Goa

Beach Capital of India

The Western Ghats are where Goa, the smallest state in India, is situated. Goa is well known for its vibrant nightlife, gorgeous white sand beaches, mouthwatering seafood, and historic architecture. Goa, which is located in the Konkan region, is a tourist destination open to visitors around-the-clock and spans a 3702 km2 area. Every year, Goa draws a sizable number of tourists from abroad, at home, and locally. In Goa, there are many festivals that are observed and draw lots of visitors. The two most well-known festivals in Goa are Goa Carnival and The New Year’s. The city also has some hip clubs, discos, exotic bars, and good beachside shacks, all of which contribute to Goa’s vibrant nightlife.

Goa is separated into two regions: north goa and south goa. North goa is well-known among tourists for its exotic beaches, exciting nightlife, and lively flea market, while south goa is well-known among wealthier visitors for its opulent resorts and relaxed beaches. Goa’s capital city, Panjim, is situated in the middle of the state. Due to the presence of a railway station, an international airport, and local roads connecting south to north Goa, the area has good transportation accessibility. Goa is home to numerous endless beaches, including Calangute, Baga, and Dona Paula, to name a few. Arambol and Anjuna beach are the beaches that draw in visitors from other countries.

Formation / History of Goa

Goa used to draw merchants, missionaries, dynasties, mariners, traders, and monks as the main trade hub in India. Goa has had a spectacular impact on the change and growth of the economic and cultural sectors in recent years. The earliest people to establish themselves in Goa were the Saraswats or Brahmin. They were given the name Saraswat because they formerly resided on the banks of the Saraswati River, which flows through the northern region of India. Goa was officially recognised as a part of the Mauryan empire in the third century BC, but later it was taken over by the Chalukyas of Badami as the Satavahanas of Kolhapur held power over the Mauryans.

Later that year, in 1312, Muslims seized control of Goa, but because they disliked beaches, they fled in 1370. After it, in the year 1510, seafaring Portuguese on the spice trade from the east took control of Goa. They found Goa to be the ideal location since it has natural harbours and vast rivers, and they ruled over Goa for a considerable amount of time.

Even now, Portuguese-style architecture may be seen in the construction of buildings, churches, forts, and other structures. But the Portuguese trade practise ended in 1961 when the Indian army entered Goa. Goa was formally admitted to the Indian Union as the 25th state in 1987 by the late Rajiv Gandhi. Goa’s native tongue, Konkani, was recently ranked as India’s 22nd official regional tongue. Goa currently has India’s highest per capita income thanks to its involvement in industries like iron ore mining, farming, tourism, and fishing.

Temperature

During the summer season: 20°C to 45°C

During the rainy/ monsoon season: 14°C to 35°C

During the winter season: 20°C to 03°C

Things to do in Goa

On the beaches or in the bars in North and South Goa, there are lots of enjoyable things to do. The busiest and most well-known beach in Goa is Bagha beach, which is situated in North Goa. You may take advantage of the vibrant nightlife and numerous pubs, clubs, and bars that both visitors and residents enjoy. At the Goa State Museum, you can learn more about Goa’s past. A sizable collection of antiquities, sacred writings, priceless coins, and statues made of metal, wood, and stone are present. You may also tour the 400-year-old Chapora fort, which served as the Portuguese watchtower during their dominion of Goa.The Indian National Institute of Oceanography is well-known for being located here. Additionally, you can go to a Hindu shrine devoted to God Mangesh, who was a form of Lord Shiva. Despite being close to 500 years old, this Mangueshi Temple is still in good condition.

You can also take pleasure in your stay aboard one of the houseboats that sailed through Goa’s backwaters. In addition to this, Calangute offers watersports including parasailing, dolphin watching, and banana boat rides. Additionally, one may go to Borea Jezuchi Bajilika, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the remnants of St. Francis Xavier. A visit to Aguada Fort is a must on any Goa vacation. On Sinquerim Beach, there is a Portuguese fort that dates back to the 17th century.

Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary in Ponda Taluka is another place where you may have a wildlife safari. You may experience the Dudhsagar Waterfall, commonly referred to as the “sea of milk,” on the Goa-Karnataka border. If you want to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the beach, go to Palolem Beach, which is well-known for its breathtaking dolphin viewing. At Vasco Da Gama, you may also enjoy water sports like kayaking, snorkelling, parasailing, and many others.

If you prefer partying and are a night owl, you can participate in a silent headphone party that begins at nine o’clock and lasts until dawn. Adventure seekers can also take pleasure in a two-hour hike from Palolem Beach to Butterfly Beach. You can also take part in other activities including rock climbing, sunbathing, and canoeing.