Goa is the smallest state of the Indian union, yet it is one of the most fascinating places in the country, bountiful of natural beauty. It is a very enthralling place to visit in India. Tourists from every corner of the world visit Goa to explore its famous beaches. Goa is quite famous for its world heritage monuments. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the famous Christian pilgrimage sites in Asia. The popular tourist attractions in Goa include sparkling beaches, traditional countryside, coconut grooves, gothic churches, ancient temples and forts. A huge number of tourists flock Goa to visit and explore all these delightful attractions. The state of Goa has rich biodiversity as it is located on the Western Ghat mountain range. The name Goa finds its mention in the Hindu sacred manuscripts as well. Some Sanskrit scriptures used the words Gapakapattana and Gopakapuri to depict Goa. In the Skhanda Purana, Goa is referred as Gomanchala, whereas in the Indian Puranas, Goa is referred as Gove, Gomant, Govapuri and Gopakapattan.
Brief history of Goa
Until the 3rd century Goa was part of the Mauryan Empire. Then it was ruled by Satavahanas of Kolhapur. For the next few centuries, Goa was sequentially ruled by Silharas, Kadambas and Chalukyas of Badami. Goa was later ruled by the Moguls. Vasco da Gama was the first European to set foot on Indian soil, through the sea route, landing in Calicut, and then arriving at Goa. The Portuguese thronged at Goa with the aim of setting up a colony to gain control of spice trade from the European traders, once the conventional land routes were blocked by Ottoman Turks. Goa was part of Indian Union after the Indian troops fought a battle with the Portuguese and drove them away. In the year 1987 Goa was declared as the 25th state of India.
Topography of Goa
Goa is located on the Western coast of India in the Konkan region, an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghats that divides it from the Deccan Plateau. The state of Goa shares it boundary with Maharashtra in the North, Karnataka in the East and South, and the Arabian Sea towards the western coast. The major rivers of Goa include Zuari, Mondavi, Chapora, Terekhol and the Sal.
Tourism in Goa
Golden sand and dazzling beaches are the highlights of Goa tour. Calangute, Vagador, Anjuna, Agonda, Miramar, Colva, Dona Paula, Bogmalo, Benaulim, are some of the most popular beaches at Goa. The scenic beauty, architectural splendors of churches and ancient monuments has made Goa a favorite holiday destination. The peak tourist season begins around September and continues till the end of March. The climate during these months is moderate and pleasantly soothing. Apart from the scenic beauty, plentiful beaches and abundant sunshine, the warmth and generosity of Goan residents make it one of the best tourist spots in India. Goa is renowned for its primeval churches portraying Portuguese style of architecture. Other than Basilica of Bom Jesus, some famous churches of Goa are Se cathedral, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church of St. Francis of Assini, and Church of St. Catajan. Goa is also dotted with numerous ancient temples, such as the Saraswati Temple which holds much significance among the locals. Other famous temples of Goa are Maha Laxmi temple, Shanta Durga temple, and Ganapati temple that are much revered and frequently visited pilgrimages.
