Goa, a tiny state, known as the 'Tourist Paradise of India' enjoys a renowned place in the traveler's guide. Situated on the west coast of the country, the state was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 and became a part of the Indian Union territory along with Daman and Diu.
Goa, a tiny state, known as the 'Tourist Paradise of India' enjoys a renowned place in the traveler's guide. Situated on the west coast of the country, the state was liberated from Portuguese rule in 1961 and became a part of the Indian Union territory along with Daman and Diu. It became the 25th independent state of India on 30th May1987. Goa with only two districts South Goa and North Goa, is bordered by Maharashtra in the north, Karnataka in the south and east, and the Arabian Sea on the west. Even though Konkani and Marathi are the main languages, English is also widely spoken by the Goans. Goa is blessed with marvelous beaches and sunshine, splendid churches, and peaceful, warm and friendly people. Best time to visit Goa is November to March.
State Bird - Black crested bulbul State Animal - Gaur
State Flower - To be declared State Tree - Asna
Area : 3702sq.km
Capital : Panaji
Languages : Konkani and Marathi
Districts : 2
land
Area : 3702sq.kmDistricts : 2
Goa is the smallest state of the Indian Union. It was part of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. It became the twenty fifth state in the Indian Union on May 30th 1987 while Daman and Diu remained as union Territory. Situated between Karnataka and Maharashtra, Goa is bounded on the north by the Terekhol river, surrounded on the south and east by Karnataka while on the west is the Arabian sea. Its ancient namewas Gomantaka or Gomanchala. Goa with its long beaches along the Arabian sea is a principal touristresort. Goa has a hilly terrain especially on its eastern side where lies the southern ends of the Sahyadri range. These mountains after skirting a considerable portion of the northern, eastern and southern boundaries branch off westwards across the territory with many spurs and ridges. The most picturesque region is located in the lower basin of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers which join to form a bay. There are about half a dozen islets between the estuaries of these rivers.
Forests
About one fourth of the area of Goa is under forests and the same originates from Archaean rock formations which are very thick. The soil is murum on the slopes. Many commercial tree species thrive in the well-aerated soils at the foothills where the murum is mixed with humus to form a loamy soil, where the growth is often thick and high. In the valleys where perennial natural water springs occur, there are plantations of areca nut. In Goa, forests are confined to the western Ghat foot-hill slopes mainly in the talukas of Sangium, Satari, Canacona and Quepem and to a lesser extent in the talukas of Ponda, Pernem and Bicholim. The coastal talukas of Tiswadi, Bardaz and Salcete had no forests. The entire land is covered with verdant forest, coconut, cashew-nut and mango tree groves, interspersed with extensive paddy fields for cultivation of rice offers a marked and refreshing contract to the arid hinterland. The port of Marmugao situated on the southern side of Zauri river is one of the best natural harbours on the west coast of India and can shelter larger ocean liners. Teak of good quality is one of the products of the forests of Goa which also produce bamboo. Eucalyptus trees and oil are among the other products
Climate
Goa's climate is generally moderate although humidity is high but there are cool months in winter and around October and weather turns good. Goa has a heavy rainfall during the monsoon months.
Rivers
The major west-flowing rivers that crease the territory are Mandovi, Zauri, Tere Khol, Chapora and Betul. The total navigable length of these rivers, which form the waterways by which Goa's main export commodity iron and manganese ore is transported to the Marmugao harbour, is 253km. The Marmugao harbour is virtually the confluence of the Mandovi and Zuari rivers. The coast is full of creeks and estuaries formed by these rivers which provide a good shelter for the fishing crafts. Estuaries of these rivers are rich in marine fauna.
