subject: Goa Packages - Enjoying The Sea [print this page] Goa, though the smallest state of India, is one of the paramount beach destinations. Famous for its azure blue beaches, magnificent forts, and Portuguese churches, Goa is situated along the western coast lapped by the Arabian Sea.
Goa was under the rule of Portuguese for many years and it became a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu later to be known as formed as a state in 1987 with Panaji is its state capital.
Goa, as a tourist destination, was brought into limelight during the hippy incursion in the 1970s.
A Goa package may include a visit to the main beaches of Goa like Colva Beach, Candolim Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Bogmalo Beach and Calangute Beach. Beaches of Goa offer relaxed ambience, excellent seafood and water sports such as wind surfing, water skiing, sailing, water-scooters, and dolphin spotting cruises.
The main sightseeing options around Goa are a few historical and religious monuments like the Se cathedral, Basilica de Bom Jesus, Sri Mangueshi temple, Church of St. Francis and Fort Aguada that can be included in your Goa package.
Dating back to the 16th century, the Basilica of Bom Jesus is renowned of all the churches in Goa as it is here that the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept in a silver casket. This Infant Jesus church is now a UNESCO World Site, which attracts Catholics from all over the world.
Goa is the abode of some idyllic natural spots like the Arvalem Caves, Dudhsagar Waterfalls, Carambolim Lake, Mayem Lake, Netravalli Lake, Budbudyachi Tali and the Pomburpa Spring, which attracts tourists from far and wide.
A unique attraction of Goa is its Turtle nestling places. The Morjim, Galgibag and Agonda beaches are the largest nesting grounds of the giant Olive Ridley turtle.
Other places of tourist attraction in Goa are the wildlife sanctuaries like the Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bondla Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, to name a few.
Goa is the first choice to a lot of honeymooners and with its sandy beaches, serene atmosphere with coconut trees and green hilly forests, is probably the best from ant package you could choose.
When in Goa do not forget to check out the mouth watering Goan cuisine. Fish is the main ingredient and lobsters, prawn and crabs are widely used.
Avail a Goa package during Christmas and New Year to enjoy the authentic Goan festival and nightlong celebrations. In the summers the maximum temperature reaches up to 40 degree Celsius. The monsoon rain in the month of June to September provides respite from the hot weather. You can visit Goa at any time of the year; September to March is the best season.
