Goa – Beaches

 

Goa, a name which ,for scores of people and years, has conjured up visions of sunbathing, feni and never ending beaches. Oft compared to Rio de Janerio, Goa’s carnivals, quaint Portuuese villas, ancient Hindu temples, spectacular cathedrals and the all pervading laid-back attitude to life have attracted millions of tourist since the 60s. With 40 beaches to choose from, Goa is the most preferred  beach destination for the most Indians. From sleepy south Goa to happening north Goa, there is something to suit everyone and for  every pocket. Goa, this is  where India goes to relax.

Goa which was liberated on  19th Decenber,1961 along with Daman and  Diu from 451 yrs Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the 25th State of the Indian unionwhenit was conferred statehood on the 30th May 1987.
Goa, a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India, which its natural scenic  beauty, abundant greenery , attractive  beaches , temples  and churches with distinctive style of  architecture, colourful  and lively feasts  and festivals and , above all, hospitable people  with a rich cultural milieu, has  an ideal tourist profile.

Cultural Heritage Of Goa
Goa abounds in Festivals and fairs around  temples and churches which also commemorate early  legends .They are the occasions when a  Goan peasant  manifests  joy  and happiness.

 

• Bhandap : A traditional folk dance performed by the women folk of  the  scheduled tribe community who were the earliest setters of Goa,  in the  second half of  the Hindu month Bhadrapada.
• Corredino-Portuguese Folk  Dance : A peasant dance which is popular among  Goan elite youth.
• Dekhni Beauty Dance : performed only by women, displays a rare blend of Indian & Western  rhythms.
• Dhangar Dance : In Navratra days, a vigorous  session of worship dance.
• Fugdi & Dhalo :Folk dance performed by women. The most  common folk dance forms of Goa.
• Ghode Modni : it is in commemoration of the return of the Ranes after victories over  the Portuguese .

North Goa : it covers  Mayem  Lake ,Mapusa, Shri pandurang Temple at Sanquelim, Beaches of Vagoator, Anjuna, Calangute and  Fort  Aguada , Panaji Handicrafts Emporlium.10 km east of panaji is old Goa, home to some of the most famous richest and most ornate churches. The massive Portuguese Gothic Cathedrel  of St Catherine da se, or simply the Se cathedral, was commissioned as far back as 1546. Across old  Goa’s  main  squre is the Basilica de Bom  Jesu.

South Goa : The  shri  Mangueshi Temple to Lord Shiva , built in 1967,is a colourful mixture of Hindu , Muslim and Portuguese influences, and  has a distinctive seven –tired lamp tower in the courtyard. The Shri Mahalsa Temple  is even older.Another  must see temple is the Shri Shantadurga temple. Menezes Braganza House, Chandor: Goa served  as the bridge between  the  eastern and western parts of the Portuguese empire. Its mension are therefore crammed with potery  from Macau, Ikat  from Timor, carving  and baskets  from  Mozambique and tapestries from Ormuz. One  such mansion  that has  bee thrown open  to tourists is the 17th century house of Menezes  Braganca,a crusading  Goan,journalist and social reformer  of the pre-independence years.

Beaches :-   ( North  Side )

• Arambol Beach : (35 kms ) A unique beach in north Goa, is both rocky and sandy beach and much sought  after. It has  a sweet pond right on the shore.
• Anjuna : ( 18 Kms ) A popular beach area adjacent to Chapora Fort. In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque mansion built in 1920,flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled roof.
• Calangute: (16  kms) is the most famous resort in Goa. Very good hotels are available.
• Miramar: ( Gaspar Dias ), ( 3 Kms )  A lovely golden beach  of soft sand  girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian sea, is the nearest to panaji.
• Vagator : ( 22 kms ) Famous beach dominated by Chapora Fort  to the north, on its imposing  headland. To  the south of Vagator is Calangute beach.
• Dona Puala : ( 7 Kms )  An idyllic picturesque spot. Command a fine view of the Zuari river   and  Morugao harbor. Water scootering  facillities are available here.

