One of the world's beach cities - Goa

The Dhaka Times Desk Visiting Goa is a high point of Indian tourism range. Goa is an attractive destination blessed with beautiful scenery, silvery golden beaches, green hills, mouth-watering delicious seafood and other visual and intangible beauties. A trip to Goa rejuvenates the body as well as the soul.
Located on the west coast of India, this tiny emerald country of Goa lies on the slopes of the mountain range of the Western Ghats. This small new state is one of the world's leading beach destinations. Hundreds and thousands of people travel to Goa.

It was under Portuguese rule until 1961 and in 1987 the state was named Goa. Before traveling to Goa, you can check the Maps of India, where some information is provided for your convenience –

Goa is an ideal beach destination filled with sea, sand, sun and waves of surf and friendly carefree people. Goa travel attracts tourists from all over the world with its coconut tree-lined beaches, rich cultural heritage and tireless festive mood.

Goa has a rich history. Goa's churches and chapels, sun-drenched beaches or colorful bazaars, you'll feel the Portuguese influence wherever you go. Indeed, Goa exhibits a wonderful blend of East and West.

How to reach Goa:

Goa is a very important destination in India. It is the smallest state in India by area but is famous for its beaches, churches and architecture. Goa is visited by a large number of international as well as domestic tourists every year. Goa is easily accessible from any part of the country and is well connected by air, rail and road connectivity.

By Air:

Goa International Airport known as Dabolim Airport serves the entire state of Goa. This airport is located at Dabolim and is about 30 km from the capital city of Panjim. This airport serves domestic and international flights from major cities in India. Pre-hired taxis and buses are readily available from this airport.

By Rail:

The state of Goa has two railway lines, one operated by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan Railway. The main railway station is Margaon Railway Station which is located in Margaon. The state has other railway stations such as Pernem, Thivim, Karmali and Kankon which are well connected by many trains.

By road:

Goa is well connected by National Highways 66, 4A, 366, 566 and 768. Goa has a total of 224 km of national highways, 232 km of state highways and 815 km of district highways.

Tariff Rules:

• Minimum fare is for 100 km per day.
• Arrival taxes, toll taxes, parking fees, ferry charges, etc. from other states. GTDC Additional charges will apply if paid by
• Overnight stay – 8 pm to 8 am.
• Overnight late charges will apply if the car is rented and kept from before 8:00 PM to after 8:00 PM.
• Charges are made from garage to garage.
• After 8 hours detention charges apply.

Launch and Flat-Bottom Ferries:

Waterways are a unique way to travel to Goa. Goa has various boat and ferry services. As Goa has many creeks and rivers, boating is a very cheap and readily available mode of transport. In some places taking water transport is essential and at that time tourists have no other option but to hire a boat or ferry.

Launch services are available for passengers only and operate between Dona Paula and Mormugaon Harbor at regular intervals during clear weather (September to May). On the other hand, flat-bottom ferries carrying both passengers and vehicles through the river run through the following places –

• Aldona – Karjuem.
• Amona – Khandola.
• Aronda – Kiranpani.
• Asolna – Cavelosim.
• Karona – Kalvim.
• Kortalim – Markem.
• Kortalim- Agasim.
• Durbhat – Rasoi.
• Kerry – Tiracol.
• Narva – Divar.
• Old Goa – Dibar / Paidade.
• Raibandar – Dibar.
• Panaji – Betim.
• Pomburpa – Chorao.
• Raya – Shiroda.
• Raibandar – Chorao.

Places to visit in Goa:

 

Candolim Beach:

Located 14 km north of Panaji in the state of Goa, Candolim Beach is a long stretch of beach coastline along the Arabian Sea that starts from Aguda Fort and ends at Chapora Beach. It is also famous as the birthplace of Abba Faria, a freedom fighter of Goa and the father of hypnosis.

Miramar Beach:

Miramar Beach is located 1 km from the confluence of the Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea. It is located about 3 km from Panjim, the capital city of Goa, towards Dona Paula. Miramar beach in Goa is also known as 'Gaspar Dias'.

