Tourism in Goa

Although small, the state is among India's richest, largely thanks to tourism. The big attraction is more than 80 miles of coastline, and India's most sophisticated mass-market tourist industry: Indian culture is given a Goan twist, and strange foreign practices are tolerated more readily in Goa than in the rest of India. But if you delve deeper you will find plenty of culture and history, and some seductively accessible nature. Conquered by the Portuguese in the early 16th century and returned to Indian rule only in 1961, the state has a Lusitanian air in everything from the architectural relics to the names of businesses. The resumption of Indian rule coincided with the development of the image of Goa as a hippy haven in the 1960s, and its allure has continued. So to summarize everything, if you are looking for a peace of mind and just want to relax and enjoy with your family or wants to enjoy with your friends or colleagues, then Goa is a perfect destination to f...

Since Goa is one of the most happening tourist destinations in India. To help tourists explore this place fully and in a considerable amount of time, Goa has all major modes of public transport. The local transportation in Goa suits every pocket and every taste. Right from air conditioned deluxe buses to the auto rickshaws, you can find the kind of public transport that you require according to your budget. There is absolutely no dearth of local transport in Goa and you can find autos and cabs round the clock. Bus   One can always get on a bus that is owned by the state government or even private tour operators to tour Goa. They charge a considerable fee for their services and take you comfortably to all major tourist attractions in Goa. You can pick from the normal buses to the air conditioned deluxe coaches. Taxi / Cab You can also opt for a taxi or a cab in Goa to visit the famous tourist destinations of Goa. You can hire the taxi for an entire day or just from one...

The culture of Goa is an amalgamation of Indian and Portuguese culture. The long Portuguese rule has influenced the culture in more ways than one and many of the Portuguese traditions are reflected in the Goan culture even today.Dance and music is deeply embedded in the Goan culture. The most popular dance forms in Goa are Fugdi and Dhalo, which are traditional dances, performed only by women. Some dances are specific to an occasion or festival they are performed in. The Dhangar is performed during the Hindu festival of Navaratras and during the Shigmo festival women perform a lamp dance. Goa comes alive in the festive season and it is then that you see the splendid blend of cultures that coexist beautifully over here. Along with this, Goans are also fond of delectable food and include a lot of sea food in their daily routine. In fact, the tourists can taste a variety of sea food dishes, with trying their hands on Bahami and Konkani delicacies also. The tourists can clearly see ...

Goa is a state which is gifted with incredible natural beauty; from her beaches and gently rolling hill to her vegetation and animal life. To protect some of this natural beauty from rush of modern development, Goa has set aside four wild-life sanctuaries nested in the wooded areas of in-land Goa. The Bhagwan Mahaveer, Bondla, Cotigao, and Dr.Salim Ali Wild life sanctuaries are open to visitors interested in a glimpse of Goa's natural environment.   Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary : the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is located 38 kms from Margao. It is more an ideal jungle resort than a sanctuary. It is a big favourite with school children and people who love nature. This wildlife sanctuary in Goa houses mini zoos, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and rose gardens that attract people throughout the year.  Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary :   The Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers around 240 sq kms. Out of this, the forest-clad slopes of the Western gh...

Needless to say, delicious and mouthwatering Goan Food attracts the food enthusiasts and those who are crazy for sea food. Enjoying foods in Goa  with your favorite drink and at beach resort is incomparable that persuade tourists again and again to explore Goa tours. Accordingly, Goan cuisine is mainly prejudiced by Christianity and Hinduism and this is the main reason it is called as the blend of East and West. Moreover, cooking approaches have been intermingled together and endorsed to seethe, cooking and developing an accurate selection of delicacies. The blend of East and West truly accentuate that food is fresh, tasty and delicious and served with great warm welcome. Demonstration is supreme to Goans as they often segment their food, expressly during feasts, where food is disseminated among fellow citizen. Here is a list of the most popular Goan Cuisine and Goan dishes that are truly mouthwatering and attract everyone. Bebinca Bebinca is the most delicious and famous...

