Goa

 

Goa,(India)

 Goa, is a state on India's West coast, is a former Portuguese colony with a rich history. Spread over 3,700 square kilometres with a population of approximately 1.8 million, Goa is small by Indian standards. It has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year (including about 400,000 foreign tourists). Goa, the smallest Indian state and much-loved tourist place of India, is situated in the coastal Konkan region and on the bank of Arabian Sea which forms its western coast. Beaches in Goa are the best part of the excellence list of the beach state, where you can rejuvenate yourself. The second major attraction in Goa is the religious places like temples and churches in the town.

  Despite a moderate climate in Goa, monsoon takes as many as 5 months – from June to September – to last. Due to its being located in the coastal Konkan region and in the vicinity of Western Ghats, Goa is blessed with a pleasant and sunny weather. The state faces no extremes in temperature and no clear demarcations between two seasons, except in the monsoon. Its average temperature ranges between 250C to 300C (67.960F to 81.560F Approx).

  Goa, Daman and Diu Official Language Act, 1987 makes Konkani in the Devanagari script the sole official language of Goa, but provides that Marathi may also be used “for all or any of the official purposes”. Portuguese was the sole official language during Portuguese colonial rule. It is now, however, mostly spoken by only the elderly Portuguese-educated populations and is no longer an official language. The Government also has a policy of replying in Marathi to correspondence received in Marathi.[34] Whilst there have been demands for according Konkani in the Roman script official status in the state, there is widespread support for keeping Konkani as the sole official language of Goa.

  Goa is one of India's special places, a State seemingly blessed with fabulous weather, even more fabulous beaches, delightful people, good food, hill-top forts, little white-washed churches, soaring Portuguese-era cathedrals, a unique cultural legacy-small wonder, therefore, that Goa is one of India's prime holiday destinations.

Top places in goa to visit
  
  Baga Beach
  Grand Island
  Dudhsagar Waterfalls
  Calangute Beach
  Candolim Beach
  Tito's Street
  Anjuna Beach
  Fort Aguada
  Palolem Beach
  Bom Jesus Basilica

Bifuractions----

Baga Beach

  Baga beach Goa is located at a westward distance of about 8 km from Mapusa. Goa Baga beach is actually an extension of Calangute beach North of Panaji. This beach along the Arabian Sea lies between Calangute and Anjuna beaches. Baga beach about 15 km from Panaji is named after Baga River which flows through this area.
Goa Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle found on the other beaches.Baga Beach in Goa looks as if it has come straight out of a painting... Majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the white sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees.Goa's Baga beach is a small but perfect beach located between its two more famous cousins, Anjuna on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a good place to enjoy some quite moments and dwell in peaceful contemplation with oneself.

Grand Island

  For a memorable boat trip to the Grand Island, travellers in Goa can go on an exciting Grand Island day trip after reaching the Coco Jetty. On the boat ride to the Grand Island, visitors have a chance to spot a few dolphins in the sea. Most trips to Grand Island start at 8:30 am and continue till 4:00 pm. For those wondering how to go to Grand Island can also board a boat from Sinquerim Jetty in
Candolim.

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

   The riveting brilliance of God’s creation is depicted in the startling marvel of Dudhsagar waterfall. Strategically located on Goa-Karnataka border (but mainly in Goa), the gorgeous waterfall attracts thousands of tourists to its bounty. The gushing water from the streams creates an illusion of milk flowing through the mountains. As if a background out of Michelangelo’s painting, it exudes power and beauty. The strong currents and rushing sound of water subdue all other unnecessary chatter from your mind. A light shower from the water stream on your face can make all the chaos of life seem insignificant.

Calangute Beach

   Calangute Beach Situated 15 km from Panjim, Calangute Beach is the longest beach in North Goa, stretching from Candolim to Baga. Due to its sheer size and popularity, it is a hub for tourists and backpackers from all over the world.

