If you live in India and still haven’t visited Goa, well...SHAME ON YOU!!!
Goa is India’s most popular tourist destination. Its clean beaches with clear shores, lush greenery, rich culture, plentiful sunshine and palattable food draw lakhs and lakhs of toursists from all over the world throughout the year. Goa was under Portuguese rule for a period of more than 450 years before it was part of India. One can still see the relics of the bygone era in the form of the old churches and houses.
Goa is most popular for its sun kissed beaches. Tourists from colder lands throng here for the warm sunshine. The beaches at Colva, Calangute, Miramar, Vagator are most popular. The Anjuna beach, a rocky beach, is a popular tourist destination and the venue for the seasonal Flea Market. You’ll find hundreds of Indians and foreigners using this as a base to sell interesting artefacts.
The churches of Goa are again immensely popular. The Basilica De Bom Jesus is the most well known as it houses the body of the revered Saint Francis Xavier and is a pilgrim spot from people all over. The story of how the body came to be in Goa is an interesting one and gives rise to many myths and legends. The church has been declared as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO.
Another attraction offered to to tourists in Goa is a cruise over the serene Mandovi river that runs right through the heart of Goa. Folk dances and songs are performed live for the tourists and they are encouraged to join in.
The Mangeshi Temple is another destination both locals and tourists throng to. Dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Shiva, this temple is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva appeared to the Goddess Parvati in the form of a tiger.
The original temple was destroyed by the Portuguese and was later rebuit by locals.
Goa has all types of hotels you can stay in. The more luxurious ones are the Taj Exotica, The Leela Palace, The Goa Marriot, The Majorda Beach Resort and the Holiday Inn which promise you world class service.
There are budget hotels too that you can stay at for more economical prices.
Goan food is an absoulte delight provided you’re a non-vegetarian. Sea is foood is a speciality as the fresh catch of the day is served. Goan prawns and sausages are a must-have while in Goa. The sorpotel too is a speciality...a dish of chicken cooked in pig’s blood. The Xacuti too is a dish you ought to sample.
The Bebnica and Condes are traditional Goan deserts that should not be missed.
Goa is famous for its cashew nuts. They grow abundantly all over and have a distinct flavor. The Feni too is something you ought not to miss.
Fresh cashwe nuts can be bought from Zantye’s.
Goa is best visited during the months of November to February.
Various packages are available through different airlines. Goa is also connected to Mumbai by the Konkan Railway making it only a 12 hour comfortable jouney. The flight to Goa from Mumbai takes less than an hour. Buses are also available.
Glimpses of Goa can be seen in movies like Dil Chahta Hai.
My advice to all of you who haven’t visited Goa is ..Hurry! Pack your bags and rush! To all of you, who’ve been there already, I know you’re waiting for another trip!