Tourism
in Goa has evolved during the late 1960's and 1970's when the hordes of
hippies started coming to the totally unknown and unspoiled beaches of this
state which had just attained its freedom from Portugal. The adventures of
hippy culture and their exploration made Goa a spot worthwhile and that was
enough for the normal tourists to make Goa one of the leading starting
points in international tourism.
Go Goa
Air : Goa's international airport, Dabolim, is 29 km from
the capital Panaji. From Goa there are daily flights to Mumbai, Delhi,
Chennai etc.
Rail : Goa's two main stations are at Margao and Vasco da
Gama. Vasco-da-Gama and Margao are connected by train with Bangalore,
Belgaum, Hospet and Hyderabad and via Miraj to Bombay, Delhi and Agra.
Road : Goa is well connected by NH17A with Maharashtra
and Karnataka state. There are regular bus services to Mumbai, Bangalore,
Hampi and other destinations.
Goan magic
Today, Goa has a one of the most vibrant tourism infrastructures in India.
There is very high level of income and higher literacy level. People are
tolerant to the impacts of cultural dualism resulted from the influx of
foreign tourists. Tourism is the most important business for Goa and
numerous efforts have been made to make it respectable as well as a viable
source of income for Goans. There are palatial hotels as well as exotic
beach resorts. Most of the resorts have their own private beach and
facilities for over and under water recreation are improving. Goa is a place
to be today and that is a story in itself.
Irresistible beaches
Calangute : World's most lovely and most famous Calangute
beach just 16 kms from the capital city , Panaji and the most popular
destination for domestic and foreign travelers in Goa.
Vagator : Just a little over 20 kms. from Panaji, the
most photographed beach of Goa, is the enchanting Vagator Beach. It's
hillock is crowned by Chapora Fort.
Anjuna
: About half an hour's drive from Panaji, famous for its well known
'flea market' is the Anjuna Beach, beautifully surrounded by immense coconut
groves.
Colva Beach : Located just about 6 kms. from Margao city
is the charming Colva Beach lazily swaying it's palm trees and glittering
its silvery white sand.
Palolem : Deep South, less than 40 kms. From Margao city,
relatively less frequented is one of the most enchanting beaches of Goa, the
Palolem beach. It is an ideal locale for tourist seeking a close tie with
nature and privacy.
Other tourist attractions
Churches in Goa are the most prominent legacy of the Portuguese, you may
visit the world renowned Basilica of Bom Jesus or appreciate the decorative
paintwork & woodcarving & inlaid floor at Convent & Church of
St. Francis of Assisi. The Church of The Lady of the Rosary represents the
beautiful amalgamation of the European and Indian styles.
Then are the ancient temples in Goa like the Shiva temple of Shri Mangesh
and the Shri Mahalsa, a Vishnu temple are near the capital of Goa. The
500-year-old temple of Shri Bhagavati is the place to be at during Dusshera
days. Visit the temple revered to Lord Maruti at Mapusa for protection from
evil forces.
The other noteworthy fact about Goa is that one-third of the land is
covered with forests and has four wildlife sanctuaries. View wildness
closely! The sambar and the Wild boar at the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary,
which is located in the foothills of the Western Ghats. Then comes the
paradise for ornithologists and bird watchers the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary
that is home to various species of regional and migratory birds. The Bhagwan
Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and the Cotigoa Wildlife Sanctuary form the other
wildlife covers in Goa.
