Goa India Travel Guide

Goa History and Geography

As per the legends from Hindu mythology Lord Parshuram (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) was responsible for the creation of Goa. Over the centuries several dynasties have ruled Goa, most famously the Portuguese in the early 1700’s, for whom Vasco da Gama was an accomplished explorer. The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years before Goa was liberated in 1961 by the Indian Army. Goa attained statehood in 1987. What sets Goa apart is not just things like its beautiful beaches and natural scenic beauty, but also the way in which the people of Goa have lived with a harmonious relationship among various religious communities. Hindu and Catholic community make up most of Goa's population and the rest is an ensemble of Muslims and other religions.

Goa Weather, When to Visit

Though Goa is beautiful anytime, the Goa tourism season begins in early September and extends to March. Goa weather during these months is a perfect balance between warm and pleasantly cool. Throughout the year light summer clothing is fine in Goa but some woolens things are required during December and January and rainwear in the Monsoons which is in June.

Goa Getting There and Around

Goa is well connected by airline services to most major cities in India. All flights, national and international, to and from Goa, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da- Gama, named after the famous explorer.

Goa Accommodations

There are various Goa hotels where one can stay depending on the budget. Goa hotels are high in quality as well as quantity. Five star Goa hotels such as the Hotel Taj Exotica, are available both near the beaches and in the city. However, if short on budget, renting a cottage on a Goa beach is a nice idea. Or else, a cheaper Goa hotel like the Phoenix Park Inn Resort is another choice. Apart, from these there are government dak bungalows in Goa, where you feel comfortable both with rates and accommodation facilities. Goa hotels get quite full during popular times like New Years, when the prices are double and sometimes triple the regular price.

Goa Things To Do and Attractions

When you talk about things to do in Goa it is assumed that you are talking about the exotic, warm, inviting and sensuous beaches. Goa beaches are indispensable and a major tourist attraction - a required item on the agenda for Goa tourism. As you feel the soft sand beneath your feet, you'll realize that there is no place as warm and inviting as a beach in Goa. It makes you feel at peace with the universe. Beaches in Goa are popular and crowded, but there are beaches that are slightly away from the city. Each beach has a specialty of its own, some due to the water color, some for distinct type of sand, some for water sports, and some for their sheer beauty. The beaches of Colva, Calangute, Miramar and Baga are a must see for the first timers to Goa, which are crowded yet extremely beautiful. The less crowded ones which are most sought after by the tourist especially for relaxation and long stay, are Canfolim, Bambolim, Vagator and Mobor beaches. Goa beaches are the major tourist attractions.

Goa Restaurants

When traveling in Goa, don’t miss the Goan cuisine which is a blend of east and west. Though the staple food of the land is fish and curry, Goa is appropriately world-renowned for its seafood. The State of Karnataka hosts an annual five day festival to give special focus on Goa with reference to seafood. If you plan your trip right, this is a fun thing to do while in Goa. Apart from these is a hub of Goa hotels and Goa restaurants catering to all varieties of food - from mouth watering pure vegetarian to delicious seafood. And don't forget the feni, a type of alcoholic beverage made out of cashew and coconut that is very popular in Goa.

Goa Festivals and Arts

Another thing Goa is famous for is its colorful Carnivals; it’s a non stop three day festival of song dance and music which attracts all, irrespective of age caste creed and religion. Other Goa things to do and attractions include Shigmo, a festival of colors celebrated in the month of March. This festival of colors is celebrated under different names throughout the country. In Goa it is celebrated by the masses as a farewell to winter on full moon day in March. Goa is very rich when it comes to performing arts. Theirs is a perfect mix of east and the west, leading to a number of forms of art. Music is still predominant in rural areas in Goa, while the urban folks are more into modern music styles.

Goa Shopping

Goa shopping is predominantly for the traditional and indigenous things. There is a variety of stuff to be bought in Goa ranging from traditional pottery and terracotta to brass metal ware, wooden laquerware, Goan embroidery, bamboo craft, fiber craft, jute craft, coconut mask carving and most importantly the sea shell crafts.

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