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India > Goa
 Goa
with a population of 1,343,000 is a small state on the west coast of
India, covering an area of 3702 square kilometres. It is the 25th State
in the Union of Indian States and was liberated from Portuguese rule in
1961 and became a full-fledged State in the India Union in May 1987.
With a lingering Portuguese flavour, Goa has emerged as one of the most
developed states is a leader in environment protection and
infrastructure develpment. The climate described as
Mediterranean and it's principal resource is iron ore
with mines near Ponda. Today Goa is renowned as a tourist paradise and
has some excellent beaches along its 105-km long palm-fringed coast.
The intrepid visitor will discover enchanting coves, bays and estuaries,
paddy fields, shady coconut, cashew and mango groves dotted with tiny
picturesque villages, temples and churches renowned for worship and
pilgrims, forts and monuments and above all, friendly and hospitable
people. Goa attracts almost 12% of all tourists to India so your won't
be alone unless you want to be.
Major towns:
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Mapusa
In the North of Goa, Mapusa is a small town popularly for its Friday
market, people from all over Goa come here to buy and sell their wares
including spiced Goan pork sausages, dried fish, clothing, junk
jewellery, and country liquor. The popularity of Mapusa grew out of
ancient festivals in honour of the God Kanakeshwar. It is 13 Kms north
of Panaji.
- Ponda is a Hindu town away from the coast and has some of
the best temples in Goa. It has less accommodation than Panaji and
Margao, and most restaurants are vegetarian.
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Panaji
The capital of Goa and a small and charming city on the left bank
(North Bank) of the Mandovi river estuary. The town is characterised by
red-roofed houses and attractive gardens with statues and avenues.
Panaji is also the travel hub of north Goa and the nearby Dabolim
Airport connects Goa with India and has charter flights from Europe.
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Vasco-da-Gama and Mormugao Harbour
Situated south bank of the Mandovi river estuary and 34 Kms
from Panaji, Vasco-da-Gama and Mormugao are only 4kms
apart. Mormugao Harbour is a hub for maritime activity and
often has many container vessels and iron ore barges berthed.
To the south of the town near the airport are some nice
beaches. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim is on the
outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for
passenger service in the South Central Railway. Vasco has a
good cinema.
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Margao (Madgaon)
Only 33 Kms south from Panaji and although it is almost in the
centre of the state, Marago is the Capital of South Goa
District a little inland from a long sandy beach and is linked
by rail to the rest of India and Mormugao Harbour and by
national highways, with Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Popular beaches:
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Calangute is about 8 km south from Mapusa and
considered Goa's most popular beach. It is
commercialised with good sunbathing, passable swimming and
some of the most delicious food along the coast.
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Anjuna
Anjuna has traditionally been a rave centre and attracts
partygoers and backpackers to its famous beach parties,
especially around the Christmas-New Year season. Anjuna's
golden sands and tall coconut palms make the beachfront a
pretty hangout place and the sea is safe for swimming.
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Baga
A happening beach 10 km west of Mapusa, crescent-shaped
Baga is less crowded than Calangute, but comparatively safer
for swimming. Baga has soft white sand and a green backdrop of
paddy fields. Baga is popular for water sports - parasailing,
jet skiing, body boarding and surfing, though the waves aren't
good enough for the professional surfers. Another attraction
of the tourists are the dolphin cruises on a boat out at sea.
Baga's nightlife is more exciting than Calangute's, with
music, dance and wine.
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Arambol
Arambol (also called Harmal) is pretty but not
overcrowded. Arambol's stretches of soft white sand would be
just what the doctor ordered for your peace of mind. There are
regular "trance" parties and even "full moon" parties here.
 Accommodation:
There is a wide range of accommodation from insecure cheep
hotels and a range of quality hotels and resorts,
learn more.
Top Hotels
The Leela Palace Hotel Goa
Tucked in the south of Goa, The Leela Palace Hotel is situated
close to the ocean and is bordered by the River Sal. The Leela
Palace, Goa is an idyllic 75 acre resort, where guests can
indulge in the luxurious comforts of the perfect get-away.
Marriott Goa Resort
Miramar Beach facing the Arabian Sea, Marriott Goa Resort is
close to the capital city of Panaji. The Old Goa with its
history and cultural heritage is designed to meet the demands
of both the business and leisure travellers. Top attractions
include the Sunset Dolphin Cruise, Dona Paula Jetty, Fort
Aguada and Reis Magos. Guests can indulge in various outdoor
sports such as sailing, hiking, kayaking and river rafting.
Getting There:
Goa is well-connected by air, sea, rail and road. The most
relaxing way is the catamaran service from Mumbai that takes
just 7 hours. By road the journey can take 14 hours. There are
flights to Dabolim airport from Mumbai, Kochi,
Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Delhi. Local transport is
autorickshaw, motorcycle-taxi, cruise, bus and taxi.
Wild Life Reserves
Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Forest, Cotigao
Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Choden.
Languages spoken in Goa are
Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese.
Tourism Taxes
A Tax on Luxuries (Hotels and Lodging Houses Act, 1988). Cooked food
and non-alcoholic drinks served or sold in a hotel attract a sale tax
from 4% to 12% subject to the Goa Sales Tax Act, 1964 (the 6th
schedule, clause V of sub-section 7).
Museums
Museum of Christian art at Rachol, Archaeological Museum and Portrait
Gallery at Old Goa, Archives Museum of Goa at Panaji.
Temples
Shri Shantadurga (at Kavlem, Kunkoliemkarin and Dhargal), Shri
Mangueshi, Shri Bhagavati (Pernem), Rudreshwar Temple at Harvalem, Shri
Mahadeo Bhumika at Sal, Bicholim, Morjaee temple at Morjim, Shri
Bhagavati Temple at Parshem, Brahma Temple, Shri Chandranath, Shri
Damodar, Shri Datta Mandir, Shri Devkikrishna - Ravalnath, Shri
Gomanteshwar Devasthan at Brahmapuri, Shri Gopal Ganapati, Shri
Kalikadevi, Shri Kamakshi Sausthan at Shiroda, Temple of Shri Mahadeva
at Tambdi Surla, Shri Mahalaxmi, Shri Mahalsa, Shri Mallikarjuna, Shri
Naguesh, Shri Navdurga Sausthan, Shri Navdurga at Madkai, Shri Ramnath,
Shri Saptakoteshwar, Sapteshwar - Bhagvati Temple at Mandrem, Shri
Vithal Mandir, Shri Sharvani, Shri Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevotam
Math, Shri Saunsthan Goudpadachrya Kavle Math.
Goa Links
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