About the city:
One of the youngest states of the largest democratic country in the world, Goa is India’s one of the smallest yet liveliest states. Squashed between the seas and the lush forested hills, it covers an area of 3,702 squares Km embraced in the Sahayadri range at the Western Ghats. Capital of Goa is Panjim. Konkani, Marathi and English are the most spoken languages of Goa. As, it is a secular state, hence people follow different religions like Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
An amazing blend of Indian and Iberian culture, Goa is one of the prosperous states in the country with excellent banking and financial services. Not only this, Goa is surrounded by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, Belgaum on the eastern side, karwar district of Karnataka on the south and Arabian Sea on the west.
Its various rivers are navigable through out the year like Tircol, Chapora, Mandovi and many others. Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa. You can enjoy mouthwatering Portuguese food in Goa with plenty of fish steaks and delectable and fresh “from the sea” recipes ranging from freshly caught lobsters, tiger prawns, and crab with almost continental and Indian dishes.
Weather
Overall weather in Goa is, quiet pleasant. Generally, rain occurs in June and last until September. Temperature also varies between 20° C ( minimum) to 34° C ( maximum). November to February is pleasant season for touring. If you want to indulge yourself in the depth of entertainment, the best time is in December when the entire Goa welcomes you to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Tourist Attractions:
Goa is the perfect place to enjoy after long working days or for newly wed couples. It can take breath, with its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, which is ideal for sunbaths and romantic leisurely walk. It is the most traveled vacationland in India. It has a series of places to exhibit like churches, ancient temples, adventurous forts, wildlife preserves, famous architecture, feasts and festivals and many scenic beaches.
Goa is undoubtedly a unique place to know about India’s cultural and historical heritage. Its beaches are covered with hawkers during day and rave parties at night Tourist really have to do hard work in exploring, a stretch of 105 Kilometers of coast and exotic beaches. Among them some of the famous beaches are Gasper, Dias, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Condolim, Bogmalo, and Vagator.
Over the years, many tourists admire it as the heaven on the earth. Popularly known as the Rome of the East, it vaunts Catholic churches like The Church of Lady of Rosary, Basilica of Bomb Jesus, and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Its churches are reflection of its divine grace. Its melodious music also fascinates the other part of the world.
Some of the other tourist attraction spots are, Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery and Museum of Goa, situated in Panaji. Various Pilgrim canters are Basilica of the Bom Jesus, Shri Manguesh, Priol temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Shri Naguesh, Shri Mahalakashmi in Ponda. Goa ‘s forest covers its 1/3 rd geographical area that is 1424sq. Kms out of which 1224sq.kms is under the Government control and rest is under private owners.
In short, it is right to say you can enjoy every moment of your stay, because of plenty of water sports, to swimming with dolphin or cruising in Mandovi River.
Close Destinations:
If you will move little away from Goa, you will find many irresistible beaches like Palolem an ideal place for those tourists who want to experience nature closely. Then the Colva Beach is less than 6kms from Margao city, well known for its palm tress and glittering silvery white sand.
For the religious lover, there is ample of choices like Basilica of Bom Jesus; the most famous church built in 16 th century and dedicated to Infant Jesus. St, Cajetan Church was built in style of St, Peter’s basilica in Rome. Some of the other churches are Reis Magos church or The Church of Mae de Deus at Saligao. For the Hindu follower, temples like Shri Mahalsa, Ramnath, Mahalsa, and other are must see.
Plenty of wild life centuries are situated in Goa and attracted tourist from all over the world. Most famous centuries are Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife sanctuary, 60kms from Panaji. Than Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is like a mini zoo, a deer park and a botanical garden. Most adventourous place for trekkers and hikers is Dughsagar falls, where water is rushing down from hundred of feet. Mayem Lake, 35 kms from Panaji is the hottest picnic spot. Because of the availability of proper accommodation and boating facilities, more tourist visit there.
Accommodation:
Goa has a huge verity of quantity and quality to stay here. To suit every pocket, from the cheap and cheerful to the downright extravagant, the city offers hotels, villas, guesthouses, bed-sits in Goa, and bed & breakfasts. You can choose any option according your needs, pocket’s size and wish to accommodate particular site.
Any one can book the accommodation well in advance with the help of internet. Now days there are number of websites who are offering huge discounts and various free packages of stay. Nevertheless, well assured of the genuineness online reservation system is hotel-listings-online.com that provides an entire range of staying options available in Goa and in its neighborhood areas along with their affordable prices, exclusive facilities and valuable room amenities offered by particular hotels, thus, making it easier for the travelers to grab the right deal in terms of rates, discounts and special offer.
Hotel Rates and Charges:
Hotels are here to provide you with the friendliest service and the finest amenities that are the hallmark of this city. You can choose the hotel according to your pocket. There are list of various hotels and guesthouses available all over Goa that not only provides comfortable but also highly cost-effective stay. For a stay in such bed & breakfast lodging, a tourist might have to pay around Rs 150-300.
For an economic yet comfortable stay, you have to pay Rs to 350-500. A luxurious stay in the centre of Goa can be avail at the cost of Rs.650-800. Four to Five-Star hotels that provide an exclusive stay in style and luxury could start their prices from Rs2000 and can go up to Rs 4000.
Lodging:
Tourists or visitors can grab the benefit of assorted unique conveniences offered by Hotels, Resorts or Guesthouses. Restaurants, lounges and bars boast fabulous views overlooking the great culture and offer traditional food all day. Almost hotels serve you with modern-day convenience, gracious service and helpful amenities. You can enjoy complimentary quikstart breakfast with welcome drinks.
Hotel guests can enjoy the separate bedrooms with queen bed and beautiful furnishing, full baths and rendered living room with dining area, fireplace and full-size sofa bed. Exclusive suites have fully equipped kitchens including coffee maker, cooking and eating utensils, dishes and glassware, dishwasher, microwave and refrigerator with icemaker.
Amusing and amazing Facts about the city:
While the rest of the country progressed towards the independence and the 20th century, Goa remained a Portuguese colony, since 4 1\2 centuries of Portuguese rule has left its imprints everywhere. Despite the end of Portuguese rule in 1961, Goa’s traditions of language, religion, dances is remained like that only. |