GOA Holidays

GOA is a strip of land 110 kilometres long and 60 km wide, between the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea on the west coast of India. 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.

Goa, a coastal region of west India is blessed with most moderate climate. Goa is one of India's most laid back, yet mundane and zestful, destinations. 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. 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.

Goa holidays involve exploring the land of glistening sands, swaying coconut palms and ultra fresh seafood. Goa holidays are tailored depending upon the time and budget of those who come to visit Goa. Whilst the majority of Goa’s 1.2million inhabitants are Roman Catholic, there is also a large minority of Hindus and various sects of Islam. Similarly, though Goa’s own language (Konkani) predominates, Marathi, Hindi and Portugese are also spoken along with English, which is the lingua franca. The major industries are mining, agriculture, fishing and tourism.


Places of Interest in GOA:

Churches in Goa


Not many people know that Christianity originated in India but most of its influence is seen in West. In India, Goa is one such place where you can easily trace the epic of Christianity through charming churches.The word Church literal meaning is assembly and not an edifice, but slowly there were certain changes and the term is now more known as a building. Churches in Goa are listed in World Heritage Sites. In Goa, some of the significant churches are :Se Cathederal , Church of St. Francis Of Assisi, Chapel of St Catherine, Basilica of Bom Jesus

Temples in Goa


The state is more known for its Churches rather than temples. Irony come from the fact that it is considered a Christian state where as there are about 65% of Hindus inhabiting the state compared to 30% Christians. Some of the famous temples in Goa are : Mahalaxmi Temple, Vithal Temple, Kamakshi Temple, Sri Mahadev Temple



BEACHES:

Beaches in Goa are priceless marvel of the state. Goa Beaches comes almost on top when one has to list down tourist spots in Goa according to relative significance. Goa States is surrounded by 75 miles of coast out of which 50 miles of it is beach.

Arambol Beach:

It is located at Perneum district, 50kms from Panaji. It is Goa's northern most beach also known as Harmal. The sea is rough here than at other beaches. It is the best and give more fun for the surf seekers. It is also good for swimming. Though this is the most popular beach in the area, development has been limited to a large variety of restaurants, and there are no major hotels.

Anjuna Beach:

The Village of Anjuna in north Goa is a five square mile enclosure nestling between the Arabian Sea and the hill overlooking the beach. Anjuna beach is one the most popular beaches of Goa situated 8 km west of Mapusa and 18km from the capital Panaji. It is approximately 20 mins walk over the rocks from Little Vagator (and 3 km by road). There is plenty of ‘instant accommodation’ in the roads of Di Mello and St. Anthony's Vaddos in North Anjuna, though most stay long term in local houses. Anjuna has the largest expatriate community in Goa, most of whom live in the roads of St Anthony’s Vaddo or around Dando Vaddo in S. Anjuna. The 2 beaches of Anjuna are narrow and backed by rocks and small cliffs

Vagator Beach:

It has attained popularity because of its seclusion. This beach is at Bardez district, 15 Km north of Panaji. It is at the north end of Calangute Beach. Its beauty is further enhanced by the Chapora Fort which makes the entrance to the bay. There are some less crowded area, if we walk 15 minutes away from the road, along sea side, where you can spread your towel for sun bathing.

Calangute Beach:

16 Km away from Sinquerim Beach in the south, near Fort Aguada. It covers several sub-beaches, including Baga and Anjuna beaches. Here some palm trees provide patchy shades to the visitors. The undercurrent at this beach may be strong and swimming is not recommended

Baga Beach:

It is 15 Km north of Panaji. This small beach is technically part of the Calangute Beach. The beach drops steeply to the water where fishing canoes make use of the good boat launching conditions and provide rides.

Other Beaches are Bogmalo Beach, Colva Beach, Palolem Beach and Sinquerim Beach.


Adventure Sports in Goa:

Goa is a paradise for water sports lovers and has always appealed beach enthusiast and water sports loves The long coastal stretches offers ample opportunities to indulge in all sorts of water-sport activities and also to try on some new watery excitement. Surf the seas or float across the skies, the options of sport enjoyment is never ending in Goa. One can never get tired of scuba diving into the wreckage of the colonial ships.


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. The climate is tropical with a June to September monsoon, when rainfall is approximately 400 cms. For the rest of the year humidity is surprisingly low and average daily temperature is 27°C (85°F). The coolest months are November to February when night temperat-ures can fall to 20°C (70°F) and a pull-over may be worn.

Goa Connectivity:

Air: Goa International Airport, which is located at Dabolim, 29 kms from Panaji is situated on the coast of near Vasco Da Gama.

Rail: There are number of trains which connect Goa from Mumbai, Bangalore, and other major cities of India. The two major railway station of Goa are Margoa and Vasco Da Gama.

Road: Road is considered to be the best connectivity. There are several tourism busses which connects the state.