A state in Western India, Goa is famous for its coastline which stretches up along the Arabian Sea. Previously a Portuguese colony, Goa is famous for its beaches and ancient colonial structures in Incredible India. The state is situated in the Konkan region and the Western Ghats geographically have separated it from the Deccan high lands.
Boundaries of Goa:
Goa is part of the Konkan region. The Western Ghats is the actual location of the place. The state of which Goa is surrounded by Maharashtra in the north Karnataka in the east and south, while its western coast is formed by the Arabian Sea. It is the smallest state in India with the fourth-smallest as per population is considered. Panaji is the capital of the state and the largest city is Vasco da Gama. A formal state of the Portuguese empire, Goa is visited by a large number of tourists from home or abroad for its white-sand beaches and the spectacled lifestyle.
The Etymology of Goa:
From where the name Goa has come is not clear. Goa is previously called by many names, but the origin of the present name is not clear at all.
History of Goa:
The earliest traces of humans left in India can be found in Goa by rock art engravings. The forming of the base of the earliest Goa culture is done by radical changes. Early society of Goa when India when Indo Aryan and Dravidian migrants intermingled with aboriginal locals.
In the third century, BC Goa was under the Mauryan emperor and King Ashoka as the emperor of Buddhism was founded in Goa by Buddhist monks. Bhojas of Goa, Chutus of Karwar also ruled the part of this region. In 1312 Goa came under the governance of the sultanate of Delhi .later it surrendered to the Vijay Nagar empire forcefully, 1469 it was a part of the Bijapur kingdom. The Portuguese called this place Velha Goa.
The Portuguese captured Goa in 1510 which was the beginning of the colonial rule in Goa and had last for four and a half centuries.in 1843 the capital was shifted from Panaji to Velha Goa. During the mid-18th century, Goa has got the present state that it has today. Later the Portuguese lost possession by firming goas as the state of Portuguese India.
In 1947 after the independence of India, Goa was regularised to join the Indian sub-continent but the Portuguese refused to negotiate. In 1961 through ‘operation Vijay’ the Annexation of Goa has done. Goa along with Daman and Diu was organized as a union territory. Later in 1987, Goa had become the 25th state of India.
Geography of Goa:
The area covered by Goa is approximately three thousand square kilometers. It’s a part of Konkan and separated from the Deccan plateau through Western Ghat Mountain Sonsogar is the highest point with an altitude of 3829 ft main major rivers of Goa are Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, etc. The river is rainfed and some of the busiest rivers in India it has 300 water tanks of cement lime. The Marmagoanharbour, situated at the mouth of the river Zuari is one of the best natural harbors in South Asia. The soil is mostly alluvial and loamy .it is rich in minerals. Goa is the home of some oldest rocks also.
Climate-tropical monsoon climate prevails here. The weather is hot and humid during the year. During the summer season, the temperature crossed the bar of 35°c with high humidity during the monsoon season the rainfall is also high. The wintertime is soothing and the best time to visit Goa.
The Economy of Goa:
The richest state of India, Goa has a per capita income that is much higher than the income of the other states of India. The primary industry in Goa is tourism with two main tourist seasons winter and summer.
The mineral is the second main industry as the tea cost is rich with minerals agriculture has lost much importance now while the medium scale industries are now taking place. Sixteen planned are how are there in Goa low price liquors are another important product of these states.
Culture of Goa:
Both eastern and western culture is Amalgamatedin the culture of Goa. Goa‘s cultural heritage Such as regional dances is performed with a unique blend of different religious cultures of the state .some prominent local festivals are Christmas, Diwali, Shigemi, Padvo, etc. The Gomant Vibhushan award is the highest civilian honor.
Dance and Music of Goa:
Dekhinni Fugdi etc. are some, traditional Goan art forms social gathering is preferred by the Catholics. In Goan homes, music is an integral part of Goans is practically born with music and sport. Different types of western musical instruments are used for performing art. Bhajans, metals, and kirtans are liked by the Goan Hindus. Goa is said to be the origin of a Goa trance.
The Cuisine of Goa:
The staple food of Goa is rice with fish curry different types of fish items are famous in Goa. Goan cuisine is spicy and heavily influenced by Portuguese cuisine. Goan food can be divided Into two types which are Goan Catholic and Goan Hindu cuisine.
Local People of Goa:
Goans are the demonym for the people native to Goa. They formed an ethos-linguistic group through the assimilation of different races. Since 1961 a mass emigration of different Ethnic, Religious, and Cultural groups established in Goa. Due to this, the Cultural Demography of the state has altered. The population exchange of natives of Goa becoming a virtual ministry in their state.
