Goa
Pearl of the Orient
About Goa
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Goa has a long history dating back to the 3rd Century B.C. Over the centuries lot of dynasties have ruled Goa, 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goas towns and villages with a unique culture. It became a State in 1987.
The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline. "Goas coastline provides endless sun drenched crescents of sand. It has a range of mountains and is dotted by various rivers. The land away from the coast is rich in minerals and ores and medicinal springs.
Whitewashed chapels and
churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and rice fields. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its
temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers
Languages: Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the
state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.
Food: The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the hindus and catholics.
Getting there :
By Air : Goa is well connected by airline services to most major cities in India.
All flights to and from Goa operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama.
By Rail : Vasco-da-Gama and Margoa are connected by train with Bangalore, Belgaum, Hospet, Hubli and Hyderabad and via Miraj to Bombay, Delhi and Agra
By Road : Kadamba Transport Corporation. MSRTC and KSRTC operate frequent bus services between Panaji, Vasco da Gama and Margao
By Sea : Ship services between Bombay and Goa organised by Damania.
Climate : Goa has visitors all the year round. The weather
gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of
the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it
is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with
greenery sprouting all around.
Best time to visit : October to March
Airports Nearby : Goa International Airport, Dabolim
Are you a Beach boy? Check out the
Beaches one must visit in Goa
Do you love animals? Visit
Goa Wildlife
Goa is known for its festivals.
Know them
Find out the
Temples in Goa
Find more on
Goa Churches