Goa is a state in West India. This emerald land is visibly different from the rest of India. It stands out because of its Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage. Modern day Goa is a quaint blend of the old and the new, of Portuguese and Indian elements.
Peak season in Goa is between October and January. It is the time when Goa is most crowded, more festive than any other time of the year. The daytime temperatures are comparatively not too hot and the nights are pleasantly cool. It is also less humid than the rest of the year.
Whoever has been in Goa may say that he has seen the choicest rarities of India, for it is the most famous and celebrated city....
— Francois Pyrard, 17th century French travellerHow to Reach Goa?
The Goa International Airport, which also known as the Dabolim airport, is the only airport in the state. Goa is well connected by road and rail. Ferry service is available from Mumbai.
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Goa International Airport:
Goa International Airport (GOI), Airport Rd, Dabolim, Goa 403801, India
get directionsHotels in Goa
5-Star Hotel
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4-Star Hotel
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3-Star Hotel
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2-Star Hotel
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1-Star Hotel
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Holiday Inn Resort
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Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat
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M The Business Hotel
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Hotel Palacio De Goa
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Shangrila Beach Hotel
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Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
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The HQ
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Ginger Hotel
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Jasminn by Mango Hotels
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Annapurna Vishram Dhaam
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The Zuri White Sands
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Mayfair Hideaway Spa Resort
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Hotel La Grace
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Hotel Blessings
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Hotel Picnic Plaza
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Places to Visit in Goa
Agonda Beach
Agonda is a large village located in Canacona in South Goa district. The beautiful Agonda Beach is designated as turtle nesting site. It is a nesting place for olive ridley turtles in September every year.
This isolated beach has sea on one side and forest on the other. Here you can enjoy cool breeze and warm summer sun. Agonda Beach was ranked the top traveler's choice in India by TripAdvisor website users in 2016.
Agonda Beach, Agonda, Goa
SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre
Located in Sancoale, a town in South Goa, this meditation center offers you spirituality in its pure form. The subtle atmosphere here is relaxing and rejuvenating. You can learn relaxation technique and meditation for free.
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SRCM Heartfulness Meditation Centre, Goa:
219 Sailant, Near Shanta Durga Temple, Taluk, District-, Sancoale, Goa 403710, India
get directions
It changed my way of thinking.
— Krishna PoojariShantadurga Temple
This private Hindu temple complex is located in Ponda Taluka. It is set amidst lush emerald hills. The majestic deepastamba (lamp tower) is another typical feature of this temple.
At the sanctum sanctorum you will see an impressive idol of goddess Shree Durga, who is also called 'Santeri' informally. The foundation stone of this temple was laid in 1730 and the construction was completed in 1738. It was renovated in 1966.
The temple is built in Indo-Portuguese architecture. Unlike other temples in the state, the Shantadurga Temple has a Pyramidical Shikara, Roman-arched windows and a flat dome encircled by balustrades.
The highlight of the temple is its golden palanquin (palkhi) in which the deity is carried on festive occasions. The maroon, peach and white colour paint of the temple make it a sight to behold.
Basilica of Bom Jesus
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is also known as Borea Jezuchi Bajilika. This renowned church was built in baroque architecture in the year 1594 and consecrated in 1605 by the Archbishop, Dom Fr. Aleixo de Menezes.. It is dedicated to newborn Jesus.
Its un-plastered exterior appears at first glance to be inferior as compared to the sparkling facades of churches like the Se Cathedral, but this little Basilica is rich in art, architecture and history.
The Basilica of Bom Jesus holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier, the Apostle of the Indies. The corpse is treasured in a silver coffer. Located in Old Goa, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous throughout the Roman Catholic world. It is an important destination for Christian pilgrims.
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Dudhsagar Falls
Located in Sonaulim Taluka (near the Goa-Karnataka border), this wonder of nature is a four-tiered waterfall (320 meters) created by River Mandovi. This majestic waterfall in the Western Ghats is a sight to behold.
‘Dudhsagar' means ‘sea of milk’, which is an allusion to the white spray and foam that this beautiful waterfall creates as it cascades into the waters of the lake.
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History
Goa was a major trade center in India. It was ruled by Mauryas, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Muslims and Vijayanagar kings at different times in history. Portuguese arrived at Goa in 1510 CE with an intention to take control over the spice route from the East. Their rule in Goa lasted for around 450 years. Goa was liberated from Portuguese by the Indian Army in 1961. It was officially declared India's 25th state in 1987.
Stay Safe!
Despite few incidents of crime, drug-related misdeeds and police corruption Goa is essentially a safe destination for travellers. I had been to Goa with my colleagues. We stayed at Cidade de Goa and had loads of fun.
You too can do so if you take some precautions. Check the news before you travel. Always use prepaid taxis. Before using any service, clarify the cost up-front. Avoid touts.
Respect holy places and local culture. Carry cash and documents in a water-proof bag. It is a good idea to use traveller's cheques and ATM cards. Take safety precautions at sea. Use life jackets.
Ask questions about the safety of the water sport you are planning to go for. Avoid swimming after a heavy meal. Avoid swimming in the absence of life-guards.
Avoid wandering alone. Do not get too close to strangers. Keep an eye on your drinks. They can be spiked with drugs. Some electronic music venues and beach shacks sell harmful drugs. Stay away from them. Avoid raves and trance parties. Penalties for using or even possessing drugs are severe.
You must enjoy local cuisine in Goa, but while eating out after sunset, ensure that you do not go for just anything. Make sure that the food is hygienic. Similarly, do not drink water from roadside vendor, especially during night hours. Always use bottled water.
These precautions will help you have a fun-filled, memorable holiday in Goa.
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