race tracks in Nuvem, situated towards north of Margao (South Goa) is very popular and is billed to be one of the best in the entire country.

  

JET SKIING

The Colva, Calangute, Candolim, Mobor, Miramar, and Rajbaga beaches offer an array of adventure water sports and jet skiing which is beyond doubt the most thrilling experience of them all. Normally preferred around winter season, as the waves go easy the instructors and operators on the beach are raring to go with their life jackets and wet suits.

The high adrenalin sport involves towing at high speeds generated by 150 hp engines which drag you on your ski behind the boat. The turns twists and falls are all to be endured at those speeds! Proper training and right gear is available with these operators.

Water Skiing

One of the thrills of the oceans and beaches is the adventure of water skiing. The experience of gliding over the surface of water at high speeds is sure to knock wind out of the lungs and leave one breathless with excitement.Various beaches in Goa cater for Water Skiing viz. Calangute, Mobor, Arossim, Candolim etc. The operators at the beaches provide the equipment required for the activities as well as the training and expertise required to perform the skiing act smoothly without any injury to self. The operators also teach the hand signals as well as the wave pattern to decide the course of action in case of emergencies.