Goa Tour
This Tiny State, along the Konkan Coast, covers 3,702 sq km (1,429 sq miles) and consists of just two districts, North and South Goa. Goa’s distinct culture is a legacy of its colonial past. In 1510, Alfonso de Albuquerque established a small but powerful Portuguese enclave here. Though Goa became a part of the Indian Union in 1961, evidence of the 400-odd years of Portuguese rule is still apparent in the people’s dress, language, religion and cuisine, and in their music, a fusion of the plaintive fado with the lilting rhythms of local Konkani folk songs. Today, Goa is one of India’s most popular holiday destinations, with its idyllic beaches, lush paddy fields, coconut plantations and villages dotted with pretty white-washed churches and grand mansions. Its other attractions include the Hindu temples around Ponda, built between the 15th and 18th centuries, and the magnificent cathedrals of Old Goa. Goa’s friendly, easy-going people go out of their way to make visitors feel at home.
SIGHTS AT A GLANCE
Towns & Cities
- Mapusa
Located : North Goa
Weather : 29°C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 78% Humidity
Best Time to Visit : Late October and Early April
- Margao
Located : South Goa
Weather : 28°C, Wind SW at 14 km/h, 84% Humidity
Best Time to Visit : Late October and Early April
- Panaji
Located : South Goa
Weather : 30°C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 73% Humidity
Best Time to Visit : December to March
- Pernem
Located : North Goa
Weather : 29°C, Wind SW at 10 km/h, 79% Humidity
Best Time to Visit : November to March
Churches, Seminaries & Temples
- Pilar
- Poncla
- Rachol
- Reis Magos
- Tamhdi Surla
Historic Sites
- Terekhol Fort
- Braganza House
Beaches & Beach Towns
- Anjuna
- Arambol
- Calangute
- Cavelossim
- Colva
- Palolem
- Vagator
GOAN RIVER CRUISES
A delightful way to spend an evening in Goa is to take one of the many sunset cruises along the Mandovi river, organized by the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, and also by private operators like Swan Tours one of the leading travel agents in India. Most of the cruises begin from the jetty at the foot of Mandovi bridge, every day between 6 and 7pm(tickets are available at the jetty). Entertainment is provided by troupes of Goan dancers and musicians. On full moon nights, an excellent dinner is also provided on hoard. Full day cruises are on offer as well, and some operators, such as Classical Interlude, organize specialized tours focusing on culture, food or history. Hydro-Sports Goa, takes visitors out in traditional Wooden canoes from Vainguinim Beach up the Cumbarjua Canal to Old Goa, passing mangroves Populated with birds and crocodiles en route.
Visitors’ Checklist
North Goa district (Tiswadi taluka) 588 km (365 miles) S of Mumbai 58,800.
Accommodation in Goa
Here is list of best luxury hotels in Goa:
Taj Exotica, Vivanta by Taj Holiday Village , Vivanta by Taj Fort Aguada , Radisson Blu Resort, Ramada Caravela Beach Resort , Vivanta by Taj – Panaji , Kenilworth Beach Resort & Spa, The Lalit Golf & Spa Resort Goa, Holiday Inn Resort , W Goa and much more.
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