Overview
Goa is India’s smallest state by its geographical area and the fourth smallest by population. The state has been a very important historical and cultural centre since ancient times. In a Hindu scripture Mahabharata it is referred as Gopakpattan or Gomant and in Sutra- Samhita it was mentioned as Govapuri. Located on India’s West coast, Goa is a former Portuguese colony with prolific history. The state has unique blend of Indian and Portuguese culture, art and architecture that pulls approx 2.5 millions (wiki) tourists every year. And hence Goa is visibly different from the rest of India.
The magical land of Goa is a land of celebrations and festivities. Snuggled in the Konkan Coast Belt, It has a long coastline of approx 100 kilometers. Goa is primarily known for its beautiful beaches which are engrossed with oscillating palm trees and an astonishing nightlife. It is a wonderful place embraced by joy & happiness only. However, apart from beaches there is much more in Goa. It is such a destination that combines the charm of the old world fashion with exoticism of the new age. And this is the reason why Goa has always been visited by a huge number of national and international tourists each year. Goa is one such captivating tourist destination in India which has something to offer to every enthusiast traveler coming here, nevertheless of budget and varying travel habits. It is also a popular honeymoon destination. The real beauty of Goa lies in its beautiful beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture. It also has bountiful flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghat Range and it is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.
Beaches in Goa :
Despite being the smallest state in India, Goa is synonymous to many captivating things that are best showcase of a life without stress and worries. The multitude of beaches in Goa offer a range of activities such as beautiful walks along the palm fringed shores sprawled with unique shells and intriguing boat rides. There are range of beach huts where tourist can stay in and restaurants in which one can taste local and delicious sea food. There are numerous beaches in the Goa but the beach that is perfect for you will fully depend upon the kind of experience you want to have. Some of the popular beaches of Goa can be named as Arambol, Agonda, Anjuna and Vagator, Calangute, Candolim, Cavelossim, Colva, Dona Paula - a popular beach. Palolem, Sinquierem, Bogomolo - a beautiful and serene beach near Vasco Da Gama.
Major Tourist Attractions In Goa:
Baga Beach, Aguada Fort, Calangute Beach, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, and Basilica of Bom Jesus.
Tourism in Goa
Tourism activity is generally promoted on the coastal areas of Goa. This picturesque state is a destination of choice for Indian and foreign tourist, especially Britons and Russian travelers. Goa stands 6th among the top ten Nightlife cities in the world in National Geographic Travel. A water sport is the prime attraction of the state. Popular beaches such as Baga and Calangute offer jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, water scooter rides, and much more. Patnem beach in Palolem stood third in CNN Travel's top twenty Beaches in Asia.
How to Reach Goa
Goa being one of the inevitable tourist destinations in India, it is quite easily accessible from various parts of India by air, rail and road. Snuggled between hills and seas, overlooking the Arabian Sea is graced with some of the India’s best beaches that draw in tourists from distant parts of the country and globe. There is a well knit of roadways that connects Mumbai to Goa. Mumbai to Goa is approximately 600 kilometer, Pune is around 450 kilometer and Kolhapur is approximately 230 kilometers. If you are planning to drive Goa by road from Bengaluru, you have to drive through National Highway 4 that connects to State Highway 34 followed by National Highway 4A and pelt along the State Highway 7. The approximate distance from Bangalore to Goa is 560kms and it takes more or less 9 long hours.
Sights
Map
Info
Famous for its beaches, parties, Portuguese heritage and "Susegad" or relaxed lifestyle, Goa is the smallest state in India in terms of area. Where to go in Goa? When in India’s sunshine state, be prepared to fall in love with sandy beaches, palm-fringed shores and beachfront Portuguese bungalows. Goa will never fail to entice you with its landscapes peppered with paddy fields, coconut groves, windy cliffs and riverside forts. North or South Goa? While South Goa is a haven for tourists seeking quiet days spent by the tranquil seaside, North Goa is known primarily because of its bustling shacks and legendary nightlife. From the umpteen number of places to visit in Goa, a few that most definitely shouldn’t be missed are the Fontainhas – India’s only existing Latin quarters, the 17th century old Bom Jesus Basilica; to revel in a little bohemian spirit, the vibrant Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach, and Dudhsagar – one of India’s highest waterfalls. But if you’re here simply to unwind, there’s no dearth of things to enjoy. What to do in Goa? Starting with spotting a dolphin or two at the Palolem beach, marveling at the routinely glorious sunsets at Chapora fort, taking leisurely strolls through the mossy ruins of St. Augustine in Old Goa or simply soaking in the salty tropical breeze with platefuls of butter garlic prawns, bebinca and a few too many rum and cokes, with a side of jazz and Konkani music. Wondering how much a visit to Goa will cost you? Goa tourism has made it easier for all kinds of travellers with a daily budget between Rs.3000 to Rs.5000. If your budget is tighter, read on to see what Goa tourism offers to its budget travellers and also for a fair breakdown of your expenses in Goa.
