Travel
Destinations
Goa,
the tiny state, lies on the western slopes of the western
Ghats, touching the Arabian sea. Easily accessible, it
is world famous for its beaches. It also has picturesque
landscapes, monuments, a pleasant climate, cuisines for
every taste and above all a hospitable people. Goa was
under the control of the Potuguese for over four centuries
till it was liberated and merged into Indian Union in
1961. Goa's architecture is a class apart. It combines
Portuguese, Indian and Mughal styles. Tourist traffic
to the state is increasing. About 10 lakh people go there
a year. And, tourism provides jobs for 20 per cent of
the population in the state.
The major
towns in the state are: Panaji, the Capital of
the state and headquarters of north Goa district, on the
bank of Mandovi river; Margao (33 km), headquarters
of south Goa district and commercial centre; Vasco-da-Gama
(30 km); Mormugao harbour, 5 km from Vasco-da-Gama;
Mapusa (13 km).
The well-known
beaches are: Calangute (16 km); Colva, near
Margao; Dona Paula (7 km), for water scootering;
Miramar, near Panaji; Anjuna (18 km); Vagator
(22 km).
Other Sites:- Old
Goa: Founded by Adil Shah in the 16th century and
conquered by Alfonso de Albuquerque; Basilica of Bom
Jesus: Most popular church, a World Heritage monument,
and where St Francis Xavier is buried; Se Cathedral:
The famous Golden bell is here; Brahma temple (7
km), built in the 5th century; Sri Chandranath temple
(45 km), where the deity installed by the Bhoja kings
gets moonlit during full moon nights; Sri Saptakoteswar
temple (37 km); Safa masjid at Ponda; Aguada
fort (18 km), built by the Portuguese; Dudhsagar
waterfalls (60 km); Mayem lake (35 km); Bondla
forest sanctuary (50 km); Cotigao wildlife sanctuary
(60 km); Salim Ali bird sanctuary, near Panaji.
HOW TO REACH: Conveniently located,
by air, sea, rail and road, Goa is well-connected. There
is a catamaran service from Mumbai that takes just 7 hours
in place of 14 hours by road. There are flights to Dabolim
airport from Mumbai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore
and Delhi. Local transport is autorickshaw, motorcycle-taxi,
cruise, bus and taxi.
ACCOMMODATION: 5-star to plenty of
budget hotels and paying guest accommodation available.
(see hotels )
FOOD: Almost all types of food are
available. Fish is common dish. Wine is widely consumed.
Some of the popular dishes are: Xacuti, Vindalo, Prawn
Balchao, Sweets: Bebinca, Dodol, Doce, Fenni is a very
very popular local liquor.
SHOPPING: The exclusive shopping
items are handicrafts like pottery, shell work, furniture,
brass work, papier mache. The shopping centres are handicraft
emporia in Panaji, Dabolim airport, Vasco, Margao, Calangute
and Mapusa.
FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Deepavali,
Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi are the main festivals.
They are celebrated by all communities.
ENTERTAINMENT: Plenty of folk dances
CLIMATE: Summer, 24 to 32 deg C;
Winter, 21 to 32 deg C; Best season: Round-the-year, though
during the monsoon there is flooding and traffic dislocation.
CLOTHING: Cotton
LANGUAGES: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi,
English, Portuguese
TOURS, CRUISES, WATER SPORTS: There
are conducted land tours, and river and sea cruises, and
water sports - starting
from Rs 150 (US $3+) and costing upwards several thousands.
