General Information About Goa --- sun, sand and sea...

 
Goa is lively and modern, with many western style entertainments. there is a choice of luxurious hotels with plenty of night life, or simplicity and tranquility in one of the inexpensive, clean and comfortable rooms with their own charm, right on the beach. The Portuguese influenced food is mouthwatering. Choose massive fish steaks fresh from the sea or a wide and delicious choice of both continental and Indian dishes. Panaji, the capital, is an easy-going town with Portuguese styled cafes, whitewashed churches and overhanging balconies; a delight after your journey. Old Goa, east of Panaji, was once the capital of the eastern Portuguese Empire. Now, it is little more than a fascinating small village surrounded by huge convents and churches dedicated to the zeal of Christianity, including the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, who spread Christianity among the subjects of the Portuguese colonies, are entombed here. Which beach to choose from along the 100km long coastline of silvery sand. Possibly Colva with its warm turquoise sea and fishermen hauling in their nets by hand in the clear morning light as they chant an ancient sea song; or maybe sophisticated Aguada, with its jet-set beach and sixteenth century fort. Try the experience of a full-moon party at Anjuna, or mingle with the variety of people in Calangute selling handicrafts, jewellery and modern fabrics. Enjoy the old Portuguese fort in Chapora, surrounded by secluded and sandy beaches and dense green coconut palms. Visit all the beaches or just adopt one and make it your home. Wild boar and sambar in their natural habitat in the hills of the Western Ghats can be seen in Bondla, one of the Goan wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, the region is justly famous for its many colourful festivals, including Mardi Gras, celebrated with Christian fervour. There are so many delights in Western India and so many glorious choices; from the vibrant life of commercial Bombay to the home of the indomitable Mahatma Gandhi then down to the peace and magic of sunny Goa - the choice is yours. As a matter of fact the Goa is for relaxation and experience the idyllic peace. If you have ever dreamt of a warm land of space and light, where the beaches stretch for silvery miles, where the glittering sea always beckons you, where the people are always smiling, where the succulent juice from a bite of ripe pineapples or papaya drips on your hot skin as you luxuriate lazily on the white sand, then Goa, a fascinating blend of Latin and Indian cultures, will be a place where the wish to linger will be overpowering.

  History

Goa traces its history to a very ancient period. It was known for as Gopakappattan. An arrow from Lord Parsurama's bow fell into the sea instantly reclaiming the land called Gomant. This was during the Mahabharat -- today this reclaimed land is called Goa!
Through known history, Goa has belonged to various Kingdoms starting with the Mauryas under Ashoka in 250 BC. From the 6th to 8th centuries, the Chalukyas dominated only to replaced by the Rashtrakutas and in turn the Kadambas over the next three centuries. Muslim rule came to Goa towards the end of the 14th century in the form of the Bahamanis who then lost it and recaptured it from the Vijaynagar emperors a century later. The last King to rule before the Portuguese set foot was Yusuf Adil Shah of Bijapur. In 1510 Albuquerque captured Old Goa. Over the next 351 years the Portuguese consolidated their hold over Goa, braving a Dutch blockade in 1603 and a Maratha attack in 1667.The Marathas were eventually routed in 1739 and thereafter until the Pinto revolution of 1787 there was no further threat to their rule.
The 'New conquests' between 1782 and 1791 were the result of four decades of planning first initiated by King Joao V of Portugal. When India attained Independence in 1947, tremendous pressure was exerted on the Portuguese to hand over Goa, Daman and Diu. The Portuguese held on grimly, even using force on occasion (as in 1955 when a group of 'satyagrahis' from India was attacked). It was a case of delaying of the inevitable which happened on 19 December 1961 when the Indian Army marched in, after a Naval Blockade by the Indian Navy. 26 years later, Goa attained statehood shedding its erstwhile 'Union Territory' status on 30/5/1987.

Tourist Season :
Throughout the year (November to February is pleasant while June to September is rainy season).

Museums
Old Goa : Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery.
Panaji : Museum of Goa, Daman and Diu-St. Inez.


Pilgrim Centres
Old Goa : Basilica of the Bom Jesus, the mortal remains St.Francis Xavier is kept here - Dabolim 27 km.
Reis Magos: Church of Reis Magos A - Dabolim 29 km.
Ponda: Shri Manguesh, Priol temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are other temple in Ponda like Shri Mahalsa, Shri Gopal
Ganpati, Shri Shantadurga, Shri Naguesh, Shri Mahalakashmi, A-Dabolim 35km.


Forests :

The forest in Goa is nearly 1/3 of its geographical area. The total forest area is 1424sq.kms. of which 1224sq.kms. is under Government control and about 200sq.kms. under private owners. Wildlife management, which is an important component is being taken care of by scientific management of four sanctuaries which covers above 25 % of the Government forest areas of the State. Wild life Preservation Act 1972 is vigorously implemented
 

Other Informations about Goa >>

Goa Map   ||   General Information   ||   Travel Information   ||   Waterfalls & Springs   ||   

Monuments in Goa   ||   Goa Museums   ||   Religious Places   ||   Fair & festivals of Goa
Wildlife in Goa   ||   Handicrafts   ||   Shopping

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