   Popular as the "Queen of Beaches", the Calangute Beach of Goa is among the top ten bathing beaches in the world. Being one of the busiest and most commercial beaches of Goa, it is swarming with eating joints, shacks and clubs serving cocktails, beer and seafood. The Calangute Beach is also known for its water sports activities like parasailing, water surfing, banana ride and jet-skiing. While the days here are filled with beach fun, nights call for upbeat parties and letting your hair down. Calangute is also popular for staying in Goa as it keeps you well-connected to the other beaches in the north such as Baga, Anjuna, Candolim, Aguada and many more.

Candolim Beach

 Candolim Beach is one of most frequented and popular beach of Northern Goa. The beach starts at the footsteps of the highly acclaimed Fort Aguada, built by the Portuguese in 1612.This sandy stretch runs into Calangute Beach, a busy and commercialized center.

 The Candolim Beach itself is long and straight, backed by scrub-covered dunes, which is very popular with package tourists. These beaches are quite peaceful than other beaches of Goa as it is a dispersed village with no real center. 15 Kms from Panjim in the Bardez taluka. Comparing to its surrounding beaches, Candolim is very quite, this is due to the fact that they didn't built resort all around the beach. It's a subtle mixture of people taking break from the Rajneesh Ashram in Pune, Tourist for long and short term period, and nature lover's. For the moment the village remains little more than a ribbon development of small hotels and cafes.

Tito's Street

  Club Titos is Goa’s most famous and popular nightclub. It is located at Titos Lane in Baga, very close to the beach. One of Goa’s first discos, it is now extremely popular and the place to go for everyone looking for music, dancing, and also good food and drinks. In peak tourist season, Tito’s is always buzzing with activity, with a big crowd waiting outside for a chance to party. Inside, there are 3 clubs – Club Titos, Café Mambo, and Bollywood Discotheque. There is also a concert space and an open-air restaurant.

Anjuna Beach

   The streach of Anjuna Beach is almost 2 kms filled with water activities, cafe’s, coffee shops, family run-guesthouses, beach bars and yogic paranoma. Anjuna Beach is not just another popular beach of Goa but destination which has seen Hippie culture long back and whose flea market still stands the number one position! The most famous beach amongst forgieners; this sea–side is well-known amongst back-packers, hippies, long-stayers and the ones who are looking for cheap stays or guesthouses.

Fort Aguada

  Fort Aguada is an epitome of Portuguese architecture built in the 17th century. Its lighthouse and the fort itself have braved the ravages of time and stand like silent sentinels on the Sinquerim Beach, approximately 18 km from Panjim. Built-in 1612 as a protection from Dutch and Marathas, it was the most prized and crucial fort for the Portuguese and covers the entire peninsula at the southwestern tip of Bardez. The view from the fort is breathtaking as it overlooks the confluence of Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.

Palolem Beach

Palolem beach, enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms in far South Goa, is one of the state's most picturesque beaches. This mile-long, shady, semi-circle shaped beach continues to grow in popularity every year and has become very lively with the diverse crowd that it attracts. Palolem Beach was situated in South Goa, 43 kilometers (27 miles) from Margao (Madgaon) and 76 kilometers (47 miles) from Panaji (Panjim), the state's capital. It's between Agonda beach to the north and Patnem beach to the south.

Bom Jesus Basilica

  The Basilica of Bom Jesus church is one of a kind in India and is known for its exemplary baroque architecture. Built in the year 1594 and consecrated in 1605, the building of this church coincides with the beginning of Christianity in India. The church is located in Old Goa in Bainguinim about 10 km away from Panjim. The oldest church in Goa, Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the remains of St. Francis Xavier, a special friend of St. Ignatius Loyola with whom he founded the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Even after 400 years, the remains are in a good condition and are taken out once every decade.  A site with rich cultural and religious significance, the Basilica of Bom Jesus has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

     Goa is famous for its historic churches, forts, traditional homes, colorful festivals, lush green countryside, rich flora and fauna, fabulous cuisine, and exotic beaches. The magical land of Goa is decked with popular tourist destinations like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Tambdi Surla and Tiracol Fort, the Calangute Beach, the Baga Beach, etc. The Churches in Goa, as well, are a big crowd puller among the tourists from world over.