Goa
Goa
Country : India
Region : Western India
Capital City:Panaji
Population:1,457,723
Geo Location:West
Area :3702 sq.kms
Average Climate: Goa has a tropical monsoon climate, has a hot and humid climate throughout the year. The average temperature lies between 19°C - 32°C.
Best time to visit: Goa can be visited throughout the year, but can be it is experienced best in between October till the month of March.
Located in the Western part of the nation, Goa is the smallest state in terms of area in India. It is bounded by Karnataka to the east and south and Maharashtra to the north. The Arabian Sea forms the western coast of Goa. The state’s capital is Panaji. Its largest city is Vasco da Gama.
Large numbers of domestic as well as international tourists visit Goa every year, for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage sites. Due to its location in the Western Ghats that has been declared as a biodiversity hotspot, it has a wide variety of flora and fauna. Famous wildlife sanctuaries worth exploring are Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, and Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary which also houses the famous Dudhsagar Falls. Exotic avifauna species can be caught sight of in the renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. One can also spot the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle at the Morjim Beach and Galgibaga Beach of Goa.
The main rivers of the state are Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Sal and Chapora Kushavati. Goa has eight marine, more than forty estuarine and around ninety riverine islands. Goa is widely popular among tourists for the beautiful beaches like the Palolem Beach, Baga Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, and Colva Beach.
There are two World Heritage Sites in Goa, namely, the Bom Jesus Basilica and convents and churches in Old Goa. Bom Jesus Basilica houses the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier and is open for public viewing. Forts at Tiracol, Mormugao, Cabo de Rama, Aguada and many others are also worth exploring.
Historically, Goa was under the Portuguese rule for a long time, the proof of which can be found in the present state in the form of architecture and culture. Architectural influences can be found at various Goan temples like the Mangueshi Temple, Mahalasa Temple, and Shanta Durga Temple. Goan cuisine is relished worldwide for the exotic fish dishes, Vindaloo, and many others. Feni is a popular alcoholic beverage local to Goa only. The New Year celebrations and Goan Carnival are major tourist attractions and are celebrated with great pomp and show.
