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States of
India- Goa |
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Introduction :
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Goa- The Paradise on Earth. If one word could be said to encapsulate the
essence of Goa, it would have to be the Portuguese sossegarde, meaning
"carefree". The pace of life in this former colonial enclave, midway
down India's southwest coast, has picked up over the past twenty years,
but inspite of the increasing chaos of its capital, beach resorts and
market towns, Goa has retained the laid-back feel that has traditionally
set it apart from the rest of the country. A Portuguese explorer, Afonso
de Albuquerque sailed up the river Mandovi, defeated the Bijapuri army
and rode into the capital triumphantly bearing a Portuguese Standard in
one hand, and a Gold Crucifix in the other. A curious blending of
cultures took place, affecting every sphere of Goa life, from religion
to architecture, cuisine to art. The chapter of Goa's history ended 451
years later when Goa ceased to be a Portuguese colony, and became
a part of the Indian Union. Parasailing, yachting, windsurfing, and deep
sea diving are some of the more popular water sports, facilities for
which are available. 451 years of Portuguese rule has imbued Goa’s
towns and villages with a unique culture. Whitewashed chapels and
churches that dot the landscape are surrounded by sleepy villages and
rice fields. |
| Capital |
Panaji |
| Area |
3,702 sq. km |
| Temperature |
Summer : Max 33 °C, Min 26 °C.
Winter : Max 31°C, Min 20 °C. |
| Language |
Hindi, Urdu, English |
| Best Time to Visit |
October to May (Peak season December to February) |
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How to get there :
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Air: Goa (Dabolim Airport) is well connected with major towns.
Rail: Nearest railhead is Vasco-da-Gama and Margoa.
Road: Bangalore- 598 kms, Belgaum-157 kms, Bombay- 594 kms,
Gokarn-154 kms, Hospet- 315 kms, Hubli-184 kms, Hubli-184 kms, Karwar-103 kms,
Kolhapur- 246 kms, Malwan-150 kms, Mangalore- 371 kms, Mysore- 696 kms, Pune-
458 kms, Ratnagiri- 263 kms, Vengurla-73 kms etc. |
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Places to Visit : |
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Church Square |
The Secretariat |
The Archbishop's Palace |
Fountainhas |
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Arch of the Viceroys |
St. Cajestan Church |
State Archaeological Museum |
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Excursion : |
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Church Square |
The Secretariat |
The Archbishop's Palace |
Fountainhas |
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Arch of the Viceroys |
St. Cajestan Church |
State Archaeological Museum |
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Shopping : |
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Local handicrafts of Goa include excellent brassware, terracotta, shell
work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work, papier-mache, etc, which are
available in the Government Emporia and at tourist spots. Little stalls
along the beaches sell handicrafts from all over the country. Recently Goa
has featured some up market outlets such as Wendell Rodrique's Boutique in
Panaji, Camelot at Ribandar selling stylish home accessories, Luisa By The
Sea a modern shopping mall at Cavelossim and boutiques at the plush hotels
are evidence of this trend. The Friday Market at Mapusa is a fascinating
excursion, where pavement stalls sell everything from curios and old coins
to dried fish and spices. Mapusa has also jewellery shops noted for
fine-filigreed gold ornaments. The Wednesday Flea Market at Anjuna Beach is
another lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are
sold. Some of the most popular local markets are the Anjuna Flea market, the
Mapusa Friday market and the new market at Margao. |
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Accommodations : |
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Hotel Cidade de Goa |
Fort Agurda Resort |
Intercontinental Grand |
Marriott Resort |
Park Hyatt |
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Club Mahindra Resort |
Hotel Taj Exotica |
The Leela |
Dona Sylvia |
Holiday Inn |
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Bogmallo Beach Resort |
Sterling Days Inn |
Ronil Beach Resort |
Heritage village |
Taj Holiday village |
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Majorda Beach Resort |
Bambolim Resort |
Nanu Resort |
Phoniex Park inn |
Prainha Cotage |
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Kenilworth Beach Resort |
Ramada Caravela Beach Resort |
Best Western Resort Marinha |
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