General Information about Goa Population: 1.34 million Area: 3702 square km Capital: Panaji (Panjim) Languages: Konkani, Marathi, English and Hindi Best Season to visit: October to March
Information about Goa
Goa is a tiny part of India touched by Mediterranean
culture and climate. Goa contains more variety and
vitality than almost anywhere else in India. Goa is
divided into 11 talukas. The eleven talukas are Ilhas,
Bardez, Salcette, Ponda, Marmagoa, Bicholim, Satari,
Pernem, Quepem, Sanguem, and Canacona. On the Eastern
and Southern boundaries lies the state of Karnataka, on
the Western side the Arabian Sea and the state of
Maharashtra lies on the
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Northern
side. Panaji (Panjim), is one of the India’s smallest and
state capital of Goa. The main attraction of Goa are the
beaches, which are very beautiful. With some of India’s finest
beaches, Goa has long been popular as a place for relaxation.
It gained the reputation for being free and easy. It is still
a restful haven, but now it attracts more affluent tourists,
and has the facilities to meet their demands. The other
attraction of Goa is the combination of colonial, Portugal and
modern India. There is almost nowhere else in India where the
influence of the former colonial overlords remains as strong
as it does in Goa. Goa may not be as cool as it once was but
it’s certainly just as magical. The main languages which are
spoken in Goa are Konkani, Marathi, English and Hindi.
History of Goa
In the 3rd century BC Goa formed part of the Mauryan empire.
Later it was ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur and
eventually passed to the Chalukyas of Badami from 580 to 750
AD. Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312, but
they weren’t fans of the beach and eventually left in 1370
under the forceful persuasion of Harihara I of the Vijayanagar
empire. During the next 100 years Goa’s harbours were
important landing places for ships carrying Arabian horses for
the Vijayanagar cavalry. Blessed by natural harbours and wide
rivers, Goa was the ideal base for the sea-faring Portuguese,
who arrived in 1510 aiming to control the spice route from the
East. Jesuit missionaries led by St. Francis Xavier arrived in
1542. For a while, Portuguese control was limited to a small
area around Old Goa, but by the middle of the 16th century it
had expanded to include the provinces of Bardez and Salcete.
The Marathas almost vanquished the Portuguese in the late 18th
century, and there was a brief occupation by the British
during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. However, it was not
until 1961, when the Indian army marched into Goa, that
Portuguese occupation finally came to its end on the
subcontinent.
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Geography of Goa
Goa has a 97 km coastline and is quite hilly with a portion of
the Western Ghats rising to nearly 1300 m on the East margins.
Clad mostly in lush forest these sweep down to the gently
undulating coastal strip. The two largest rivers are the
Mandovi and Juari. An inland creek joins them together at high
tide so that they encircle the island of Goa (llhas). Alfonso
de Albuquerque grasped the advantages of the island site which
was large enough to give a secure food-producing base but with
a defensible moat, at the same time well placed with respect
to the important north-west sector of the Arabian Sea. This
island is roughly triangular in shape with a rocky headland
and has the added advantage of having two harbours. It was
given the name Illhas (Island in Portuguese). The Highest
Mountain is the Sonsogad in the Sahyadri range of the Western
Ghats (3,827 feet). The Longest rivers are the Zuari (39
miles), and the Mandovi (38.5 miles).
Climate of Goa
Goa experiences the full force of the South-west monsoon
between June and the end of September. Many places close their
shops during this time. Temperatures are virtually the same
throughout the year, but humidity and rainfall varies sharply.
In April and May minimum temperatures are higher than in the
rest of the year, though average maximum temperature rarely
rise much above 33 degree Celsius. April to October is the
season to avoid if possible. The monsoon period is very wet
and often experiences strong winds. From late October to
February the climate is near perfect after which the humidity
starts rising. Goa has a tropical climate characterized by
balmy weather for much of the year with heavy monsoon rains
just after the summer months from March to May. The humidity
is at its highest in the summer and quite low from September
to early March. The temperature ranges from a pleasant 20°C
during winter to a warm 35°C in summer.
Best Season to visit Goa
The best time to visit Goa is from October to March. October
to February is peak season while June to September is off
season.
