General information
General Information |
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Goa (Sun, Sand, Sea....) |
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Goa is lively and modern, with many western style entertainments.
there is a choice of luxurious hotels with plenty of night life, or simplicity
and tranquility in one of the inexpensive, clean and comfortable rooms with
their own charm, right on the beach. The Portuguese influenced food is
mouthwatering. Choose massive fish steaks fresh from the sea or a wide and
delicious choice of both continental and Indian dishes. Panaji, the capital, is
an easy-going town with Portuguese styled cafes, whitewashed churches and
overhanging balconies; a delight after your journey. Old Goa, east of Panaji,
was once the capital of the eastern Portuguese Empire. Now, it is little more
than a fascinating small village surrounded by huge convents and churches
dedicated to the zeal of Christianity, including the Convent and Church of St.
Francis of Assisi and the famous Basilica of Bom Jesus. The mortal remains of
St. Francis Xavier, who spread Christianity among the subjects of the Portuguese
colonies, are entombed here. Which beach to choose from along the 100km long
coastline of silvery sand. Possibly Colva with its warm turquoise sea and
fishermen hauling in their nets by hand in the clear morning light as they chant
an ancient sea song; or maybe sophisticated Aguada, with its jet-set beach and
sixteenth century fort. Try the experience of a full-moon party at Anjuna, or
mingle with the variety of people in Calangute selling handicrafts, jewellery
and modern fabrics. Enjoy the old Portuguese fort in Chapora, surrounded by
secluded and sandy beaches and dense green coconut palms. Visit all the beaches
or just adopt one and make it your home. Wild boar and sambar in their natural
habitat in the hills of the Western Ghats can be seen in Bondla, one of the Goan
wildlife sanctuaries. In addition, the region is justly famous for its many
colourful festivals, including Mardi Gras, celebrated with Christian
fervour. There are so many delights in Western India and so many
glorious choices; from the vibrant life of commercial Bombay to the home of the
indomitable Mahatma Gandhi then down to the peace and magic of sunny Goa - the
choice is yours. As a matter of fact the Goa is for relaxation and experience the
idyllic peace. If you have ever dreamt of a warm land of space and light, where
the beaches stretch for silvery miles, where the glittering sea always beckons
you, where the people are always smiling, where the succulent juice from a bite
of ripe pineapples or papaya drips on your hot skin as you luxuriate lazily on
the white sand, then Goa, a fascinating blend of Latin and Indian cultures, will
be a place where the wish to linger will be overpowering. |
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Capital :- |
Panaji. |
Main Languages: |
Konkani, Marathi, Portuguese, and
English. |
Area: |
3,702 sq. km. |
District: |
2. |
Population: |
1.3 million. |
Literacy: |
77%, it is one of the highest literacy rate in country
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Boundaries: |
East and South-Karnataka; West-Arabian Sea; North- Maharashtra and Terekhol River. |
Highways |
Goa is connected by the National Highways - NH4A, NH17
and NH17A. The National Highways total to 224kms. and the State Highways
measure up to 231kms. The major District Roads measure 815kms. The
villages have surfaced as well as unsurfaced roads and total to
3538kms. |
Airport: |
Dabolim. |
Longest rivers are: |
The Zuari and The Mandovi. |
Altitude: |
Sea level to 1,022 meters. |
Highest Mountains: |
Sonsogad in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats
(3,827 feet). |
Monsoon : |
June to September. |
Rainfall : |
March-April: Traces. May - June:
Moderate (About 400-500mm). July-August: Maximum (About
1500-1800). September-October: Moderate (About
200-400mm). |
Temperature: |
Maximum: 34° C Minimum: 20° C |
Clothing required: |
Tropical clothing throughout the year.
Light woolens can be worn during December and January. |
Urban Population: |
41%. |
Growth rate(1981-91): |
15.96%. |
Sex ratio (Females per 1000
males) |
969. |
Per capita income: |
Rs. 6939. |
History |
Goa traces its history to a very ancient period. It was
Known for as Gopakappattan. An arrow from Lord
Parsurama's bow fell
into the sea instantly reclaiming the land called Gomant.. This was during
the Mahabharat -- today this reclaimed land is called
Goa!
Through known
history, Goa has belonged to various Kingdoms starting with the Mauryas
under Ashoka in 250 BC. From the 6th to 8th centuries, the Chalukyas
dominated only to replaced by the Rashtrakutas and in turn the Kadambas
over the next three centuries. Muslim rule came to Goa towards the
end of the 14th century in the form of the Bahamanis who then lost it and
recaptured it from the Vijaynagar emperors a century later. The last King
to rule before the Portuguese set foot was Yusuf Adil Shah of
Bijapur. In 1510 Albuquerque captured Old Goa. Over the next 351
years the Portuguese consolidated their hold over Goa, braving a Dutch
blockade in 1603 and a Maratha attack in 1667.The Marathas were eventually
routed in 1739 and thereafter until the Pinto revolution of 1787 there was
no further threat to their rule. The 'New conquests'
between 1782 and 1791 were the result of four decades of planning first
initiated by King Joao V of Portugal. When India attained
Independence in 1947, tremendous pressure was exerted on the Portuguese to
hand over Goa, Daman and Diu. The Portuguese held on grimly, even using
force on occasion (as in 1955 when a group of 'satyagrahis' from India was
attacked). It was a case of delaying of the inevitable which happened on
19 December 1961 when the Indian Army marched in, after a Naval Blockade
by the Indian Navy. 26 years later, Goa attained statehood shedding its
erstwhile 'Union Territory' status on 30/5/1987.
Tourist Season : |
Throughout the year (November to February is pleasant
while June to September is rainy
season). |
Museums |
Old Goa : Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. |
Panaji : Museum of
Goa, Daman and Diu-St. Inez. |
Forests : |
The forest in Goa is nearly 1/3 of its geographical
area. The total forest area is 1424sq.kms. of which 1224sq.kms. is under
Government control and about 200sq.kms. under private owners. Wild life
management, which is an important component is being taken care of by
scientific management of four sanctuaries which covers above 25 % of the
Government forest areas of the State. Wild life Preservation Act 1972 is
vigorously implemented. | |
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