The beaches of Miramar in Goa start from the bay area and then end at the Emerald Coast Parkway. It is a golden beach lined with coconut trees. The soft sand of this beach is an ideal place for an evening stroll. Moreover, the Portuguese word 'Miramar' means 'sea visit'. Tourists can catch a wonderful glimpse of the Arabian Sea from Goa's 'Miramar Beach'.

Majorda Beach:

Majorda Beach is located in the southern part of Bagmola. This is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa which is located around 18 km from Dabolim airport. Majorda Beach in Goa is well connected to Margaon by an excellent roadway with buses, auto rickshaws and taxis. It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa. Goa's Majorda Beach has a strong influence on Indian mythology. According to mythology, Lord Rama was once kidnapped and brought to this Majorda beach as a child. It is even said that Lord Rama visited this beach in search of his wife Sita. He is also believed to have arrived at Cabo-di-Rama which is south of this beach.

Mobar Beach:

Mobar Beach is an ideal destination for tourists for thrilling activities. It is the most popular beach in Goa which enables tourists to indulge in thrilling sports like – water skiing, water surfing, jet ski, banana and bump ride and parasailing. This beach is visited by tourists throughout the year, but the best time to visit Mobar Beach in Goa is between September and March.

Mobar beach in Goa is a very popular tourist destination. Every year thousands of tourists visit this beach to fulfill their water sports desires. In fact, Cavelosim-Mobar is famous for its water sports.

Colva Beach:

Colva Beach is located about 6 km west of Margaon and is one of the oldest, largest and most spectacular beaches in South Goa. The beach consists of about 25 km of fine powdery white sand and is surrounded by coconut trees along the coast that stretches along the coastline from Bagmola in the north to Cabo-di-Ram in the south and South Goa.

During the colonial rule it was used as a resting area for the high society people of Margaon who used to visit Colva for 'Mundanka' (holidays). The beautiful houses and villas of this village still remind of the luxurious lifestyle of that time.

Anjuna Beach:

Located in Bardej taluka, about 18 km from Panaji, Anjuna beach is part of the 30 km extended beach coastline of Goa along the west coast and the Arabian Sea.

Anjuna village, with an area of five square miles is located between the Arabian Sea and the mountainous beaches. This beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty with its soft white sand and rows of coconut trees.

Varka Beach:

Varka Beach is a very popular tourist destination in Goa. It is one of the most beautiful and beautiful beaches in Goa and is located about 2 km from Benalim. This beach is well known for the wooden boats of the town fishermen. Varka beach in Goa is famous for its soft white sand and its cleanliness. It is the cleanest beach in Goa that offers tourists a chance to spend some secluded time.

Sinkerim Beach:

Sinkerim beach in Goa is located 13 km from Panaji and is unbelievably beautiful and secluded and quieter than other beaches in Goa. The long stretches of sandy beach here are ideal for walking. The soft sand and cool water here will give your feet a pampering feel. This beach is calm and attractive, making it an ideal spot for swimmers. Tourists choose this beach for its cleanliness and serenity. The beautiful Sinkerim Beach is one of the oldest preserved beaches in Goa. The famous Aguda Fort is located here. Aguda Fort was built by the Portuguese in the early 17th century to protect themselves from foreign invasions and control the entry of intruders through the Mandovi River.

Immaculate Conception Church and Reis Magos Fort:

Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church is the first church in Goa built in 1541. It is said that a small number of people together and with their wealth rebuilt this church in 1619 which was an attractive religious destination of that time.

Morjim Beach:

Popularly known as Turtle Beach, Morjim Beach is located in Pernem, North Goa. This beach is nurtured by sophisticated style, flowers, green environment. The specialty of Morjim beach is that it preserves and nurtures Olive Ridley turtles which are an endangered species. A sighting of these endangered species of turtles and crabs will make your beach trip experience unforgettable. Kite flying is a popular activity at this beach due to its shallowness.

Betalbatim Beach:

We all get overwhelmed by a beautiful sunset but the beauty of the sunset at Betalbatim Beach is beyond imagination. Betalbatim Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa, located south of Majorda Beach. This beach is popularly known as the 'sunset beach' of Goa due to its attractive sunset. It is not only peaceful compared to other beaches but also very clean and tidy. The calm and secluded location of this beach makes it more attractive.

