FACT AND FIGURES :
| Capital : |
Panaji. |
| Area: |
3,702 sq. km. |
| District : |
2 |
| Main Languages : |
Konkani, Marathi,
Portuguese, and English. |
| Population : |
1.3 million. |
| Literacy : |
77%, it is one of the
highest literacy rate in country . |
| Boundaries: |
East and South-Karnataka;
West-Arabian Sea; North- Maharashtra and Terekhol River. |
| Airport : |
Dabolim. |
| Longest rivers are: |
The Zuari and The Mandovi. |
| Altitude: |
Sea level to 1,022 meters. |
| Highest Mountains: |
Sonsogad in the Sahyadri
range of the Western Ghats (3,827 feet). |
| Monsoon : |
June to September. |
| Temperature: |
Maximum: 34° C
Minimum: 20° C |
INTRODUCTION :
Goa is lively and modern, with many western style entertainments. there is
a choice of luxurious hotels with plenty of night life, or simplicity and
tranquility in one of the inexpensive, clean and comfortable rooms with
their own charm, right on the beach. The Portuguese influenced food is
mouthwatering. Choose massive fish steaks fresh from the sea or a wide and
delicious choice of both continental and Indian dishes. Panaji, the
capital, is an easy-going town with Portuguese styled cafes, whitewashed
churches and overhanging balconies; a delight after your journey. Old Goa,
east of Panaji, was once the capital of the eastern Portuguese Empire.
Now, it is little more than a fascinating small village surrounded by huge
convents and churches dedicated to the zeal of Christianity, including the
Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the famous Basilica of Bom
Jesus. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who spread Christianity
among the subjects of the Portuguese colonies, are entombed here. Which
beach to choose from along the 100km long coastline of silvery sand.
Possibly Colva with its warm turquoise sea and fishermen hauling in their
nets by hand in the clear morning light as they chant an ancient sea song;
or maybe sophisticated Aguada, with its jet-set beach and sixteenth
century fort. Try the experience of a full-moon party at Anjuna, or mingle
with the variety of people in Calangute selling handicrafts, jewellery and
modern fabrics. Enjoy the old Portuguese fort in Chapora, surrounded by
secluded and sandy beaches and dense green coconut palms. Visit all the
beaches or just adopt one and make it your home. Wild boar and sambar in
their natural habitat in the hills of the Western Ghats can be seen in
Bondla, one of the Goan wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, the region is
justly famous for its many colourful festivals, including Mardi Gras,
celebrated with Christian fervour. There are so many delights in Western
India and so many glorious choices; from the vibrant life of commercial
Bombay to the home of the indomitable Mahatma Gandhi then down to the
peace and magic of sunny Goa - the choice is yours. As a matter of fact
the Goa is for relaxation and experience the idyllic peace. If you have
ever dreamt of a warm land of space and light, where the beaches stretch
for silvery miles, where the glittering sea always beckons you, where the
people are always smiling, where the succulent juice from a bite of ripe
pineapples or papaya drips on your hot skin as you luxuriate lazily on the
white sand, then Goa, a fascinating blend of Latin and Indian cultures,
will be a place where the wish to linger will be overpowering. |