GOA the Tourist Paradise of India
Also Known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to
endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine. 40 lovely beaches, most of them pollution free, though not all of them as safe as swimmers would wish. The most developed beach segment is the Calangute - Baga - Anjuna belt in the Bardesh subdivision north of Panaji. The north Goa beaches in Pernem subdivision are delightfully primitive and untouched: Keri beach (with Tiracol and an ancient Portuguese fort on the other bank); Arambol (also known as Harmal); Mandrem (a toddy tappers' and palm distillers' hamlet with two little beaches: Lemos and Asvem) and Morji. The local people are friendly and un-interfering, the markets fairly well stocked and the public transportation system reasonably efficient. By way of accommodation there are somewhat Spartan cottages and thatched huts.
Highly recommended places to visit in GOA.
Mayem Lake
The picturesque Mayem Lake just 35 kms from Panaji, encircled by rolling lush green
hills, is an ideal picnic spot with paddle boating facilities. In fact, those interested in experiencing a bit of rural Goa, can stay in Mayem Lake View cottages, hidden in the wooded slopes overlooking a calm spread of water.
Arvalem Waterfalls
This waterfall, which cascades down from the mountains, from a height of 50 meters, is one of the most amazing spots and best viewed after the monsoons, when the ferocity of this waterfall is mind-blowing. Near the waterfall, is the temple of Shri Rudreshwar and this site is important for the religious rites to appease the souls of the departed. Hindu religion followers perform these rites on the 12th day after the death.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary
With an area of 240 sq. kms, this sanctuary is Goa's largest wildlife preserve. Located close to the Molem village at the foot of the Western Ghats, this sanctuary lies on the eastern border of the state. It is 53 kms away from the state capital Panaji, with evergreen forests and deciduous trees encompassing this preserve.Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Literally meaning 'The Sea of Milk', these falls are situated on the Goa-Karnataka border, at a distance of 60 kms from Panaji and 10 kms from Colem railway station. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volumes, forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa. It is a popular destination for hikers and trekkers. The falls are best seen after monsoon, between October and December, but right up to April there is enough water to make a visit worthwhile.
Savoi Verem Plantation
The Savoi-Verem plantation, owned by the Shetye families of South Goa, is a great half-day excursion to make, and an opportunity to see traditional Goan methods of organic farming. The ascent to the plantation is staggeringly beautiful where one can walk through the plantation with a guide, identifying different spices and exotic fruits, crushing and smelling the leaves and watching the monkey-men gather betel-nuts in the trees. Once there, you can also have a traditional Goan lunch, served out of earthenware, on banana leaves on a verandah overlooking the natural lake.
Menezes Braganza’s House
Menezes Braganza's House at Chandor belonged to Luis de Menezes Braganza, an
influential journalist and politician (1878-1938). The late 16th century mansion was later extended in the 18th and 19th century, which was divided between two families staying in separate wings.Mapusa Market
Mapusa is the administrative head quarters and the main town of the Bardez Taluka. Its main feature is the municipal market that is worth a visit as to get the feel of the Goan colour. The thrill of bargain hunting while you browse along the colourful and vibrant shops of textile and silk, jewellery, spices, fruits and vegetables and the fish market is also a beautiful experience.
Pottery Handicraft Workshop
Talking of original designs, it should be interesting to visit Kumbhar Pottery studio at Bicholim, that has some very interesting pieces. The eleven-year-old studio experiments with clay and earth to combine the many aesthetic sensibilities that Goa has developed over the years. One finds distinctive Portuguese influence amalgamated with Hindu traditional art resulting into beautiful objects and that is where Goan pottery stands out from the rest.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
Ten kms northeast of the Usgao Tisk village in north Goa lies the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary. One of the smallest preserves in Goa, it covers an area of merely 8 sq. kms. Animals such as the black-faced langur, Indian bison, jackal and wild boar are commonly found here. Various species of deer can also be spotted. Besides being home to animals, this preserve is also a treat for bird watchers and butterfly spotters.Handicraft Emporium
The Goa Handicrafts, Rural & Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Limited (GHRSSIDC), a Government of Goa Undertaking, was set up in October 1980. Its main objective is to encourage, promote and market the myriad of Goan handicrafts by making these items available through its various outlets.
Shopping in GOA
For travellers to Goa, the visit is not complete unless they take back a souvenir of their memorable sojourn in this magnificent paradise. Naturally, shopping should be a priority on the itinerary of every tourist, along with the sightseeing attractions. The excellent local handicrafts of Goa are easily the most popular souvenir items and include brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache, etc. These are available in the Government Emporia and also at shops and stalls near the popular tourist spots.
Getting to GOA
By Road
The Goa Transport Corporation, Kadamba, runs long-distance services throughout the state from their main stand at Panjim, Mapusa, Margao and from locations in the adjoining states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Private buses, serving everywhere else, including the coastal resorts, are affordable, frequent, and provide a relaxed mode of commuting.
By Rail
The Konkan Railway makes Goa easily accessible by rail from cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Mangalore, Ernakulam and Thiruvanantapuram. Goa is also linked to Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune via Londa.
By Air
Dabolim Airport, 30-km from the state capital Panaji, has coach services operating to and from the airport. All the major hotels also arrange transport services for the guests and prepaid taxi services are also available. All the major airline services have daily flights to Goa from Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Pune and twice a week from Chennai and Kochi. The International Service of airlines also connects Goa with Kuwait and Sharjah twice a week.
Labels: Beaches, Western India
posted by Rishil Babu @ 6:22 AM,