People of Goa
The Goan population is a mixture of Hindu, Christians
and Muslims. The Christians generally spoke Portuguese
but now speak Konkani and English. English is widely
spoken and understood in urban areas and to a lesser
extent in the rural areas. Konkani, the official
language, is most commonly used in day to day life.
Marathi and Hindi, the national language are also
understood by most of the population. The Hindus speak
Konkani,
Marathi and Hindi. Portuguese once very popular all over the
state, has rapidly declined since liberation in 1961 and today
is used mostly by the elderly generation. Declining economic
conditions in the past caused large numbers of Goans to
emigrate. Many are found in Bombay, Mozambique, Natal and
elsewhere. Most of them are the part of Portuguese descent and
bear Portuguese names like de silva and Fernandes. This is a
direct result of Portugal’s policy of encouraging
inter-marriage which was seen as a way of maintaining settler
populations in climates that exacted a high toll on Europeans.
This intermingling has spread to the church – the complexions
of the saints and madonnas are those of South Asia.
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Economy of Goa
Goa exports coconuts, fruit, spices, manganese and iron ores,
bauxite, fish and salt. Goa manufacturers produce fertilizers,
sugar, textiles, chemicals, iron pellets and pharmaceuticals.
Rice is the staple food. Fruit, salt, coconuts, pulses and
betel(areca nut) are also produced. Tourism plays an important
role in the economy and is a growth industry. By the end of
the decade the number of hotel beds is expected to rise
tenfold from the present 10,000. The concept of homestays for
visitors is being examined and householders are being
encouraged to add an extra room to their home to accommodate
paying guest. In the south of Goa beyond the Majorda resort,
five hotel complexes are being developed on Colva beach. These
are situated between the sea and the river so that during the
monsoon, when the sea is too rough and dangerous for swimming,
water sports can proceed on the river.
Crops in Goa
Rice is the driving force of Goa's rural economy and hence
also its staple. All over the state, there are numerous paddy
fields, cultivated by hard working farmers. But the best and
most lucrative crop is probably the coconut which is grown in
thousands of coconut cultivations located mostly in the
coastal villages but also in the interior. The coconut tree is
the source of a number of products — its sap called toddi is a
popular local liquor, the copra oil squeezed from young
coconuts is used for cooking and also sold to soap and
cosmetic manufacturers; the coarse hair surrounding the shell
produces fibre for rope, coir-matting and furniture
upholstery; dried palm fronds make baskets, brooms and thatch;
while the wood from fallen trees is used to make rafters for
houses. Besides coconuts, plantations of areca nuts, mango,
jackfruit and cashews are found all around Goa. Cultivation of
spices and other fruits ranging from pineapples to bananas,
and pepper to cinnamon is also quite common in many rural
areas.
Adventure Sports in Goa
Water sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing and windsurfing
are available on the beaches at Candolim, calangute and Baga
and Colva. Paragliding can be done at Arambol and Anjuna
beach. Boat Trips to spot dolphins, fishing, backwaters cruise
are also available on the beaches, including Arambol and
Palolem beach. An interesting day trip is to visit one of the
spice plantations near Ponda.
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Cities in Goa
There are three principal cities in Goa which are Old
Goa (Velha Goa), Panaji (Panjim) or New Goa and Margao.
Old Goa has a melancholy beauty, a city of Baroque
churches half-hidden by jungle, dead except for the
great pilgrimage to the tomb of St Francis Xavier in the
magnificent cathedral of Bom Jesus. Panaji was
originally a suburb of Old Goa and is built on the left
bank of the Mandovi Estuary. It contains the
archbishop’s
palace, a
modern port, Government buildings, a few hotels, bars and
shops set around a number of plazas. Margao is the best port
between Bombay and Kozhikode (Calicut). A railway connect it
with Castle Rock on the Western Ghats. Vasco de Gama is Goa’s
principal commercial port and the terminus of the Central Goa
branch line.
