subject: Goa: History And Beaches [print this page] Goa is almost treated as the god of beaches in India with a huge number of people visiting the town throughout the year for peace and pleasure. Goa is the smallest state of the country and is located on the western coast right next to the Arabian Sea. The coastal climate of the region is quite understandable owing to its location on the map. Goa is bounded by Maharashtra to its north and Karnataka to its south and west. Goa along with its neighbouring coastal regions form a culture which is very unique called the Konkan region. Northern part of Goa is urban and southern section is forested. Beaches, paddy fields and coconut trees are what the region is comprised of mostly. Goas tourism forms its main industry. The beaches here are well known internationally as a popular vacation destination. There isnt just one, but many beaches throughout the coastal region that embody everything Goa stands for.
Goa was once a Portuguese colony, a fact that is very evident in the strong influence that the Portuguese have left in the region. The region was governed for almost 450 years by the Portuguese Empire and later handed over to the British Empire that ruled India at that time, as a gift. The architecture of the houses and church and style of food stand as testimony of its Portuguese influence. Something you can clearly notice if you are in Goa is the distinctness of its tradition and culture from that of the rest of the country. Old Goa is extremely important to Catholic Christians since it is thep lace where St Francis Xavier was buried. Apart from Christmas and New Year, the Feast of St Francis is rather grandly celebrated. The relaxed feel of the place, delectable food and the numerous water sports such as surfing, skiing, sailing and water-scooters are what makes this place a perfect getaway destination. Calanguteand Baga are the most visited while Arambol and Anjuna are some of the less frequented ones.
Panaji is the headquarter of Goa. In Panaji as well as Margao town, you will find old Portuguese quarters where you can walk along for some peace of mind. Ponda is a town where you can locate a number of Hindu temples established during sometime between 15th and 18th centuries. Goa stays humid for most of the year because of its coastal location and the peak season stretches from the months of November to February. Goa is teemed with hotels in every part of the state but some of the good ones are Sonesta Inns,Candolim Beach, Waterfront Holiday Home in Panjim, Pearls Oceanique Resort in Colva, Tony Cottages & Coco Huts in Palolem. Goas airport lies 29 kilometers away from Panaji.
