Goa is a major destination on the itinerary of international
and domestic tourists. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous
beaches and sunshine, travelers to Goa love the laid-back,
peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.
Goa is well
connected by airline services to most major cities in India.
All flights, national and international, to and from Goa,
operate from the Goa Airport at Daboliml.
Famously
known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist
Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western
coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The scenic
beauty and the architectural wonders like its temples, churches
and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers
around the world.Goa is much more than just beaches and
sea. It is rich with culture and some of the prettiest natural
scenery that India has to offer.According to Hindu mythology
Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is known to
be the creator of Goa.
Over the
centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas,
Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most
famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.Goa was
liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization
on December 19, 1961 and became a Union Territory. On May
30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th
state of the Indian Republic.Being the meeting point of
religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries,
Goa has a combination of distinctive lifestyles quite different
from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make
up most of the population.
Goa boats
of a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony.
The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to
celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such
as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas & Easter with
equal enthusiasm.
The vast
expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent
coastline for which Goa is justly famous.Terekhol (Tiracol),
Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers
which flow throughout the state forming the inland waterways
adding beauty to the land. Behind these waterways lie the
fishing villages among the coconut groves.Panaji (Panjim)
is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi
river. The other major towns are Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and
Ponda.
Goa has an
international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco.
An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an
important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and
around Goa.The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns,
mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular
with the locals and the visitors.Along with English which
is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the
spoken state languages.
The national
language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around
the state.Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences
of culture. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both
among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian
food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the
Portuguese cuisine.
