Goa - an Exotic Land Sun & Sea, Bays & Beaches

Goa, a land blessed with sun-kissed beaches and fun-loving people, is located on the West Coast of India along the Arabian Sea.

History

This “Pearl of the Orient” has a long history having been ruled by various dynasties, such as the Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, the Bhaman Muslims and the Portuguese. It was liberated from the Portuguese by the Indian Army in 1961. It was conferred statehood in 1987.

The People

Having been a melting pot of races and religions it has a cultural mix of the East and the West which has led to peaceful harmony between various communities and an ingrained respect for each other. The Goans are a warm and friendly-natured people who have a fondness for dance and music, feni and good food and enjoy a laidback attitude.

The Languages

The official languages of Goa are Marathi and Konkani. English is widely spoken and Hindi understood well all over Goa.

The Cuisine

Goan cuisine is distinctive, strongly influenced by its history and geography. As a variety of seafood is available all along the coast and rivers of Goa, rice and fish are the staple food of the land. Although their cuisine is a blend of various influences from over the centuries, it is the Portuguese cuisine that has left the greatest mark on Goan food. Feni is the local drink distilled all over Goa. There are two kinds of Feni, Coconut Feni and Cashew Feni. It has 42% alcohol and a strong flavour which may take time to get used to for the uninitiated.

The Land

Goa is blessed with many rivers, estuaries, bays and beaches adding beauty and romance to the land. Swaying coconut palms and cashew groves have made Goa a green paradise. No wonder then that tourists, both domestic and international, find it an attractive destination.

The Weather

Being a coastal state Goa enjoys a tropical monsoon climate. The temperature varies from a pleasant 20 degrees in January to 32 degrees in April-May during summer. The climate can be divided into two distinct seasons – the dry season and the monsoon season. The hot and humid atmosphere in summer is followed by heavy monsoons from June to August marked by sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is during the monsoons that Goa is most beautiful with greenery sprouting all around.

The Cities

Panjim, the capital of Goa, is well connected by road. Vasco da Gama and Margoa are two other important cities both of which are connected with the rest of the country by road and rail. The state is also connected by air with an airport at Vasco da Gama.

Best time to visit Goa

The peak tourist season is between October and early February when temperatures are pleasant. During the summer months, March to May, it can be hot and humid. Monsoons break over Goa in early June and continue till September. Goa is most beautiful during the monsoons when she is covered in greenery and a holiday at this time offers a different kind experience with hotels, resorts and homestays offering heavy discounts.

Accommodation

Resorts and hotels can be found to suit one’s budget all over Goa. Tariff can range from Rs. 500/- per room, per night to Rs. 25,000/- per suite, per night. Higher the range, more the facilities. Homestays can be a good pick as one can get personalized attention and are quite reasonable considering the facilities they offer. They are particularly good for larger groups of family or friends.

Beaches

Beaches dot Goa all along its long coastline. Some, such as Calangute or Baga are quite well-known and can be a little crowded during peak season. Others such as Dona Paula or Colva are quite popular. Anjuna and Vagator are located in North Goa. Palolem, which is known for parties and night life, is in South Goa. Benaulim, Varca, Agonda are some other beaches where tourists are welcomed. Besides swimming and sunbathing, surfing too is possible on some of the beaches. Querim Beach, near Arambol is a quiet secluded beach where one can luxuriate in peace and tranquillity with a book in hand.

Architectural Masterpieces of Goa: 

Temples, churches and some old homes illustrate some of the splendid architectural features of Goa and are well worth visiting.

Temple architecture is a mixture of Hindu, Islamic, Portuguese and Nagarai styles. Each temple is unique in its own way.

Shri Manguesh Temple, near Ponda

This, frequently visited temple exhibits a mixture of both Christian and Muslim architectural styles. The main deity is Lord Manguesh considered to be a local Hindu god.

Shri Shantadurga Temple, near Ponda

This is one of the most famous temples of Goa which was built in 1738. The goddess Shantadurga is worshipped here, she is another form of Parvathi, Shiva’s consort and is worshipped as the goddess of peace.

Shri Ramnath Temple, near Ponda

This temple is well-known for its beautiful silver screen on the door of the sanctum.

