The gleeful destination of Goa is a tourist's paradise. The amazing blue beaches, aesthetic golden sands, rich cultural heritage, the beautiful churches and temples are some of the things on offer in this dreamland. The traditional Goan festivals are another attraction of the place not to be missed. Goa is a complete tour package offering the best sights, unique cultures, amazing people and delicious sea food. Goa has become the most favoured tourist destination of both Indians and foreign nationals in the recent past. So pack your bags and get going to the place that parties all throughout the year.
Tourist Attractions in Goa
Panaji
Panaji, the capital of Goa, is the first place that you touch down upon when coming to Goa. Panaji does not boast of great buildings or many tourist attractions but the traditional way in which the place is preserved still attract many visitors. The main tourist attractions here are the Library, Braganza Institute, Jama Masjid, Mahalaxmi Temple, St Thome quarter and Sebastian Chapel.
Beaches
Goa, known as the beach capital of India with its more than 100 km. long coastline, features some of the most stunning beaches in India. Some of the very best facilties are provided here for the tourists. The prominent beaches of Goa are Sinquerim beach, Miramar beach, Mabor beach, Benavali beach and the Siridao beach.
Churches and Temples
A really big church in Goa full of dead saints Goa is dotted with many churches and temples which are a witness to the glorious past of the state. A pilgrimage to Goa is a different experience considering the variety of religions that exist here. Some of the famous churches ot the state are Church of Our Lady of Rosary, The Rachol Seminary, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Se Cathedral and the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Among the main temples are Brahma Temple, Shri Bhagavati Temple, Shri Datta Mandir, Shri Damodar Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple, Devaki-Krishna Temple and the Shri Gomanteshwar Temple.
Culture of Goa
Goa is a state of many languages and cultures, thanks to the people from various parts of India and abroad settling here and influencing the culture of the place. Konkani is the mother tounge while Marathi is also widely used. English is widely spoken as Goa being a popular tourist place offers a tourist friendly environment through the use of English language. The main religions of the state are Hinduism and Christianity which together make up about 95% of the population. Among others are Islam and Buddhism. Some of the most beautiful and famous temples and churches can be seen in Goa. Rice, fish and coconut are the staple food while sea food including prawns, crabs and lobster are a favourite food item of the Goan people. The Goan food is generally very chilly and spicy. The main Goan festivals consist of both Hindu and Christian festivals.
Climate in Goa
Goa has a temperate climate with the exception of the monsoon season which extends from June to September. The weather is generally nice and sunny with not much difference in conditions. The average temperature varies between 23 and 32 degrees. There are basically two seasons- summer which receives an average of nine to ten hours of sunshine per day and monsoon when the sun shines for about four to five hours each day.
Monsoon
One of the main features of the Goan weather is the monsoon season which begins in the month of June and lasts upto the end of September. Due to its geographical location Goa experiences a dry spell of about six to eight months followed by four months of rainy season when the state receives an average rainfall of about 200-250 cm. After the monsoon season the skies clear up giving way to bright sunshine that generally lasts for the rest of the year.
How to Reach
By Air - The Dabolim Airport situated at a distance of around 29 km. from Panaji near Vasco da Gama is the main entry point into Goa. Many flights operate for Goa from major cities of India and the world.
By Rail - Goa is connected to major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore through a well built railway network. Margao and Vasco da Gama are well connected to other Indian cities.
By Road - Buses operate connecting different places in the state. Taxis and ferry boats are another means of moving around in the place.