Goa is a nice place and it may be called Tourists’ Paradise. It is on the west coast of India with lush greeneries, swaying palms and vast land of golden sands. The magnificent churches, beautiful temples and the monuments of architectural beauty make Goa unique and depicts the cultural synthesis of the east and the west. Initially after Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese rule, it remained Union Territory under the administration of New Delhi, but it attained Statehood on May 30, 1987 and now the official language of Goa is Konkani, which is the mother tongue of most of the Goans.
The beautiful beaches of Goa are famous all over the world. The natural arraying of swaying palms and coconut trees and the cool and comfortable shacks are very refreshing and entertaining. In the lap of the Arabian Sea 103 km coastline of Goa makes the beaches enchanting and wonderful
Calangute Beach is considered the Queen of Beaches and thousands of tourists visit this very popular beach of Goa. Many eateries, small and big, good hotels and and a good number of tourists keep the surrounding of the beach very lively. Calangute is about 15 kms from Panaji The beach is roughly 7 km long and the rising waves are very enjoying for the experienced swimmers. The tremendous increase in the number of tourists visiting this beach has completely changed the scenario
Baga is another important beach of Goa. It is a little quiter and isolated beach in comparison to Calangute beach but the foreigners from western countries like this beach for enjoying water sports and fishing. The creek and the Retreat House perched on the hill and a fewer bushes contribute to its unique scenic beauty. The long coast line of Goa on the west coast of the Arabian Sea gives all the beaches a unique and beautiful look.
The other worth visiting beaches in North Goa are—Vagator, Anjuna, Sinquerim, Candolim, Aguada, Morjim. Besides South Goa also has many beautiful worth seeing beaches– Palolem, Agonda, Varca, Colva, Majorda, Benaulim, Bogmalo etc. All these places can be comfortably seen and visited through conducted tours arranged by the different tour operators
The lofty monuments , ancient churches,chapels and convents have special significance in Goa Basilica Bom Jesus is the most famous and popular of all the churches in Goa. This magnificent edifice was built in the sixteenth century. The mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier are enshrined here and is kept in a silver casket. This church is now World Heritage Monument. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xaviour are taken round the city of Goa during Christmas and a huge crowd assemble on the road to have a glimpse of the same.
Se Cathedral is the most imposing of all the churches of Goa and the visitors are overwhelmed with the sheer grandeur of its vaulted interior. The Cathedral has five bells and the biggest bell is the famous Golden Bell, which is one of the best bells in the world. This Cathedral is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. The other worth seeing Churches of Goa are– Church of St. Francis of Assissi, St. Cajetan Church, Church of our Lady of Rosary, Nunnery of Santa Monica, Ruins of Church of St. Augustine, Church of St. Ana, Church of Mae de Deus and many other beautiful and ancient churches.
Goa has a large number of beautiful, famous and ancient temples of high religious value. Some of these are very beautiful piece of architecture and are of imense religious importance.Shree Chandranath Temple is situated on the 350 metre high hill of Chandranath. The temple has been designed in such a way that the moonlight falls on the Linga on every full moon. The temple presents an enchanting panoramic view of its surrounding.
Shree Bhagawati Temple in Pernem is a very beautiful temple and is said to be more than 500 years old. Two life size elephants made of black stone in standing position at the entrance welcome the visitors During Dussera a large number of devotees assemble here and it is celebrated with gaity. The other important and beauttiful temples of high religious value are– Dutta Mandir, Shree Gopal Ganapati Temple, Kamakshi Saunsthan Shiroda, Mahadev Temple, Shree Mahalakshmi Temple, Navadurga Saunsthan, Shree Saptakeshwar Temple, Shree Shantadurga Temple, Shree Manguesh Temple and there are many more beautiful temples worth visiting
Besides there are beautiful mosques, waterfalls, lakes, springs, spice plantation, forts,caves, turtle nesting site, which you will emjoy very much. Goa is well connected by rail, road and air. The capital of Goa, Panaji can be easily reached from the Airport Dabolim by a taxi. A visit to Goa will be a sweet memory of your life time.