Language of Goa:
Multilingual but the Goans speak the Konkani language. The Portuguese language influences their vocabulary. The mixed descent speaks Portuguese and is belonging to the Luso-Indian ethnicity. Goans use Devnagari and Latin Script for communication as well as educational purposes. Marathi plays an important part because of the influx of Marathi people.
The Religion of Goa:
Predominantly Christians, the Goans also consist of Hindus and Muslims. The conversation of religion takes place a little bit as for the demographic change. Other different types of religions are predominant here.
The Attire of Goa:
Cotton clothing is the commonest form because of the hot and humid weather. Catholic women wear gowns or dresses. Nav-Vari is a kind of saree that is the dress of Hindu women. PanuBhaju, and Valkal which are made up of beads and leafy loin clothes are the specialties here. Western clothes are now taking the predominant place. During the festivals, traditional clothes are used to maintain the smell of the origin.
Handicrafts of Goa:
Papier Mache which means the objects made up of waste paper is a specialty of Goa. Wood carving is another important artifact of the Goan people. Objects which are made up of seashells, and coconut crafts are important works of art belonging to the Goan people.
Best Places to Visit:
Lots of places are there to visit in Goa. From sea beaches to religious places all can be seen here in Incredible India. To soothe one’s mind, it is a must for all to visit the place at least once.
Calangute Beach:
The largest and the most popular beach in Goa, a long coastline, and the amazing view of the sea are the most important features here. A plethora of water sports are available here.
Fort Aguada:
A 17th-century Portuguese Fort was built as the chief defense center of the Portuguese. Inside the Fort, there is a 13 mt high lighthouse and water storage capable of storing ten million liters of water.
Chapora Fort:
It stands at the mouth of the Chapora River like an old guard. A must-be going place for photo enthusiasts.
Basilica of Bom Jesus:
The mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier are kept here inside the church. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Pandava Caves and Arvalem Waterfalls:
Situated in North Goa, the Pandava caves are the caves of the 6th century which are decided into five compartments, and the ‘Linga’ is situated in the middle compartment.
Arvalem waterfall is a cascade from a height of 50 meters with a spectacular view.
Mangeshi Temple:
The 450-year-old temple of Lord Shiva has the specialty of a seven-story lamp tower and a magnificent water tank.
Dudhsagar Falls:
It is a four-tiered waterfall that appears to be rarely watched during monsoon after being fed by the rain.
Ashwem and Arossim Beach:
The two awesome beaches of Goa are known for their serene beauty and natural landscapes. The white sand beaches with tranquil sea attract all.
Naval Aviation Museum:
It is one of these kinds of museums not only in India but in Asia too. Different types of war weapons and aviation objects are shown here.
Mollem National Park:
It is the home of a wide variety of birds, snakes, and also butterflies. It is also the home of ‘The Dhangar’, the nomadic buffalo.
Fontainhas:
The old Latin quarter of Goa likely seems to be out of India. The brightly colored houses and their picturesque surroundings please the mind.
Reis Magos Fort:
The oldest fort in Goa, initially used as the house of the Viceroy, converted to a fortress later on. The remarkable view of the countryside is another attraction.
Arpora night market:
Every Saturday this market is held where all can get the traditional objects of Goa.
Tito’s Club Goa:
The ultimate destination to view the nightlife of Goa with electrifying music and throbbing lights.
Lots of beaches, markets, and many other destinations of attractions are situated in Goa. Anjana Beach, Dona Paola Beach, etc. are places to enjoy life beside the sea. Different types of water games are available there. Interesting nightlife and the cultural environment will enhance your spirit of entertainment.
How to Reach:
Dabolim is the sole international airport in Goa which is well connected with all the parts of India and the World. Konkan Railway connected Goa with other parts of the country with an unforgettable journey. Roadway service is also within reach.
Where to stay: Lots of hotels are there according to your budget. Homestays are also there. The food is good with neat and clean rooms. Sea facing room is also available to enjoy the beautiful Arabian Sea.
Taxi Service:
Well-equipped taxi service is always for you in Goa with an experienced driver and well-maintained vehicle for site seeing. Fare is pocket friendly.
Time Duration:
It depends upon the person who visits the place. Six nights and seven days is enough to check all destinations. If someone wants to stay more, it’s his choice.
Summer and winter is the proper time to visit. Avoid the monsoon season.
In Incredible India, Goa has an important place. To search out the beauty of it a visit is a must. Relax on the sea beaches. Enjoy life to its brim.
