Goa is one of the most romantic spots of India. To be very frank let
me tell you that Goa is one such place where love blossoms and grows.
Honeymooners, teenager love birds and other travel devotees embark their
visits to Goa and believe me for this unlimited fun many don't beg for a
leave before their bosses rather they prefer to bid a farewell. Sounds
heavy??? Hey when in Goa, live a life of Goa, which only speaks the language
of fun and frolic.
Famous to the world as ' Pearl Of The Orient' and 'Tourist Paradise",
Goa has always been the most wannabe tourist destination for the vacationers
from worldwide. Located on the western coast of India, Goa is so much about
scenic beauty and architectural splendour. And who can even dare missing out
the luring beaches of this favoured land? The beaches are the unique selling
points of Goa but its churches, temples, discotheques, carnival are other
not to missed out agendas of Goa.
The Capital of Goa is Panaji. A great influence of Portuguese culture can
be witnessed in Goa. The place boasts of a rich cultural heritage which can
be experienced in the large number of temples and churches. The Basilica Of
Bom Jesus in Goa has been designated as an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see
Sensational
Beaches - Goa is an ultimate land of beaches. The beaches here are ahead
of many of their counterparts in terms of popularity and facilities. Mid
night bonfire, shopping, having feni are some of the ways you can enjoy
yourselves to the fullest when in Goa.
Some of the mesmerising beaches of Goa are:
- Anjuna Beach
- Baga Beach
- Arambol
- Bogmalo
- Benaulim
- Calangute
- Colva
- Dona Paula
- Palolem
- Vagator
Forts of Goa - To catch the vivid scenic beauty
of the Arabian Sea climb on any one of the majestic forts of Goa.
- Tiracol Fort
- Chapora Fort
- Cabo Beach
- Mormugao Fort
- Fort Aguada
- Reis Magos Fort
- Cabo Da Rama
- Terekhol Fort
Churches - Goa is a hub of churches most of
which dates back to the Portuguese era. The churches are of great historical
importance and showcase the superb European architectural styles.
Famous
churches of Goa include:
- St. Francis Of Assisi, Old Goa
- St. Cajetan Church, Old Goa
- Chapel Of St. Catherine, Old Goa
- Basilica of Bom Jesus, Old Goa
- Chapel and Tomb of St. Francis Xavier.
Lakes and waterfalls - In Goa, one can satisfy
one's eyes by looking at some of the most picturesque lakes and waterfalls.
Some worth mentioning names are:
- Mayem Lake
- Carambolin Lake
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls
- Arvalem Waterfalls
Temples - Wel! Though not a pilgrimage spot,
Goa has temples in abundance. Shri Datte Mandir, Shri Bodeshwar Temple, Shri
Mahalaxmi Temple and Shri Damodar temple are some of the revered temples of
Goa that you must check out when in Goa.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa - Goa has a rich
treasure of flora and fauna which can be seen in its various wildlife
sanctuaries.
- Bhagvam Mahavir Sanctuary
- Bondla Forest
- Cotiago Wildlife Sanctuary
- Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Go Goa Shopping
Goan handicrafts are popular all over the world. The local artisans are
skillful in making goods out of jute, coconut shell, bamboo and brass. The
place is also very famous for its fried cashew nuts and other dry fruit
items.
How To Reach
Air - Goa is well connected by air. It has an
international airport, situated at Dabolim,which is 29 km away from Panaji,
the capital of Goa. Many domestic airlines operate here.
Rail - The opening of the Konkan Railways has made
the journey to Goa an easy task. The Konkan Railway connects Margao and
Vasco da Gama to other major Indian cities.
Road - Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka state
transport corporations operate from Panaji's Kadamba bus stand. A tourist
can avail bus as well as car rental services in Goa.
Waterways - Disparate ferries are also available in
Goa. A few shipping companies operate boat services between Mumbai and
Panaji.
