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Goa Information
A beachside carnival
Goa is a tiny speck of sun-drenched, palm-fringed, hillock-speckled, lush-green-field-dappled paradise, skirted by white-topped sprays of salty blue waves. But then, Goa is a lot of things. This little seaside state, with an identity that's a seamless blend of Latino influence and Indian tradition, was crackling enough to have been one of the Millennium destinations of the world.
What to expect
The essence of Goa lies in its marvelous expanses of palm-fringed beaches and azure-blue seas, all warmed by the sun and local hospitality. Goa is all about relaxed lifestyle, enlivened by the Goan love for music and dance, spiced up by its superb cuisine. Summers on the golden sands, winters in the warm waters, or soaking in the Goan rains - Goa is exhilarating round the year. The scenic splendor of Goa simply dazzles as nature bares her treasures, unfolding miles and miles of glorious vistas of rivers, ponds, wooded hills and valleys. Whitewashed churches and temples at strategic points heighten the effect.
There's more to Goa than sun, sand and natural beauty. The allure is quite distinct from the rest of India - it's not just the familiar remnants of European colonialism or the picture book exoticism that makes it so accessible, it's the prevalence of a form of social and political progressiveness that westerners feel they can relate to. Goans are friendly and happy-go-lucky. They are fond of the good things in life and are certainly not caught up in the rat race.
What To See
Panaji
Panaji, the Capital of Goa, on the banks of the river Mandovi, was originally a major port. It still retains the old, narrow streets in Fontainhas. The Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is one of the oldest buildings (circa 1541) in the city. An evening cruise on the river is a must. Here you get a beautiful view of the capital. There are refreshments and traditional entertainment on board.
Old Goa
10 km east of Panaji, Old Goa was the capital of Goa during Portuguese rule. This has given it a rich architectural legacy of many beautiful churches like the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi.
Fort Aguada
Built by the Portuguese in 1612 to defend Goa, the fort is now better known as the location of the Taj Group's luxury resort. Walk along the keyhole shaped jetty for a superb view of the coast from Sinquerim almost up to Baga, and then, walk up the hill to see the citadel and the 1864 lighthouse. The fort also has a prison that is no longer in use.
Beaches: North to South
Querim, Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, Vainguinim, Siridao Bogmalo, Velsao, Arossim, Utorda, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Betul, Palolem.
Dive Sites
The sea around Goa is a great place to learn scuba diving. Not only it is safe and shallow, but it is also teeming with marine life.
Grand Island
Much of the local diving is conducted around this island. Some of the sites near the island include Suzy's Wreck, Davy Jones Lockers, Sail Rock, Turbo Tunnel, Surge City, Uma Guma Reef, and Bounty Bay.
Angria Bank
A four-hour high-speed boat ride takes you to this world-class dive site 120 miles from Goa. A vast underwater landmass about half the size of the state of Goa, it offers an amazing wealth of coral and fish. A 'live-aboard' is available with the local dive center to make diving at this site an unforgettable experience.
Pigeon Island
This rocky outcrop has interesting marine life as well as good visibility.
Malvan Shoal
Malvan Shoal is 100 km away from Panaji, by road, along the sea cost of Maharashtra in the southern district of Sindhudurg bordering Goa.
Source: India Tourism Official Website
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