Goa,
the abode of pleasure and exquisite sceneries is full of churches and
temples scattered all over the town. Tourists come here to enjoy the
beautiful location and refresh themselves from the busy schedule of the city
life. The sensuous beaches and the forts tell stories of history and legacy
of the Portuguese in Goa. The town squeezed between the seas and the swaying
hills offers its visitors a warm welcome with its glistering sands, swaying
coconut palms and fresh sea foods.
The mystical charisma of the exotic locations of Goa brings peoples from
all over India and the world mixing the cultures of the east and the west.
The amalgamation of the beaches with the surrounding is unique to itself and
is supported by the architectural heritage. The place combined with all
these peculiarities is a perfect destination for holiday and beach
enjoyment.
Climate of Goa
Goa has a consistent climate throughout the year. The period from June to
October brings heavy rain. The temperature during the summers ranges from 24°C
to 32.7°C and during the winters it ranges from 21.3°C to 32.2°C.
The best time to visit is during the carnival which is held in the month of
December.
Major Tourist Attractions of Goa
» Anjuna
Beach - Located 10 km from Panaji, the beach is in a small
village on the shore of the Arabian sea. The beach is popularly known as the
freak capital of the world for its ability to host the Trance Parties and
Hippies. The beach comes alive during the full moon parties while the
Arabian sea plays with its shores. The Albuquerque Mansion nearby adds
beauty of the beach with its octagonal towers and tile roofs. Another
Mansion that stands at the beach is the Mascarenhas Mansion built of
expensive wood and stained glass floral etching.
» Baga Beach
- 
The
beach enveloped by the area of Arpora and Nagoa with Condolim in the Bardez
district is at a distance of 15 km from Panaji. Its main attraction lies in
the narrow roads leading to the Medicinal Springs at Mottant. It also houses
the Baga Retreat House dedicated to St Francis Xaviour, better known as Casa
de Retiros. Parasailing, water skiing and wind surfing are common at the
beach that goes on till sunset.
» Benaulim Beach - The beach located 40 km away
from Panaji is the place where the arrow of Lord Parasurama landed when he
created the state of Goa. This is according to the beliefs of Hindu
Mythology. The Portuguese changed its name to Benaulim from the Sanskrit
Banali. The beach is cool and calm and to some extent undiscovered by the
domestic tourists. It is a fishing beach and holds the famous Nossa Senhora
de Merces Church, widely acclaimed for Catholic community celebrations and
religious events.
» Colva Beach
- Just 39 km from Panaji, it is stretched on a 20 km long virgin white
sands on the shores of the Arabian sea. The sun drenched beach is the most
loved one by the locals. The enchanting beauty of the surroundings
accompanied by coconut trees to its sides makes it a real paradise on the
land. The silver-grey, powder-fine sand of the beach has been the
inspiration for many folk tales and songs.
» The Chapel of St Catherine - The Church built of
laterite blocks has a tower on each side of the facade and one altar. It was
created by Governor Afonso de Albuqueque to commemorate his entry in to the
city of St Catherine in the year 1510. Afonso de Albuquerque, on that
important day took the city from the Mohammedans. Thus, the chapel was
erected on the place where stood the entrance gate of this city under the
Muslim rule. It was reconstructed in 1552.
» The Church of the Cross of Miracle -
Towards
the outskirt of the old city, above a hill stands the convent and the church
built of laterite mortar and lime mortar. The plain looking church was
created in 1619 to house the Cross of Miracles. The convent treasures the
congregation of the Oratory of Philip Neri of Goa.
» Caves of Khandepur& Arvalem - These caves
were carved out in the 12th century and lie 36 km from Panaji in a village
called Khandepar. The 4 caves are in close proximity to each other and were
used for meditation and prayers. The 4th cave holds a pedestral to hold a
linga in it.
The other caves are known as the Pandavas caves as it is believed that the
Pandavas stayed there during their exiled years. The lingum in the middle is
held in great respect even today. The caves are situated at a distance of
100 meters from Sri Rudheswar Temple and the Arvalem waterfall.
Shopping
The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are the most popular souvenir items
to be possessed. Precious things include the brassware, terracotta, shell
work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, paper-mache, etc. These are
available at shops and stalls near the popular tourist spots.
Another item which is on the mind of every traveller to Goa is a pack of
famed cashew nuts. These are available practically everywhere.
Accommodation
Some excellent hotel provide a comfortable stay to the tourists in
different locations of Goa. The major ones includes the 5 stars like the Taj
Exotica, Goa Marrriott, Citadel De Goa Resort, Holiday Inn, while the
budgeted one are the Sun Village Resort and the Varca Beach Resort.
How to Reach
» By Air - Goa's international airport is situated
at Dabolim, 29 km from the capital, Panaji, on the coast near Vasco da Gama.
» By Rail - There are many trains to Goa from
Mumbai, Bangalore and Delhi. Goa's two main stations are at Margao and Vasco
da Gama.
» By Road - Goa state transport corporations operate
from Panaji's Kadamba bus stand and is well connected to other states like
Maharashtra and Karnataka.
