Goa tourism and travel guide

History: The utter detachment of Goa by land has forever kept it out of the majority of Indian History. On the other hand, its power over of the seas and above all the money-spinning spice trade made it a much-coveted prize for rival colonial powers. The history of Goa dates back to the time when it belonged to the kingdom of Kadamba. For a short span of time, the Karnataka Vijayanagars, the Muslim Bahmanis and Yousuf Adil Shah of Bijapur had conquered Goa. Alfonso De Albuquerque captured the fort at Panaji, the capital city of Goa, in 1510. This indicated the start of the Portuguese power in Goa. The Portuguese rule lasted for about 450 years.

Climate/Temperature: Due to the proximity of the Sea the temperature in Goa remains moderate throughout the year. This pleasant climatic condition makes Goa a tourist delight. The temperature in Goa never goes to extremes. The normal range of temperature is between 20 C and 35 C. The monsoon season starts in the first week of June and lasts till mid-September. The state receives a good rainfall on an average of 2500 mm. The monsoon crosses the threshold normally in the first week of June. The best time to visit Goa is between October and March. During this time temperature is cool touching a minimum of about 20 C.

Goa is famous for its golden sand beaches, temples, churches, waterfalls, flora and fauna, it has been a Portuguese colony  and its influence on local culture and heritage clearly visible, few listed attractions are must-do site while you are here in goa 

Old Goa - Old Goa is only nine kilometers east of Panaji. Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with churches and more churches. The Se Cathedral, the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi, Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St. Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine are, probably, the more mentionable of the lot. But the list of old buildings, all reflecting the chapters of bygone times, doesn’t quite and here. A drive is a must through the less-popular interiors of Goa and experiences its unique cultural heritage. The impact of 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule is apparent in every aspect of Goan life - in the food and dress, in the houses painted in gay colors and in the joie de vivre of the people. In every village, the fresh lime-washed faç ade of a church stands out like a beacon in the deep green countryside.

Aguada Fort - Strategically located at the estuary of the river Mandovi, this fort was constructed in 1612 as a guard against invasions from the Dutch and the Marathas. The walls of this fort are 5 meters high and 1.3 meters wide. Little surprise then that this remains to be the only fort that was not conquered by any invaders during the 450 yearlong rule of the Portuguese empire.

Anjuna - The Anjuna Beach is rightly referred to as the Freak Capital of the World and happens to be one of the most popular beaches in the Beach Capital of India Goa. The swaying coconut palms and the soft white and add to the holiday mood on the shore of the Arabian Sea. The hippy hangs out of the sixties is still a major draw. Tourists from the younger generations as well as the flower generations flock to Anjuna Beach. Thus, even if you seek nirvana or just want to enjoy the magic of the nature you must head to the Anjuna beach. Take a plunge into swimming the most relaxing water activity that can be pursued at the Anjuna Beach. It is safe as the sea is calm. Sun bathing is the most favored activity of the sun starved European tourists. The more adventurous of you may even try out bungee jumping.

Baga - Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle-bustle found on the other beaches. Baga beach in Goa looks as if it has come alive out of a painting… majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the brown sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees. Goa's Baga beach is a small but perfect beach located between its two more famous cousins, Colva on one side and Calangute on the other. It is a good place to enjoy some quiet moments and dwell in peaceful contemplation with oneself. Ten kilometers west of Mapusa, Baga beach is an extension of Calangute beach. In fact, it is difficult to mark where one ends and another begins. A rocky wooded headland marks Baga beach. It is less congested in comparison to the Calangute beach. The scenery here is unspoiled. The land and sea meet here in a picture-perfect manner. White waves rush towards the brown sand to sweep the feet marks. Unlike other beaches, Baga beach is free from any hustle bustle.

Goa is basically a hub for water sports. With so many beaches on the beautiful land of Goa, there is an ample amount of fun with water sports for the amusement of people. The adventure lovers find this land truly apt and pertinent. Various types of water sports are offered in many of the beaches in Goa. Some of the eminent water sports are sailing, parasailing, boat rides, windsurfing, diving, river cruises, water-skiing, water scooters and fishing.

Geography: Goa is a small state with an area of 3702 sq. Km. This lovely state of beaches lies between latitudes 15 degree's 48'00" N 14 degree's 53'54" N and Longitude 74 degree's 20'13" E 73 degree's 40" 33" E. Goa is located 1022 meters above sea level. Goa has a coastline of 104 km. The Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra bounds Goa on the north side. On the west side, there is the Arabian Sea. The Kanwar district of Karnataka lies on the South and on the East of Goa there lies the Belgaum district of Karnataka. This 25th state of India lies in the Konkan Coast 600 km south of Mumbai and 300 km North of Mangalore. Panaji is the capital of Goa. The longest rivers are The Zuari (39 miles), and The Mandovi (38.5 miles). The highest mountain is Sonsogor in the Sahyadri range of the Western Ghats (3,827 feet).

Religions: Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam are the three main religions pursued in Goa. There are also Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains.

Languages Spoken: The official language of the people of Goa is the Konkani language. Some of the people also speak Hindi and Gujarati. Other main languages of this green land are Marathi, Urdu, and Kannada.