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Panaji
Population : 1,170,000
Area : 3700 sq. km
Languages : Konkani, Hindi, English, Marathi,
Best Time to Visit : October to May
"The pearl of the east," Goa is known for its Gothic churches,
crumbling forts, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry
rides, bubbly folk music… the list is endless! With its 131-km-long
coastline, Goa is an important locale in every tourist's itinerary.
Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa is a perfect
heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation.
Situated on the western coastline of India, the Union Territory
of Goa is sandwiched between the states of Maharashtra and
Karnataka. The capital Panaji is at a distance of 592 km from
Bangalore and 593 km from Mumbai. The waters of the Arabian
Sea wash the coastline of Goa. It is split into two districts-North
Goa (STD Code: 0832) and South Goa (STD Code: 0834). North
Goa includes the capital city of Panjim, the former capital
of Old Goa, Fort Aguada and Candolim, Chapora, Vagator, and
the beaches Calangute, Anjuna, and Baga. South Goa includes
Vasco da Gama Bogmalo, Margao, Colva and Benolem. Being near
to the sea, Goa enjoys a maritime climate, with April and
May being very hot.
Places of Interest
In the local dialect, Goa is often referred to as "Goa Dourada,"
(meaning "Golden Goa") because of its beaches, forts, churches,
waterfalls, seminaries, and caves.
"The queen of Indian beaches," Calangute is a stretch of 7
km. Baga beach is a handy commuting point to Anjuna. At a
distance of 7 km from Panaji is the beach of Dona Paula, which
is a good site for relaxation and sunbathing. At a distance
of 6 km away from Margao is another beach, Colva, which offers
good accommodation. Calangute, Baga, Candolim, Colva are dominated
by package tourism. Anjuna, the traditional rave center is
popular with the bag packers. Benaulim falls between hype
and hip, and is filled with beach shacks and low-key resorts.
Arambol in the north and Palolem in the south are idyllic
by nature. Other famous beaches include Miramar and Agonda.
The Dudhsagar waterfall and Arvalem waterfall attract many
tourists every year. The rock-cut caves of Khandepar and Arvalem
are also worth mentioning. The Pilar monastery, Saligao seminary,
and Rachol seminary attract the religious minded travelers.
While nature has been so generous to Goa, man too has contributed
a lot to Goa's beauty. The strong Roman Catholic community,
with the active support of the erstwhile Portuguese rulers,
has had a number of churches built in this picturesque locale.
In Panaji, one must visit the church dedicated to our Lady
of Immaculate Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian.
The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the statue of Abbe
Faria in the capital is a must see for lovers of art. The
largest of the churches in Goa, the Se Cathedral is in Old
Goa and is flocked by thousands of tourists every year. The
holy shrine of Basilica of Bom Jesus, also in Old Goa, houses
the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is a famous pilgrimage
center among the Roman Catholic world. Other famous churches
are the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Church
of St. Cajetan, Church of St. Augustine Ruins, Church and
Convent of St. Monica, Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Chapel
of St. Anthony and Chapel of St. Catherine-all of which are
in Old Goa. Fort Aguada is worth a visit to savor the nostalgia
of the Portuguese regime, especially in its lighthouse and
the Aguada jail. Terekhol Fort in the Arambol beach has been
now converted to a hotel. The Museum of Christian Art in Rachol
Seminary and church and the Braganza House near Margao are
also worth a visit. Besides these, to get a glimpse of the
Hindu population in Goa, one has to visit Ponda. The Kerkar
Art Complex in south Calangute is also an important tourist
center. The Wednesday flea market at Anjuna is an important
trading center for handicrafts from Kashmir to Gujarat.
WHERE TO STAY AND WHAT TO EAT
In Goa, the accommodation rates differ according to the seasons.
From mid-December to late January, it is the high season.
The middle season is from October to mid-December and February
to June, and the late season from July to September. Prices
may reach sky-high limits during Christmas. The range of hotels
is vast. One can obtain specific details from the information
bulletin of Goa tourism.
Goanese cuisine is world famous, especially the popular pork
vindaloo. Other pork delicacies include chourisso (Goan sausage)
and the liver dish called sarpotel. Xacuti is a meat/chicken
specialty and bangra is Goanese mackerel. Sanna are rice cupcakes
soaked in toddy before cooking; dodol and bebinca are special
Christmas sweets; moira kela are cooking plaintains. Feni
is the widely known liquor made from cashews and coconuts.
Wine and other hard drinks are easily available.
HOW TO REACH
Goa's international airport is Dabolim, at a distance of 29
km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic
airlines operate here apart from the chartered private airlines
operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct
flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies
to Goa. Reaching Goa by train is easy from Mumbai (490 km),
Bangalore (430 km), and Delhi (1874 km). Goa's two main stations
are at Margao and Vasco da Gama.
PRECAUTIONS
Goa is infamous for nudity, drugs and pedophilia. Water can
be a problem and so tourists are advised to use water judiciously.
While taking vehicles on rent, one is advised to ensure that
she/he carries her/his driving license or international driving
permit.
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