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Cuisine of Goa
Goan food is similar to that of the rest of India and consists
of rice, meat, vegetable curries and dal. Although, many local
specialities also have Latin names. Spicy pork vindaloo,
marinated in vinegar, is very popular. Pork is eaten by most
of the Christians, but it is not eaten by Muslims and most of
the Hindus in their culinary dishes. Chourisso is Goan sausage
and sarpotel is a hot, pickled pig’s liver dish. The food in
this region is hot due to the small chillies that are grown
locally. Xacutti is a hot chicken or meat dish prepared with
coconuts. Seafood is plentiful. Apa de camarao is a spicy
prawn-pie and Recheiado prepared with king prawns. Lobsters,
backed oysters, boiled clams and stuffed crabs are
specialties. Bangra is Goa mackerel and fish Balchao is cooked
in a spicy chilli sauce. Goan bread is good and there are
pleasant European style biscuits. The special dessert is
Bebinca, a layered coconut and jaggery delicacy. Cashew nuts
are grown in abundance and form the basics of the local brew
feni which can also be made from coconut. Beer is cheaper here
than in most other part of India. Goan wines tend to be of the
fortified variety and are sweet.
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Festivals of Goa
With its large non-Hindu population, Christian festivals such
as Christmas and Easter are popular. Goan Carnival is held for
4 days in Feb or March. In Panaji there are colourful street
parades with spectacularly costumes, floats and dancing. Feast
of Our Lady of Miracles is celebrated on the nearest Sunday 16
days after Easter. A huge fair and market is held at Mapusa.
It is also celebrated by Hindus in honour of the Goddess
Lairaya. Feast of St John, at Calangute is like a thanksgiving
ceremony for the arrival of the monsoon. Young men tour the
area singing for gifts. They also jump into wells. Festival of
St Peter is held at Fort Aguada. A floating stage is erected
on fishing boats tied together and a pageant is held as they
float downstream. The major local Hindu festivals include the
Birth of Lord Krishna and Diwali, celebrated with a big
procession and fireworks.
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Cultural Activities in Goa
Throughout the year, various cultural festivals are celebrated
in the beautifully designed Kala Academy located on the banks
of the Mandovi river in Panaji. A Pop, Beat and Jazz Music
festival is held in May. Bhajan and Kirtan festivals and the
Sangeet Samaroh is also held here which attracts the finest
performers from all over the country. The Drama Festival and
the well known Teatro Festival that celebrates Goa’s folk
drama tradition is also held in the Kala Academy.
Beaches of Goa
For most of the tourists, beaches are the major
attraction of Goa. Most of them offer water skiing, para
sailing, snorkelling, diving, water scooter and trips in
glass bottom launches. There are no private beaches in
Goa. Public access is guaranteed. On the popular
stretches of sand such as Calangute there is a seemingly
endless stream of local entrepreneurs selling food and
simple handicrafts, or offering a massage or to tell
your fortune. The
whole
coastline of Goa is one long coconut-fringed beach, indented
by occasional inlets and and estuaries. The road runs slightly
inland, with spurs leading down to the main popular sections
of beach. Some of the popular beaches of Goa are Arambol
beach, Vagator beach, Anjuna beach, Baga beach, Calangute
beach, Candolim beach, Miramar beach, Dona Paula beach,
Bogmalo beach, Velsao beach, Colva beach, Benaulim beach.
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Churches in Goa
Velha Goa, the old capital of the Portuguese, lying further
above from Panaji is an open-air museum. This magnificent 16th
century city was once known as Goa Dourada (Golden Goa) and it
rivaled the European cities in splendour and wealth. Today
some of that grandeur can be seen in the imposing churches,
convents and monasteries. They have high vaulted roofs and
lavishly baroque interiors with carved and gilded altar pieces
and statues. The 'Tuscan style Se'Cathedral, the largest
Church in Asia is also located in Goa. This church is
dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria and has 15 altars.
This church has some of the finest examples of religious art.
In the Basilica of Bom Jesus, the embalmed body of Goa’s
patron saint, St. Francis Xavier is kept which is perfectly
preserved since his death, almost 450 years ago. The other
churches in Goa are the Church of our Lady of Rosary, the St.
Monica convent, the St. Augustine's Church and the St. Cajetan
Church.
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Music and Dances in Goa
Music, dance and folklore are deeply rooted in the heart of
Goans, and the rhythm runs in the blood of the people of Goa.
Goan folklore, which comprises of folk songs, dances, music,
visual arts and folk tales are rich in content and variety.
The folk music has devotional and contemporary overtones, and
it displays a lively rhythm. The folk dances reflect the
rhythmic vitality. Dancing and revelry are an integral part of
Goan weddings, which combine Catholic and Indian traditions.