History
In the ancient period, Goa was called Gomanchala, Gomant, Goapuri, Gowapur and Gopakapattana. Goan's were originally the descendents from the native Dravidians who where gradually overrun by the Aryan advance from the north around 1500 BC. Aryans who settled in Western India named their state Konkan. Goa, a part of Konkan, became an important port of the ancient and medieval traders like the Phoenicians, the Persians, the Arabs, the Sumarians, the Greeks and the Romans. Until the11th century, there was a succession of empires rising and falling in Goa. Earlier, it was part of the territories of Ashoka, the great Buddhist emperor of the Mauryan Empire who reigned from 273-236 BC. In the 2nd century BC Goa was under the Satavahanas. The Western Kshatrapus ruled next from 150 AD. Then came the Bhojas who made their capital Chandrapur (now Chandor). From AD 540 the Chalukyas of Badami ruled for about 200 years. The Rashtrakutas exercised their influence from 753 AD to 973 AD. Then came the Kadambas who ruled from 1008 AD to 1300 AD. Under their rule Goa became India's maritime power and they built Gopakapattana (now Goa Velha) a few kilometres south west of old Goa which remained the capital until their fall. By1312 the political authority of Goa passed to the Muslims, who under Alaud-din Khilji's general, Malik Kafur defeated the Kadambas. The rise of the Vijayanagar empire had its effect on Goa. Vidyaranya Madhavthe ruler of the Vijayanagar defeated the Muslims in 1370 AD. The Bahamani Sultans dominated the political authority over Goa in about 1470, and in 1498 the Adil Shahi dynasty at Bijapur. It was in 1510, that Alfonso de Albequerque captured Goa from Yusuf Ali Adil Shah.
This brought in the Portuguese who from then onwards influenced every walks of Goan life. Christianity was absorbed by the inhabitants. The intermixture of the locals who settled with the Portuguese soldiers evolved a new culture that was unique. The Portuguese made the city of Panaji the capital of Goa in 1843. It was a Portuguese colony till 1961 after which it became a part of the Indian Union. Goa attained full statehood on 30th May1987 when Daman and Diu retained separate identity as a Union Territory.
Goan Dishes
Goan cuisine, a blend of different influences especially Portuguese, is famous for its seafood. Goan cooking generally include lots of spices giving the dishes a distinctive taste and aroma. The staple food in Goa is fish, both among the Hindus as well as the Catholics. Rice is an important item of Goan diet and is eaten with delicious fish or meat curry, or in the form of Pulao. Pork is a must for any festive occasion and the most famous preparation is the vindaloo. Goans use a lot of coconut for cooking and the most commonly used spices include cumin, coriander, chillies, garlic and turmeric. The Christians prefer to use vinegar, while the Hindus use kokum and tamarind to get the tang in their respective cuisines. Goa is not particularly known for its vegetarian dishes. The vegetables are usually cooked without any spices or masalas. Goans make their own version of vinegar from toddy. Pastries are almost a part of every common meal as well as any occasion or feast. Their popular alcoholic drink is Feni, made from distilled
* Ambot Tik
* Assad Roast (Goan Pork)
* Caldeirada
* Chicken Baffed
* Chicken Cafrel
* Chicken Xacuti
* Fish Rolls
* Goan Egg Curry
* Goan Fish Curry
* Goan Fish Pulao
* Kulkuls
* Pork Vindaloo Watch
* Prawn Balchao
* Prawn Curry Watch
* Sanna
* Sorpotel
Tourism
Goa, one of India's smallest states with an area of 3,702 sq km is cradled in the Sahayadri range in the Western Ghats. The vertical strip of the state begins from Tiracol in the north to Palolem in the south and is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south. Goa is India's most superior beach resort with superb beaches at least a million years old. Goa's beachnik lifestyle is best experienced during the winter months between October and the end of February.
A Portuguese colony till 1961, Goa's Portuguese atmosphere and its lovely beaches make this an interesting region to spend time. Goan culture is a blend of Indian and Iberian: European style central squares and Indian bazaars, white Portuguese churches alongside Hindu temples and villages and hamlets surrounded by green fields of paddy. Goa is rich in folk culture with a delightful blend of vigorous Konkani folk songs and remnants of Portuguese dance and music. Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa.
How To Reach There
Air :
Goa's international airport Dabolim is situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji, on the coast near Vasco Da Gama. It is well connected to most major cities in India. The airport caters to both domestic and international flights, is one of the busiest tourist airports in India. All the major airline services have flights plying in and out of Goa. The national airline, Air India lands a few international flights, especially from the Gulf countries. Besides these flight, a number of chartered flights also land in Goa from UK and other European countries.
