GOA-THE LAND OF BEACHES

Goa,  the name itself takes you to the sea side resorts and beaches . Goa has always been an attraction for the tourists, who want to be close to the sea, sand and enjoy sun. In the 60's Goa was among the most frequented places in India. The hippies thronged the place. With them came a culture of careless, unbounded life style. Today all this has changed. Instead of the hippies, one spots serious tourists who come to enjoy the beaches and colorful culture of Goa. Today the beach parties might be small but they are more lively and have much more fun to offer than the 'stoned' parties during the hippy trails of the past.

The 131 km long coastline of Goa, is set on the golden Konkan coast, on the Western Ghats, along the Arabian Sea. This small former Portuguese enclave is one of India's most dazzling tourist mosaics. Goa deserves every bit of the sobriquet 'The Pearl of the East'. The name Goa is derived from the Konkani word 'Goyan', which means a patch of tall grass.

Once a great Hindu stronghold, Goa was a part of the grand Mauryan empire, around 3rd century B.C. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur and later the Chalukyas of Badami, took over the governance. Other dynasties followed, including a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijayanagar Empire established itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, around 1469 AD, from whom the rule passed on to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Goa soon became the bone of contention between the Dutch, English, French and Portuguese, all vying for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, with Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. After ruling for around four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence, the Portuguese had to turn their backs on this fascinating 'Pearl'.

Goa combines old Portuguese architecture, and a distinct Portuguese flavour to the lifestyle, with a history that abounds with Indian mythology. Its unending beaches, the pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical hills and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms - all make it a fairytale land for the traveller.

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Panaji (Panjim) :

Goa's capital and the smallest one in India. Narrow winding streets, old houses with over hanging balconies, and red-tiled roofs, white-washed churches, numerous bars and cafes are all signs of the Portuguese heritage.

Fountainhas :

Panjim's old district with the best of above mentioned features.

Chapel of St. Sehartian :

This is the center of Fountainhas and dates back to the 1880's. Features a crucifix which is quite striking.

The Secretariat :

Interesting building from the 16th century, actually an old palace, but later became the Viceroy's official residence.

Mahaluxmi Temple :

 A modern Hindu Temple.

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Around Margoa :

Museum of Christian Art : Displaying Textiles, silver, a silver swam and a mobile mass kit.

Menezes Brigauza House : This is a grand colonial mansion in the village of Chandor.

Christ Ashram : In the village of Nuvem this is a place which looks catholic but has an air of Hinduism. Exorcism is the main feature here.

Temple of Shri Mangesh :

An 18th century temple on the Hill top. Other temple's include Shri Mahalsa Vishnu's Temple, Shri Ramnath Temple, and Shri Nagesh Temple. And then there is Shri Shantadurga Temple which is dedicated to the Goddess of Peach and Shri Chandreswar and Shri Malikarjuna temples.

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Shaja Shahouri Masjid :

The oldest mosque in Goa which dates back to 1560.

Bonda Wildlife Sanctuary :

It houses the Botanical Gardens, Deer Park and a Zoo all three in One.

Dudhsagar Falls :

Very impressive waterfalls on the Eastern Side.

Molen & Cotigoa Wildlife Sanctuary :

Bigger than the Bondla Wild Life Sanctuary.

Ponda :

An inland town with an old mosque and many unique Hindu temples. Some date back to 400 years.

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