Some of the young Goans in a twilit evening sing a Mando
(traditional love song) on the guitar. Some of the beaches
also provides the setting for many shows by local performers.
In the night the sounds of music can be heard well into the
wee hours, as performers and audience linger on under starlit
skies, with the sound of waves filling in the silence.
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Wildlife in Goa
The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many
species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for
migration. Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of
plants, over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals
and over 60 genera of reptiles. About 10% of Goa is set aside
as wildlife reserve and this area includes four large wildlife
sanctuaries. There are three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa which
preserves the thick forests and habitats along the slopes of
the Western Ghats. These sanctuaries are the Bhagwan Mahavir
Wildlife Sanctuary, the Bondla Sanctuary and the Cotigao
Wildlife Sanctuary. The wet deciduous forests of these
wildlife sanctuaries have abundant bird life and are the
habitat of animals like the bison, leopard, sloth bear, sambar,
chital, pangolin, etc. The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located
on the Chorao island along the Mandovi river, close to Panaji.
This bird sanctuary has mangrove forests and varieties of
water birds.
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Temples in Goa
Besides churches, temples are also there in Goa. The
Portuguese influence can also be seen in the form and
structure of these temples. In the 16th century, when
Portuguese persecution was at its peak and temples were
being destroyed, deities from ancient shrines were
smuggled out across the border into the adjoining area
of Ponda. In the 18th century, these shrines were
converted into graceful temples and built in a
style unique
to Goa. The temples are built in a style that incorporates
Hindu, Islamic and Christian architectural elements. These
temples have elaborated deepa stambhas, domes which are
crowned by kalasas, saracenic arches, traditional mandapas and
temple tanks. Some of the famous temples are the Shri Mangesh
Temple, Shri Nagesh temple, Shri Mahalsa Temple, Shri Ramnathi
Temple and the Shanta Durga Temple. The 15th century Shri
Mangesh Temple is located in the Ponda district and dedicated
to Lord Shiva. Shri Mahalsa Temple is located in Mardol and
dedicated to Vishnu. The Shanta Durga Temple is dedicated to
Durga, the Supreme Goddess of Peace. The Mahadeva Temple
located at Tamdi Surla, is the only surviving example of
Kadamba temple architecture. This temple is built in black
basalt stone and adorned with sculpted monolithic pillars,
niches and delicately carved bas-reliefs.
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Accommodation in Goa
Accommodation is no problem at Goa, where a place to stay is
easy to find. There are several well developed beach resorts,
holiday cottages, small hotels and five star resorts in Goa.
Those who want an interesting and local option can stay in
many family houses as a paying guest.
How to reach Goa By Air
Goa’s airport, Dabolim, is 29 km south of Panaji, on the coast
near Vasco da Gama. Most of India’s domestic airlines operate
services here, and several direct charter companies fly into
Goa from the UK and Europe. Indian Airlines connects Goa with
Bombay, Bangalore, Cochin, Trivandrum and Delhi.
By Train
The Konkan Railway connects Goa with Mumbai and Mangalore. The
main station in Goa is Madgaon in Margao, but expresses and
passenger trains stop at most other stations along the line.
By Boat
Passenger/vehicle ferries cross the state’s many rivers.
By Motorcycle
Goa is one of the few places in India where hiring a
motorcycle or scooter is both cheap and easy, and the
relatively short distances make travel a breeze, although
India is no place to learn to ride a motorcycle, or even a
scooter. Every other traveller you meet seems to have been
involved in a bike accident of some description. Bikes
available include old Enfields, more modern Tamaha 100s and
the gearless Kinetic Honda scooters. Rental prices very
according to season, length of hire and quality of the bike.
In most cases you don’t need to provide a deposit, but you’ll
probably be asked for your passport details and the name of
your hotel. Guesthouses, hotels and places where taxi drivers
congregate are good places to hire a bike, but you’ll get
plenty of offers on the street at beech resorts. Motorcycle
are a licensed form of taxi in Goa. They are cheap, easy to
find, backpacks are no problem and they can be identified by a
yellow front mudguard.
By Road
Goa is connected by the National Highways - NH4A, NH17 and
NH17A to the neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