Contact :
Goa Airport (Dabolim),
Phone : 0832-2512788
Airport Enquiries
Indian Airlines - 0832-2426363, 2428181/ 2428282/ 83
Air India - 0832-2431100/ 01 / 02/ 03/ 04
Jet Airways - 0832-2542025 / 26, 2438792 / 93/ 94)
Air Sahara - 0832-2230237 / 2230634
Air Deccan - 0832-2438950 / 51 / 52
SpiceJet - 1600 180 3333 or 09871 803 333
Kingfisher Airlines - 1600 1800 0101
Rail :
The two main railway stations is located on the southern area of Goa; i.e at Margao (Konkan Railway terminus) and Vasco Da Gama (South Central Railway terminus). Besides the two main stations, the trains usually halt for a few minutes at a number of other smaller stations in Goa. The Konkan Railway which ply between Mumbai and Goa and other destinations is the quickest and cheapest route to Goa from Mumbai.
Konkan Railway Enquiry
Margao : 136/134, 0832-2712790 / 91 / 93, 2712940
Vasco : 0832-2501223 / 2512398 / 2512569
Carambolim (Old Goa) : 0832-2285798
Panaji : 131, 0832- 2438254
Tivim : 0832-2298682
Pernem : 0832-2291283
Canacona : 0832-2643395
Karmali : 0832-2285798
Road :
Goa is well connected with all the major towns in India via the National Highways NH4A, NH17 and NH17A. Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate buse services from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji to most towns and cities in neighbouring states. There are also numerious private bus operators, which provides all kinds of bus services. Local taxis and auto rickshaws are available for means of traveling between resorts. A unique experience is that of the motorcycle taxi locally known as 'pilots' and the fares are almost half the auto-rickshaw rates. They are easily recognised by the yellow mudguards and yellow number plates and the driverm (i.e the pilot) carries only one pillion rider at a time. Hired motorbikes, moped, scooters and bicycles are also provided which gives a lot of freedom to the tourists. These are available in the cities as well as near most beach areas. Rates vary according to the season, the vehicle and how long one wants to rent it.
Roadways Enquiry
KTC : 0832-2438034 to 2438037
MSRTC : 0832-2438253
KSRTC : 0832-2438256
Ferries
In several places of Goa, especially in the rural hinterland, ferry services is the only mode of transport. The ferryboats carries people and vehicals from one shore to the another, across the rivers and estuaries all around Goa. The most frequented river crossings in Goa are Panjim to Betim, across the Mandovi; Old Goa to Divar Island ; Siolim to Chopdem, across the Chapora River for Arambol and Pernem; Querim to Terekol, over the Terekol River; and Cavelossim, in the far south of Salcete taluka, to Assolna.
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Tourist Information Centers/offices
Goa Tourism Development Corporation Ltd
Trionora Apartments,
Dr Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2226515, 2224132, 2226728
Fax: 0832- 243926
Email:gtdcorp@sancharnet.in
Department of Tourism
Government of Goa
Patto, Panaji,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2438750/51/52
Fax: 0832-2438756
Email: goatour@sancharnet.in
Department of Tourism
Government of Goa,
Branch Office
North Tourist Shopping Comples, Mapusa,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2262390
Department of Tourism
Government of Goa,
Branch Office,
South, Tourist Fostel, Margao,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832- 2715204
Tourist Information Counter,
Government of Goa
Interstate Bus Terminus, Panaji
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2438520
Tourist Information Counter,
Government of Goa
Tourist Hostel, Vasco-da-Gama
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2512673
Tourist Information Counter,
Government of Goa
Goa Airport, Dabolim
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2541644
Tourist Information Counter,
Government of Goa
Mumbai Central Railway Station, Mumbai
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-3086288
Tourist Information Counter,
Government of Goa
Railway Sation, Margao
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2702298
Government of India Tourist Office,
Communidade Building,
Church Square, Panaji
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2223412
Karnataka Tourism Development Corp:,
Velho & Filhos Building,
Muncipal Garden Square, Panaji
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2224110
Government of Tamilnadu,
Tourist office, 7, Rayu Chambers,
Dr. A.B. Road, Panaji,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2226390
Government of Kerala,
Tourist Information Centre,
Room 7, 2nd floor,
Dr. Shirgaonkar Road, Panaji,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2232168
Government of Andhra Pradesh,
Tourism Information Centre, Rua de Ourem, Panaji,
Goa- 403001, India
Maharashtra Tourism Development Corp:,
Tourist Hostel, Shop No. 5, Panaji,
Goa- 403001, India
Phone: 0832-2423572
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