Goa - A Palm Fringed Paradise

Goa :
On the Arabian Sea's western coast, the smallest Indian state called Goa attracts tourists far and wide, just because of its laidback charm and relaxing environs. A perfect destination where east meets west, Goa is a thriving hotspot for eclectic culture, diverse cuisines, accommodating hospitality unleashing the Goan spirit in you.

One can listen to the melodies of violin, dance to the tunes of Salsa, walk on to the golden sandy beach, celebrate the welcoming of King Momo in the Carnival spirit, enjoy paragliding or ride scooter on water - All in one state called Goa. Famous for Cashew Fenny, Goan spirit imparts the way how to celebrate life in its fullest. So experience the different side of India at Goa.

Climate :
Summer : 45 °C (Max) - 25 °C (Min)
Winter : 11 °C (Max) - 3 °C (Min)
Rainy Season : June to September, 250cm to 300cm rainfall, immense humidity
Best time to visit : October to March

Main Attractions : Panaji, Old Goa, Fort Aguada & Candolim, Anjuna, Palolem.

Location :
Geographic : Nestled between verdant Western Ghats and the gleaming Arabian Sea, Goa is a former Portuguese enclave sandwiched between the southern end of Maharashtra and northern end of Karnataka.
Famous for : India's version of Copacabana, Goa is its official Carnival Capital.

How to Reach Goa :
By Air : Dabolim Airport (30 kms from Panaji.
By Road : National Highway 17 connects it to Maharashtra & Kerala.
By Railways : Konkan railways expressline connects Goa to Delhi, Mumbai, Thiruananthpuram & Baroda.

Attractions :
Goa is a luxuriant landscape brimming with nature's bounty: serene beaches, emerald glens and craggy sea-forts paint the picture of a tropical paradise. It has an easy going yet fun filled atmosphere which once a year erupts into the annual Carnival: a fiesta of swirling colors and festive noises. All this make it a must see for any international travel aficionado.

Some of prime tourist places in Goa are -

Panaji :
Formerly known as Panjim, it is located on the banks of the wide Mandovi river and is the stage for the annual Sabado Gordo (Fat Saturday), Carnival. Its most famous landmark is the world famous Our Lady of Immaculate Conception church, consecrated way back in 1541. The town also features an interesting museum with galleries of paintings and sculptures from all over India and the old Portuguese districts which take you into an older, kinder age as you sip feni, the local brew and savor Goan cuisine.

Old Goa :
Once called the Lisbon of the East, Old Goa hosts imposing Cathedrals which number amongst the largest in the world. The Se cathedral dating back to the 16th century, represents a unique melting pot of styles ranging from Portuguese& Gothic to Tuscan & Corinthian while next in line is the convent & church of St. Francis of Assisi, built by eight Franciscan friars in 1517. The center of attraction though is undoubtedly the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which houses the Incorrupt Body of the Roman Catholic saint, St. Francis Xavier famous for his legendary missionary voyages.

Fort Aguada & Candolim :
Built in 1612, Fort Aguada is a crumbling yet impressive bastion riddled with moats, dungeons and sizeable ramparts. The nearby beaches of Candolim & Sinquerim are not just idyllic for sun bathing but host popular water sports facilities like parasailing & jet skiing.

Anjuna :
Anjuna is famous for its gleaming beaches & full-moon parties. Its most famous attraction however is the flea market which is a showcase of handicrafts ranging from intricately knit Kashmiri & Tibetan woolens to the colorful indigenous art of Goan tribes. For a hard bargain, you may grab anything you want, be it a dazzling Indonesian sarong or share a chillum with a blessed-out Hippie!

Palolem :
Goa's most beautiful and picturesque beach, Palolem is a lush tropical crescent of white sand and lush clusters of palms. Although hardly undiscovered, intrepid backpackers have only a short distance to trudge before finding their very own slice of paradise!

Cities near Goa :