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INDIA
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Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist
Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western
coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural
splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have
made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the
world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea.
It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich
culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that
India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside
its buildings and in the hinterland away from the
coastal area.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an
incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa.
Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani
Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been
rulers of Goa.
Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese
colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union
Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On
May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the
25th state of the Indian Republic.
Having been the meeting point of races, religions and
cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a
multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different
from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities
make up almost the entire population with minority
representation of Muslims and other religions.
All the communities have mutual respect towards one
another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long
and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm
and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to
celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions
such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and
Id with equal enthusiasm.
The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the
state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast
expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the
magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.
Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and
Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way
throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding
beauty and romance to the land besides being used to
transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and
Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the
coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays
breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which
lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.
Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the
banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and
Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an
international/national airport located at Dabolim near
Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also
plays an important role in getting locals and visitors
alike in and around Goa.
The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range
ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and
rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines,
crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals
and the visitors.
Along with English which is widely spoken all over
Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The
national language Hindi is also well understood in most
areas around the state.
Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the
Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple
food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and
the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan
food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese
cuisine.
Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa
has been a major destination on the itinerary of
international and domestic tourists.
The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and
carries on through early March. The weather in these
months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.
Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end
of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian
monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical
thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon
that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with
greenery sprouting all around.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and
sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back,
peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.
After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this
is a place where people really know how to relax. |
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