South Side

• Agonda : ( 37 kms from margao ) A  small ,picturesque and secluded beach much sought after for its serenity.
• Colva Beach : ( 6 kms )  Colva beach is the pride of Salcete and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendor. Here, sand, sea and sky  blend  in enchanting natural harmony unspoilt by men.  Has  good  accommodation  facilities  particularly  at the tourist cottages.
• Palolem ( 37 kms ) From Margoa. Just west of  Chaudi  in the Southern Taluka of  Canacona is one of  the most  enchanting beaches in Goa relatively dresserted ,with backdrop of  western Ghats.

Eco- Tourism.  Wildlife Sanctuaries:

Bhagvan Mahavir wildlife Sancturary and  Mollem National Park.Situated along  the North – East Border of the Goa at molem, about one and half hours journey from Panaji  ( 60 Km ) along  Panaji – Belguam National Highway, the  Bhagwan  Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers 240 sq kms of thick forest clad slopes of  western Ghats and its valleys and is the biggest of the  three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wildlife . It is a paradise for the watchers. Besides flora and fauna , ther are many  important geological  features in this  sanctuary. Dudhsagar falls about an hours journey from  Colem by train, is a feast  for   the eyes. The  Devil canyon is another beautiful geological spot.  The famous lord Mahadeva temple situated at Tambdi Surfa is about 13kms form Molem. The entry fee Rs 20 per person.Rs 5 per child and Rs 5/- per student.

Bondla Forest : 52 kms From Panaji ,36kms from marao. It is the smaller of the three wildlife sancturies of Goa. More than a sanctauary , it is an ideal jungle resort , major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. Comfortable  cottages are available here for tourists and closed on Thursday. Entry fee is Rs 5/- per person and Rs 5/- per child.

Catigao, and  Dr salim Ali Bird  are more twol wildlife sanctuaries.

ABYSS – The Underworld Marine Fish Acquarium. Verna. 18kms  away  from Panaji , 10 km  from Margao, situated along  Panaji- Karwar national Highway. Goas first and Indias first privately scientifically Marine fishes brought  from  national and international Ocean. Enjoy the experience of colourful  world of  live fish.

River Cruises

River  Cruises with music and cultural  shows are offered by GTDC  which  operates  three lunches - Santa  Monica, Radhika and Malvika.

Sunset Cruise, Sundown Cruise (One hour ride ), Emerald Cruises, Exciting Evening Cruise ( one hour cruise includes folk dance and live music ),Delightful  Dolpin Cruise, ( Half day excursion of excellent view of coastline  and important landmark of Goa and chance to swim in the Arabian sea ) Breaktaking  Backwater Crocodile Cruise. ( Full day excursion  into the backwaters with glimpses  of Churches of Old Goa ).

Exclusive Baots : -
Floating  Palace luxuary Cruises- Kerala type houseboat cruising  Goan  backwaters  Oct –March

 

GO KARTING :-
A new of –karting  track of international quality has opened in south Goa . open from  12 noon to 10 Pm.

 

Sight & Sounds

Museums and Art Galleries.
Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery located in Old Goa, it is an interesting  museum  on the history of Goa,  particularly of the Portuguese rule. Visiting hours 10 am  to 5 pm

 

Sail  a Historic Chinese junk.
She was  the last  fishing boat of her kind  to be built in Hong  Kong under  the British flag  and made the journey from there  to England  to commemorate  the  handover. She  is television celebrity ,having featured on national Geographic and the Disney  Chennel.

 

Spot Some Dolphins
Just get  on to  a beach , any  beach  and everyone  and his Goan uncle will offer you  a chance to get  up close and personal with the snout  - nosed ,smiling  creatures of the deep. If the weather is good , there is no reason why  you  should not see a whole school of the  leaping  and frolicking around your boat.