Goa Travel Guide
GOA TRAVEL
Goa which was liberated on 19th December, 1961 alongwhh Daman and Diu from 451
years Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the 25th State of the Indian Union when
it was conferred Statehood on 30th May, 1987. The State of Goa has a Legislative
Assembly with a strength of 40 elected members. Besides, Goa has three elected
representatives in the Central Parliament. The Governor is the Head of the State
and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister. However,
for administrative purposes, the State has been divided into two districts:
North Goa and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively,
and six divisions comprising 11 Talukas.
Goa Travel Guide: Ensconced on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges)
Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East
by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian
Sea. More
Places of Interest in Goa :
Mapusa: It is 13 Kms. from Panaji. The capital of Bardez Taluka, on
the national highway, is the cross roads of the network of highways covering
whole of Northern Goa. More
Fairs & Festivals in Goa : Mahashivratri: A celebration in the honour
of Lord Shiva held at all the principal Shiva templeIs, it is celebrated in
Harvalem, Ramnathi, Kavlem, Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Shiroda, Brahmapuri. Shirgao,
Kasarpal, Fatorpa and Panaji. More
Places of Worship in Goa : East of Panaji, lies the site of city of Old
Goa, founded by Adil Shah in the first decade of 16th century. It was being
developed by them with a view to shifting their capital from Bijapur. However,
Afonso de Albuquerque made a short work of it when he stormed and took it over
to house the centre of power of the Portuguese colonies. More
Goa Cultural Heritage : A traditional folk dance performed by the womenfolk
of the scheduled tribe community who were the earliest settlers of Goa, in the
second half of the Hindu month Bhadrapada. More
Museums & Art Gallery in Goa : Archaeological Museum Goa, Museum
of Goa Daman & Diu, Institute Menezes Braganza Goa. More
Goa Wildlife & Sanctuaries : Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary Goa,
Bondla Forest Goa, Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary Goa, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Goa. More
General Information
Area: 3,702 sq. kms.
Population: 11,69,793 (1991 Census)
Altitude: Sea level to 1,022 metres.
Location: Between latitude 15 degree 48'00 "N & 14 degree 54' "N
and Longitudes 74 degree 20' 13 "E & 73 degree 40' 33 "E
Clothing: Tropical clothing throughout the year. Light woolen can be during
December and January.
Languages Spoken: Konkani, Matrathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese.
Tourist Season: Throughout the year (November to February is pleasant while
June to September is rainy season).
Beaches in Goa
Beaches in Goa being a popular holiday resort, the small houses amidst the
coconut groves behind the beach are always in constant demand. Calangute seems
to be a distortion of the local vernacular word—‘Koli-gutti’,
which means land of fishermen. Some people connect it with Kalyangutti (village
of art) or Konvallo-ghott (strong pit of the coconut tree) because the village
is full of coconut trees. With the advent of the Portuguese, the word probably
got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today.
Calangute Beach : 16 Kms from Panaji. is the most popular holiday resort
in Goa and known as The Queen of Beaches. Excellent accommodation facilities
are available, particularly at the tourist resort and cottages. Calangute lie
on the shores of the Arabian Sea of North Goa in India. It is encircled by Arpora-Nagoa,
Saligao and Candolim, in the Bardez taluka.
Colva Beach : About 6 kms from Margao. Colva beach is the pride of Salcete
and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendour. Here, sand, sea and
sky blend in enchanting natural harmony unspoilt by men. Has good accommodation
facilities, particularly at the tourist cottages.
Dona Paula Beach : 7kms from Panaji. An idyllic picturesque spot. Command
a fine view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour. Water scootering facilities
are available here. It is near the rocky point between the Mandovi and the Zuari
is Dona Paula, a secluded bay with a fine view of the Marmagao harbour. This
is an idyllic spot to relax and sunbathe. Water scootering facilities available.
On the northern banks of the River Zuari, a little away to tie south east of
Cabo, lies a large escarpment with a bay and two small beaches which in the
old days was part of Oddavel.
Miramar Beach : Miramar (Caspar Dias) is 3 kms from Panaji. A lovely
golden beach of soft sand girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea,
is the nearest to Panaji. Miramar is almost part of Panaji. It is one of the
most popular beaches. If you wish to watch the sunset from Panaji then the best
location would be this beach, which is fifteen minutes' walk along the riverfront
avenue called Dayanand Bandodker Marg. Miramar is an urban beach where the Mandovi
River meets the Arabian Sea. It is not a safe beach to swim. There is a strong
undercurrent.
Anjuna Beach : Anjuna, 18 kms from Panaji is a popular beach area adjacent
to Chapora fort- it was the haunt of the flower generation in the sixties -
and is still popular with the younger generation. In Anjuna there is magnificent
Albuquerque mansion built in 1920, flanked by octagonal towers and attractive
Mangalore tiled-roof.
Vagator Beach :Vagator is 22 kms from Panaji. It is a popular beach dominated
by Chapora Fort to the north, on its imposing head land and popularly known
as 'The Sun Kissing Beach'. To the south of vagator is Calangute beach.
Arambol Beach : Arambol Beach is 50 kms from Panaji. A unique beach in
the North Goa, is both rocky and sandy beach and much sought after. It has a
sweet water pond right on the shore. Arambol is along the Goa border with its
fresh water lagoon. Due to its isolation, some tourists has been unable to reach
this beach.It is the 16-km-long sea beach. The main beach has adequate body
surfing and there are several attractive bays a short walk to the north.
Agonda Beach : Agonda is about 37 kms. from Margao.It is a small, picturesque
and secluded beach much sought after for its serenity.
Palolem Beach : Palolem is about 37 kms from Margao. Just west of Chaudi
one of the most enchanting beaches in Goa relatively deserted, with backdrop
of Western ghats, situated in Southern Taluka of Canacona.
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