Shri Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla

This temple is one of the oldest temples to have survived Portuguese demolishment forces. It was built by the Kadamba Dynasty in the 12th Century. It is a small temple. The most notable feature of this temple is a finely carved stone screen that separates the outer hall from the sanctum. This an outstanding example of the skill of the artisans of the times.

Churches of Goa

Goa is dotted with numerous churches, a legacy of the Portuguese who ruled over Goa for 4 centuries. A few of them are worth a visit.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Panjim

Located at the centre of Panjim, this pearly white church was built in 1619 and was the first place visited by sailors to give thanks for safe sea voyage. It is beautifully illuminated at night. The feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on 8th December when pilgrims and tourists throng the church in large numbers.

Basilica of Bom Jesus Old Goa

The Basilica was constructed in 1605 in the late-Renaissance style. It contains the tomb and mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, an apostle of Christ. Once every 10 years the body of the saint is exposed to the public. The last exposition was in 2014. The feast of St Francis of Assisi is celebrated on 3rd December when devotees flock to the church.

Se Cathedral, Old Goa

The Se Catherine Cathedral is said to be the largest in Asia. It was built in 1619 in the Tuscan tradition. It houses the largest Bell in Asia which is renowned for its rich tone. The church also consists of 14 alters inside, with each being beautifully carved. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament which is on one side of the nave is decorated gorgeously.

Church of St. Cajetan, Old Goa

This church is modelled on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and was built by Italian friars of the Order of Theatines in the late 17th Century.

The Old Quarter

In Fontainhas and Sao Tome area one finds narrow streets with Portuguese style buildings. One can wander these streets to get a flair for a bygone life. Old homes such as the Casa dos Costa-Frias and Casa dos Monteiros in Candolim are examples of architectural splendour of the Portuguese residences.

Discovering Goa

There is much more to Goa than just beaches, temples and churches. Goa has a few museums and wildlife sanctuaries. Goa State Museum, Naval Aviation Museum, Goa Science centre and the National Institute of Oceanography are some of the institutions worth a visit.

Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, Dr. Salim Ali Bird Santuary, Dudh Sagar water fall and Abyss Aquarium have a lot to offer an interested tourist.

Goan Traditional Performance Art Forms

Goans are very fond of music and dance. Dekhnni, Fugdi, Mando, Fado and so on are mostly performed by the Catholic communities where Western musical instruments play a predominate role. Goan Hindus are fond of Natak, Bhajans and Kirtans.

Tiatr (Theater) is primarily a Christian Community-act. Here artists portray daily life and depict social and cultural scenarios. One can find tiatrs at Kala Academy, Pia Tiatrist Hall and Ravindra Bhavan mostly on weekends.

Jagor is a traditional folk dance-drama performed mostly by Hindu Kunbi and Christian Gaud Communities. These are all night performances seeking divine protection over the village and the crops. Perni Jagor and Gauda Jagor are other performance art forms held in villages.

Restaurants

The Fisherman’s Warf, Cavelossim, is famous for its seafood dishes besides Continental, Goan and North Indian dishes.
The Fisherman’s Warf, Panjim too serves speciality Goan dishes along with seafood and Continental dishes.
Martin’s Corner, Betalbatim, South Goa, serves Goan, Indian seafood dishes that are both traditional as well as exotic.
Karlton Horizon Grill is a casual dining restaurant in Candolim, North Goa serving European/Continental cuisines.
Brittos Bar & Restaurant at Baga Beach specialises in Goan, Chinese, Tandoor & Continental cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
O’Coquerio at Porvorium serves Goan, Portuguese Cuisine. Their speciality is Chicken Caferal. It is located right on NH 17 Highway.
There are many other good restaurants in Goa well-known for serving authentic Goan and Continental cuisines. One will find them around beaches and the meandering roads of Goa.

Getting Around

Goa has a good network of local buses connecting different villages. However these can be quite crowded at times. Taxis too are available. Motorcycle taxis are another mode of transport unique to Goa and are reasonably priced. Besides these one can rent a Bike or a Car for a self-drive.

All said and done a holiday in Goa is a unique and memorable experience. Perhaps that is why tourists, both domestic and international, keep returning to this paradise by the sea over and over again.