In the local dialect, Goa is often referred to as "Goa Dourada" (meaning "Golden Goa") because of its beaches, forts, churches, temples, waterfalls, seminaries and caves. Goa is rich not only in culture or entertainment, but it also has a rich floral and faunal heritage making it a complete destination. Travel to Goa, the Pearl of the East, for scintillating vacations in the beach capital of India. Check out the places that Goa has to offer.
Goa is adorned by some of the finest beaches in the state, kissed by the passionate, azure sea and embraced by the land and shaded by swaying palms. Dona Paula beach is a heaven for water sports lovers. Calangute beach, now a popular beach destination was discovered by the hippies. Anjuna beach is a beautiful beach known more as the freak capital of world. Colva beach is the pride of Salcete and one of the best beaches in Goa. Miramar and Vagator beaches are comparable to the best beaches around the world.
Apart from its breathtakingly beautiful beaches, Goa has other attractions of significance. The countryside is dotted with fishing villages, luxurious old estates, ancient temples & forts. And there are cathedrals & plazas lingering with its strong Portuguese architectural heritage
Forts and Churches of Goa take the visitor to an era far back in time. They are more than mere monuments of stone. Churches glistening in the distance and soaring upwards as white objects on the most commanding spots and pointing their crosses towards heaven is a common sight in the landscape of Goa.
These are the fruits of centuries of Evangelization, which bears eloquent testimony to the energy, and enthusiasm of various monastic orders established in the Old Goa - the first chunk of Indian territory to fall into the hands of the new colonizers after the discovery of the sea-route to India. The alliance between the 'sword' and the 'cross' was a close one.
Travel to the capital and the most happening city of Goa, Panaji or Panjim. Mapusa Bazaar is considered as the oldest weekly fair on the Konkan Coast. Shri Mangesh Temple in Madgoa is the most sacred place for the Goan Hindus. Shri Shanta Durga Temple is dedicated to Goddess of peace, Shanteri. Shri Ramanath Temple is a part of Shri Ramanath Panchayatan, a temple complex at Ponda.
Beaches of Goa: Goa beaches never fail to enchant anyone!!! This is precisely why Indians as well as foreigners flock to the beaches of Goa, whenever given a chance. Tour package Goa has grown over the years and stories of the beauty of each and every Goa beach has reached far and wide.When one begins to talk about Goa beaches, he simply can go on and on. After all, who can get tired of forty long beaches in Goa that form a turquoise necklace, dressing Goa up as a bride, 365 days a year.
Anjuna Beach:
Anjuna is one famous beach in Goa where the night is simply a long-big party. The other factor adding to its fame is the Wednesday flea market where one can buy anything from bikes to second hand goods to anything. The flea market began during the years when the hippies found Anjuna Goa as very fascinating and overstayed their trip to Goa. When they ran out of money, they began selling their goods to stay on further giving rise to the ever-famous flea market of Goa or the Wednesday flea market.
Benaulim Beach:
Benaulim beach is situated quite close to Colva beach, 2km south of Colva. Benaulim holds a significant position in Goa's history because it was at this place that Parashuram's arrow landed when he fired it into the sea and created Goa. The village surrounding Benaulim beach is well known for handicrafts. But facilities are limited at this Goa beach, so it is always better to make your own arrangements, or you can put up at Goa Colva.
Cavelossim Beach: Cavelossim is famous because of its beach resorts and the facility it offers for dolphin watching. Situated close to this beach Goa is the sprawling five star hotel, Leela Palace, where staying means holidaying in style.
Palolem Beach: Tourists often frequent Palolem but you can still experience the charm of a virgin beach at Palolem Goa. This Goa beach is not very developed in terms of tourism. So if you are planning to stay over at Palolem Goa, then you may find yourself residing in some huts, enjoying a simple way of living.
Temples in Goa: Vacations in Goa take you on a tour through the temples of Goa. These temples in Goa have been witness to the harsh Portugal rule when diktats were passed to abolish all the temples. The deities were uprooted from place to place and even worshipped at homes during that period, until they were finally ensconced at their present abodes. uring your vacations in Goa, you will discover that Saraswat temples hold much significance among the people of Goa. This temple of Goa attracts not only the Hindu crowd but Christians too pour into these temples in good numbers. This may be due to the fact that though many of them have embraced Christianity, they still hold on to their pre-conversion surnames and still sponsor and support the deities of their Hindu brethren.
Churches of Goa: Packages for Goa take you a trip through various churches of Goa. Churches in Goa echo Portugal architecture and speak volumes about the intricate works-of-art of the late sixteenth and seventeenth century.
Goa Basilica of Bom Jesus
Basilica of Bom Jesus, built in 1605, holds a significant position in every pilgrimage's mind. Situated in Old Goa, this church in Goa has recently been declared as the World Heritage Monument. It is at this church in Goa that the relics of St.Francis Xavier are kept. This church in Goa is opened to the pilgrims once in every ten year when they, in lakhs, come to take part in the exposition of the body of St. Francis Xavier.
Goa Se Cathedral
Packages for Goa take you on a tour to Se Cathedral, which is dedicated to St. Catherine. The Cross of Miracles, placed in this cathedral in Goa, attracts lot of people. It seems the people of Goa had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water. Today, the cross in Goa is slowly growing.
Other churches in Goa
Almost all the churches are covered in packages for Goa, but if you wish to tour to some other churches, then you can rent a car in Goa and visit Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Goa, which exhibits prehistoric items from a distant tribal past and also reminds of Goa Dourada or Golden Goa.
Carnival in Goa: Come February and you will find excitement bubbling across Goa…the reason…well, Goa is getting dressed for the carnival. It doesn't take much time for this small Indian state of Goa to get into the carnival mood, basically the party mood.
