Goa, on the
west coast of India is a land of swaying palms, miles
of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible cultural
heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments
and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west.
Known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist
Paradise", the state of Goa is popular with travellers
around the world because of the magnificent scenic beauty
and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches
and old houses. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous
beaches and sunshine, tourists to Goa love the laid-back,
peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.
Weather
Goa
is a coastal place that is located near the Arabian
Sea which results in humid weather for most of the year.
The month of May is typically the hottest with temperatures
peaking around 35°C (95°F), but with the arrival
of the monsoons in late June, the conditions become
cooler and more pleasant. The monsoon season lasts until
September and is followed by a short cool season from
December to February.
Tourism:
Internationally
popular for its beaches, Goa is visited by hundreds
of thousands of international and domestic travellers
every year, and has become one of the most popular holiday
destinations for European travellers, particularly in
the Northern hemisphere winter. Besides beaches, Goa
is also known for its world heritage architecture including
the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Goa also has rich flora and
fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range,
which are classified as a biodiversity hotspot. There
is a lot one can do at Goa like
you can relax at the beaches. Goa has an almost unbroken
100 km coastline of beaches, visit the venerable catherals
of a bygone era at old Goa, which are still in good
condition, enjoy the cuisine at a range of resturants
that cater to just about every palate, check out the
several discos and pubs that have sprung up around Goa,
and last but not the least ... try feni. It is a local
specialty alcoholic drink made from cashew fruits.
Places
of Tourist Interest:
Beaches:
-Agonda Colva
-Anjuna Dona Paula
-Arambol Miramar-Gaspar Dias
-Baga Beach Palolem
-Calangute Vagator Museums & Art Galleries:
-Archaelogical Museum and Portrait Gallery. Old Goa
Galleria de Icons Margao
-Goa State Museum, Patto, Panaji The Big Foot Art Gallery
& Local Handicrafts Centre
-Galleries at Se Cathedral Loutlim
-St. Francis of Assisi and Bom Jesus
Temples/Churches/Mosques/Historical Monuments:
-Shri Manguesh Temple at Pirol, Ponda Ruins of Church
of St. Augustine
-Shri Shanta Durga Temple at Kavlem Viceroy's Arch all
in Old Goa
-Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla Reis Magos Church
-Shri Mahalsa at Mardol The Church of Mae de Deus at
Saligao
-Basilica of Bom Jesus Rachol Seminary
-Se Cathedral The Church of St. Alex at curtorim
-Church of St. Francis Assisi Jama Masjid at Sanguem
-St. Cajetan Church Safa Masjid at Ponda
-Church of Our Lady of Rosary Aguada Fort
-Nunnery of Santa Monica Tirakol Fort
Towns:
-Panaji, Margao Marmugao Harbour
-Vasco-da-Gama Pilar
-Mapusa Chandor
Wildlife/bird Sanctuaries :
-Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
-Molem Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary
-Bondla Forest Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
Waterfalls/Lakes/Springs :
-Arvalem Waterfalls, Mayem Lake
-Dudhsagar Waterfalls near Colem Kesarval Spring
When to Go
The best period to
visit Goa is during winters between November to February
end. It is pleasantly cold during winters with temperatures
ranging from 15o - 30o Celsius. Winters are probably
the best months to visit this paradise and enjoy the
sun, the sea and the sand!
Interesting
Fact
Even after India's independence
in 1947, Goa remained a Portuguese colony till Dec
1961.
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