Goa is India's smallest state by area and city in itself is the fourth smallest by population. It is located in region known as the Konkan. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa as Goparashtra or Govarashtra, which means `a nation of cowherds’. Goa was taken by Portuguese in 1510, thus beginning four centuries of its influence on this region. They came looking for spices and stayed to make Goa the center of their eastern empire. The territory is tucked away between the hills of western ghats and the Arabia Sea. It was liberated in 1961 from Portuguese government by then Prime Minister of India Pandit Nehru. Since its absorption into Indian Union, there have been many changes. But one can still see evidence of 400-odd years of Portuguese rule in peaceful towns with their Iberian-style villas, people’s dress, language, religion and cuisine and in their music. The city is divided into district North and South Goa. Goa is one of India's most popular holiday destinations, with its idyllic beaches, ancient temples, lush paddy fields, coconut plantations and villages with pretty white washed churches and grand mansions.
The fort at Reis Magos was built in 1551 by Don Alfonso de Noronha, the fifth viceroy, as a second line of defence after the forts at Aguada and Cabo. Reis Magos is a village located on the northern bank of the Mandovi River in Bardez, Goa, opposite to the capital city of Panjim. The fort before housed a prison, which was moved to Mormugao in 1996. This Fort is surrounded by sturdy laterite walls studded with typically Portuguese turrets which were erected in 1551 to protect the narrowest point at the mouth of the Mandovi estuary. It was enlarged subsequently on different occasions and finally re-erected in 1707.
The center of the hippie scene in the 1960s and 1970s, Calangute is Goa’s most popular beach. Famous in the region as `Queen of the Beaches’, calangute beach boasts through its presence in north-east from state capital Panaji at mere 15 kilometers. It is said that calangute beach goa remains largest one in the northern region. It is packed with sun-bathers, masseurs, hawkers and others during the day. The entire stretch of sand right up to the adjacent Baga Beach is lined with resorts, trinket stalls, bars and beach shacks.
It is 4 km west of Reis Magos and built in 1612 as defense against the Marathas and the Dutch. This is the largest and the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa to control the entry into the river Mandovi and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. The area around the fort housed a large well and a number of springs that provided fresh drinking water to the voyagers that arrived by ship. in Portuguese `Agua’ means water, thus the fort derived its name `Aguada’ to represent a place where water is accumulated. Some buildings within the fort now house the state prison. The local beach Sinquerim is known for its luxury resorts.
It is now most popular as a haven for backpackers. Located about 18 kms from Panaji and situated in Bardez taluka, the Anjuna Beach is the part of a 30 km extended beach coastline along the west coast of Goa by the Arabian sea. It is better known for its full moon rave parties and sprawling flea market than for its beach. The beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty with swaying palms trees and soft powered white sands. The beach is marked by an unusual rocky formation overlying a cove of white sand and black rock that juts out into the Sea. Anjuna beach is to the west of the village with lot of restaurants and bars. The beach is adjacent to Chapora fort. The "Albuquerque mansion" located nearby is one of the sight-seeing highlights of this beach.
The smallest yet most popular sanctuary in Goa, it is located in Ponda Taluka in the northeastern part of the city. Contained in a very small area of just 8 km, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is covered with moist deciduous forest and evergreen vegetation patches. 38 kms from Margao it is the smaller of the three wildlife sanctuaries and more than a sanctuary, it is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction for school going children and nature lovers. This little sanctuary proudly houses a Mini Zoo, Deer Safari Park, Botanical Gardens, Rose Garden, Nature Education Centre and Eco-Tourism Cottages within its premises.
Goa,India
Cidade de Goa is a luxurious and magnificent property on a tranquil beach with picturesque views. Cidade De Goa is tactically situated on Vainguinim Beach in Dona Paula in North Goa. Popular attractions like Dona Paula, Miramar Beach and Bambolim Church lie close to the resort. The resort is spread across 40 lush green acr...
Goa,India
The Leela Goa Beach Resort is an impressive property located in the vicinity of Mobor Beach, which is known for water sports and beach activities. The Leela Goa with the natural beauty and Portuguese heritage of South Goa for the ultimate beach holiday. The hotel is set in 75 lush acres with a pristine beach, a 12 hole golf cour...
Goa,India
A Mediterranean-style 5-star resort of the venerable Taj group, Taj Exotica is located at Benaulim beach in South Goa and is perfect for a luxurious holiday or a destination wedding. Located on the southwest coast of Goa, overlooking the Arabian sea, this Mediterranean-style resort is one of the best five star hotels in Goa. Set...
Goa,India
Located at Varca beach in South Goa, Ramada Caravela Resort is spread over 24 acres and has a golf course, along with huge lawns. The 199-room resort is built in classic Portuguese style and all rooms have a private balcony. Varca is regarded as one of the more pristine beaches in Goa and this resort is ideal for a quiet and rel...
Goa,India
The resort is ideally positioned near many tourist attractions like Casino Carnival, Miramar Beach, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary and St. Cathedral. Many rooms also offer sweeping views of the bay or of the hotel gardens. The resort features 180 elegantly designed rooms that are available in four types- Garden View Room, Bay View Roo...
Population: 1.8 million
Average Climate:
| Summer: | 23° C – 35° C |
| Winter: | 18° C – 30° C |
Best time to visit: October - March