The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.
Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa’s main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.
Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.
The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors.
Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.
Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.
Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.
Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.
(SHOPPING)
Two of the most famous such market areas are Mapusa and Anjuna. The Friday Market at Mapusa, where stalls sell everything from curios and old coins to dried fish and spices.
The Wednesday Market at Anjuna Beach started by and for foreigners is an extremely lively spot where souvenirs, beachwear, trinkets and handicrafts are sold at bargain prices.
The charm of shopping in Goa lies in bargaining to your heart’s content in markets and shops until you finally bring down the price and make the purchase a worthwhile experience.
(CUISINE) Goa means the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. And for most Goans these are indeed the three basic necessities of life -- fish, curry and rice.
churches.......................................................................................................................Basilica of Bom Jesus , Chapel of St Anthony , Chapel of St Catherine, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception , Church of the Holy Spirit
, Se Cathedral, St Alex Church
i like all beaches in Goa but donapola beach I like most Dona Paula, is 9 K.M south west of Panaji on the south side of the rocky hammer shaped headland that divides the Zuari and Mandovi estuaries. The views from the top of the peninsula over the Miramar beach and the Mormugao harbor are quite pleasant enough. Another attraction is the old fishing jetty which shuttles across the bay to the Mormugao harbor four times a day, this twenty minute ride is a great fun There are regular buses from Panaji till 9 p.m dropping the passengers at Institute of Oceanography, where you can usually pick up an auto-rickshaws into the town. There are lot of water sport activities in this beach.
FROM MY SIDE SAFTY TIPS
Before your start swimming in the sea try and learn the currents, tides and the depth. It is advisable to swim parallel to the shore. Do not swim during the monsoon, after eating and after drinking alcohol. Do not swim were there are water sports activities