There are several museums and galleries located in Goa which reflects both state's heritage as well as reflects it's hidden beauty. Some of the major museums as well galleries which one must visit have been listed below:-  GOA STATE MUSEUM The State of Goa has got long historical and cultural tradition. The State Museum of Goa is set up, with the aim at centralizing and preserving antiquities, art objects and objects of cultural importance, throwing light on the ancient historical and cultural traditions of Goa and exhibiting them thematically, so as to depict different aspects of the Goan History and Culture. The Museum, at present has in its possession a fairly large collection which is increasing day by day.  The Museum, was set up on small scale in 1977 at St.Inez, Panaji. After construction of this present building the same was shifted here and this new Museum Complex at Patto was inaugurated by the then President Of India on 18th June 1996. NAVAL AVIATION MUSEU...

The list of goan forts consists of famous forts such as Terekhol fort, Chapora Fort, Aguada Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, and various others. Today even though most of the forts are in ruins the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is making efforts to retain and restore the beauty of these forts. To this end restoration work has been done on the forts of Aguada, Chapora and Terekhol while Reigs Magos fort is undergoing a restoration. Fort Aguada A long laterite peninsula extends in the sea west of Reis Magos, bringing the seven kilometer long Clangute beach to an abrupt halt. Fort Aguada crowns the rocky flattened top of the headland and is the largest and best preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa. This fort was built in 1612 to guard the northern shores of the Mandovi estuary from attacks by the Dutch and Maratha raiders. The name was derived from the presence of many fresh water springs which were a first source of drinking water for ships arriving in Goa after a along voyage. ...

Travelers must visit its famous churches as Goa is exactly synonymous with churches. All these churches are great example of rich historical past of Goa and are living testimonies of ancient culture. Basilica of Bom Jesus, Reis Magos Church, Se Cathedral, Church of St. Augustine, Church of St. Francis, Mary Immaculate Conception and St. Anne Church are some of the famous churches in Goa. Basilica of Bom Jesus :   This church is known to hold the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. This church is situated around 10 kilometers away from the new city of Panjim. 'Bom Jesus' (literally, 'Good (or Holy) Jesus') is generally a name which is used for the infant Jesus. This church is considered as the best examples of Baroque structural design in India. In the church, travelers can witness beautiful paintings with scenes which taken from the life of St. Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral Church: The Se Cathedral church of Goa is one of the largest churches of Asia. B...

The multitude of beaches in Goa offer something for everyone, from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, and trance parties to tranquility. The Goa beach that's right for you will depend on the kind of experience you want to have. These beaches are divided into North and South Goa. Beaches in Northern Goa ->Anjuna ->Arambol ->Bambolim ->Calangute ->Candolim ->Chapora ->Dona Paula ->Miramar ->Morjim ->Sinquerim ->Vagator Beaches in Southern Goa ->Agonda ->Benaulim ->Canaguinim ->Cavelossim ->Colva ->Majorda ->Mobor ->Palolem ->Baga ->Bogmalo Though all the beaches located in Goa are Beautiful as well as alluring but out of these some major tourist spots have been listed below:- Mandrem Beach Situated in North Goa, Mandrem is a tranquil beach and counted among the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Serene and scenic, Mandrem is preferred by honeymooners. The secluded beach provides the mu...

Goa has a tropical climate, with hot, humid weather for most of the year. In summer the temperatures can reach as high as 91°F (33°C) and there are monsoon rains from June to September. Goa has a short winter, lasting only from December to February, with temperatures averaging around 77°F (25°C). The best time to visit Goa is during the cooler months between November and March, when the weather is warm, there is no rain, and the seas are calm and clear. The most popular time to visit Goa is over December and January, partly because the weather is ideal at this time, but also because Goa is renowned for its Christmas and New Year's celebrations. October, at the very start of the tourist season, is a good month to visit in if you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, but, although the beaches will be lovely and empty, many facilities will be closed and it'll be harder to find open restaurants, shops and the like. March or early April are also good times to arrive, as it isn...

Vasco da Gama is the largest city located in Goa. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese province; the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961. In the 3rd century BC Goa formed part of the Mauryan empire. Later it was ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur and eventually passed to the Chalukyas of Badami from AD 580 to 750. Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312, but they weren’t fans of the beach and eventually left in 1370 under the forceful persuasion of Harihara I of the Vijayanagar mpire. During the next 100 years Goa’s harbours were important landing places for ships carrying Arabian horses for the Vijayanagar cavalry. Blessed as it is by natural harbours and wide rivers, Goa was the ideal base ...