Goa Travel Guide
If you are searching for a perfect beach destination in India, then it has to be the state of Goa. It attracts a crazy number of tourists local as well as foreigners, every year. You get everything here, from relaxing at the beaches to visiting the world renowned churches and forts. Since it is a perfect mix of various cultures, Goa has something to offer for every kind of a tourist as per his liking. It is one of the most frequented destinations in India and possibly one of the most amazing tourist destinations in the world. It is a perfect place for all occasions- family holiday, honeymoon or a leisure trip. As Goa has a lot to offer, tour Guide to Goa becomes a must.
Below is Goa travel guide for you which you can read so that you get a fair idea of what you are going to experience, once you come here. This page gets up-dated from time to time.
Area: 3660 sq km (1430 sq mi)
Capital City: Panaji (Panjim)
Language: Konkani, Marathi, English and Portuguese
Major religions: Hinduism, Islam and Christianity Temperature: 20C - 34C.
Altitude: Sea Level - 1022 meters.
Weather Forecast For Goa In December
Best time to visit: Throughout the year but the weather is pleasant between the months of November to March
How to Reach: You can reach Goa by using air, rail as well as roadways which have a great amount of infrastructure and all the mediums are in the perfect state, since the amount of tourism is great here. The transportation within the state has tourist coaches, buses, taxis, auto-rickshaws, motor cycle taxis and ferries. In Goa, water transport is an important part of the transportation network.
By Train: Margao, also known as Madgaon and Vasco-da-gama are the 2 main railway stations in Goa. Falling on the Konkan railway line, it is well-connected with major cities of India including Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore. You can opt for hire-a-taxi service.
By Air: The international airport of Goa is located in Dabolim that is around 29 km from Panaji. This airport is well-connected with all the important cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Bangalore and abroad; mainly in Germany and U.K. you can hire a taxi from outside the airport.
By Bus: The main bus station is Kadamba bus stand of Panaji. State- owned buses ply to and from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Sea Route: Sea route is another way to reach Goa. Shipping service is available from Mumbai to Panaji.
Churches :
Chapel of St. Francis Xavier The Church and Convent of St. Monica Se Cathedral The Convent and Church Of St. Francis of Assisi The Professed House and The Basilica of Bom Jesus
Beaches :Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute, Baga, Dona Paula, Varca, Colva, Bogmalo, Cavelossim.
Forts :Aguada, Chapora, Mormugao, Tiracol, Cabo da Rama
Places to visit in Goa (cities) :Panaji, Vasco da Gama, Mapusa, Margao, Old Goa, Bicholim, Mormugao
Water Sports :Water-Skiing, Windsurfing, Angling and Fishing, Dolphin Viewing, Scuba Diving
Wildlife sanctuaries :Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
To cater to the needs of a huge amount of tourists, there are innumerable Hotels In Goa and thus you get an array of accommodation. There is an option for everyone as there are five star resorts, budget hotels, as well as the cottages and beach side villas which you can get on rent easily.
The Flea markets and Bazaars of Goa are not only popular for the varieties that they offer but they are also are a major attraction for the tourists that visit Goa. You can shop for accessories, clothes, spices, art and antique items, souvenirs, handicrafts, trance music CDs, and much more. The local markets of Goa exude a charm that does not attract shopaholic but regular tourists as well. Ingo's Saturday night market, Anjuna's Wednesday market, Velha Goa galleria, Colva's Sunday market, Government Emporium along with several other places are simply amazing to splurge on shopping. The flea markets of Goa are not just for shopping, you can also enjoy the live music, food, bands, cultural performances and more.
You can great seafood and cheap liquor in these markets. If you know the act of bargaining, you are in for a great deal. These markets even sell Chinese, Tibetan, European, Nepalese, Kashmiri, Gujarati, Indonesian, Japanese and Rajasthani stuff. Along with local flea markets, there are several branded showrooms and designer boutiques where you can get your hands some great stuff here. Do not miss shopping for excellent quality cashews and fenny, the popular local liquor.
Preferably, you should carry cotton clothes in light color, T-shirts, bandanas, shorts, three-quarters, Bermudas as they perfectly suit the mood of the place! Some very important things which you must not forget are a sun block cream, hats and shades.
The locals generally converse in Konkani, English and Marathi. The life of Goans is a mix of a unique culture, some great food, a number of religions and a distinct lifestyle. The people of this beach state celebrate festivals of all religions including Diwali, Christmas, Eid, Shigmo, Ganesh Chaturthi and so on. Sunburn festival is the major highlight of Goa.
The Portuguese rule has left a strong influence on the culture, music, celebrations, dance of Goa and the daily activities of the people. Along with traditional Marathi and Konkani and Bollywood numbers, English songs are also quite popular here. Mando is a special musical form that evolved in Goa during 19th and 20th century and was promoted by Goan Catholics. Trance music is also quite popular here. Corridinho, Fugdi and Dekhnni are traditional dances of Goa.
The cuisine of Goa is a mix of different influences which the people of Goa have being under. The staple food of Goans is Rice and fish curry. Coconut and its by-products are largely used in the dishes of Goan cuisine. Seafood is extremely popular here and is quite easily available. When in Goa, do not forget to try Fenny, the local liquor. However, delicacies of most of Indian and World cuisine are available here.
Private taxis and cabs can easily be hired to travel within the state. Your own hotel or any travel agency can make the arrangement for the same. But the most preferred and popular mode of traveling around is hiring a motorbike or a scooty using which you can even explore the interiors of the place. These are easily available and are extremely.