Bondla Sanctuary:

Thinking of going to Goa this season? Then don't forget to come to Bondla Sanctuary to see your favorite animals up close. Goa's smallest but very popular sanctuary, located in Ponda taluka in the northeastern part of the city. Covering a very small area of just 8 km, Bondla Sanctuary is covered with moist deciduous forests and evergreens. The premises of this small sanctuary include -a mini zoo, rose garden, deer safari park, botanical garden, nature education center and eco-friendly-tourism cottages.

Arvalem Cave:

Apart from the beautiful beaches and waterfalls, Goa is also a destination for traditional architecture. As Goa is an ancient state, architecture is found here. A beautiful example of historical monuments present in Goa is Arvalem Cave or “Pandava Cave”. Located in the Bicholim town of North Goa, this is an ancient rock-cut cave that gives us an opportunity to learn about mythology. The origin of this cave dates back to the sixth century.

Arvalem Falls:

A beautiful waterfall that cascades beautifully from a rocky terrain in the mountains! This is a picture of an amazing waterfall in Goa. Popularly known as Harvalem Falls, it is located at Arvalem, about 9 km from Bicholim in North Goa. Throwing water from a height of 70 meters is truly an amazing sight.

Palolem Beach:

Palolem Beach is located 2 km west of Chaudi in Kankoon district of South Goa and is also popularly known as 'Paradise Beach'. It is one of the virgin beaches of Goa, which was hidden from the tourist eye for years but now it is gradually becoming commercialized and developed since the arrival of tourists. Nestled in the southern taluka of Kankoon, it is the backdrop of the Western Ghats and is a place for brilliant sunsets and magnificent sunrises. The enchanting Palolem beach instills a sense of tranquility within us, which is one of the hallmarks of these serene beaches in Goa.

Church of Goa:

Churches in Goa are very popular. There are several churches in the state that bear witness to the long history of Portuguese rule in Goa. Apart from being a place of worship, this church is a beautiful example of ancient architecture. Some of the popular churches in Goa are – St. Cathedral Church, St. Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, St. Augustine Church and others. Every year this church is visited by many tourists.

Mahalakshmi Temple:

Maha Lakshmi Temple, located in Bandora village, Goa, is dedicated to Goddess Mahalakshmi (Goddess of power and strength). The temple has a beautiful chowk which is the main attraction here. Built as early as 1413 AD, this temple is visited by tourists from all over the country, especially during Navratri, which is celebrated here with great pomp and gaiety.

Mangeshi Temple:

Mangeshi Temple in Goa is a fusion of modern and traditional Hindu architecture. This temple is dedicated to Lord Mongueshi, an avatar of Shiva. Legends say that Lord Brahma himself consecrated this Shiva Linga, which is worshiped here. The idol of this presiding deity is taken out every Monday in a procession.

Shopping in Goa:

Shopping in Goa is a wonderful experience. Ancient traditional exquisite handicrafts are available at ideal beach destinations in Goa. The handicrafts of Goa truly reflect the craftsmanship and aesthetic sense of the people here. Here you can get –

• Products made from oyster shells.
• Bamboo work
• Brass goods.
• Rare and old coins.
• Gifts made of stone and coral.
• terra cotta
• Handmade items made of paper.
• Carved furniture.
• Beach wear and hammocks (special swings).

Apart from these, you can buy one or more packets of cashew nuts or port wine while shopping. The most notable attraction of Goa is “Feni” – a drug made from cashew nuts, which is very famous in Goa in recent times. Many Indian designers have opened their own boutiques in Goa which are very popular with international customers. The exquisite design here will drive you crazy. There are some old art galleries in Goa where art lovers go in search of Indian paintings and antique collections. You can shop anywhere in Goa. There are many government emporias and private shops throughout the state. The Friday market in Mapusa and the Wednesday market in Anjuna are now very famous. The colorful beach side stalls are very popular among people for shopping in Goa especially for buying conch and stone crafts, dried fish and spices.