Happening Destination – Goa

Location: West coast of India and shares boundary with Karnataka in the south, Maharashtra in the north, Arabian sea in the west.

State capital: Panaji

Distance: Around 592 km from Bangalore, 1746 km from Bhubaneshwar, 2187 km from Kolkata, 923 km from Chennai, 1912 km from Delhi, 395 km from Mangalore, 747 km from Hyderabad, 3020 from Guwahati

Journey time: Around 12 hrs on road from Bangalore, Around 11.5 hrs by train and around an hour by flight.

How to reach there: Bus, train and flight from most parts of India. Train journey from Bangalore and Mangalore on the Konkorn railway is one of the most scenic route in India.

Route:

1. Bangalore – Tumkur – Kadoor – Shimoga – Sagar – TaalGuppa – Jog Falls – Gerasappa – Honnavar – Kumta – Ankola – Karwar – Goa

2. Bangalore – Tumkur – Kadoor – Shimoga – Sagar – TaalGuppa – Siddapur – Sirsi – Ankola – Karwar – Goa

3. Bangalore – Tumkur – Chitradurga – Haveri – Sirsi – Ankola – Karwar – Goa

Note: Go for the second route, thats the best.

Where to stay:

Luxuary:

1. Taj Exotica, Goa
Benaulim, Goa – 403 716
India
Tel:(91-832) 6683333
Fax:(91-832) 2771515.
Email: exotica.goa@tajhotels.com
website: http://www.tajhotels.com/

2. Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada, Goa
Sinquerim, Candolim, Bardez
Goa – 403 515
India
Tel: +91 832 664 5858
Fax: +91 832 664 5868.
Email: vivanta.fortaguada@tajhotels.com
Website: http://www.tajhotels.com/

3. The Leela Kempinski, Goa
Mobor, Cavelossim,
Goa – 403 731
Tel: +91 83 2662 1234
Fax: +91 83 2287 1352
E-Mail: pascal.dupuis@theleela.com
E-Mail: reservations.goa@theleela.com
Website: http://www.theleela.com/hotel-goa.html

4. Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa
Arossim Beach, Cansaulim
South Goa
403 712
India
Tel: +91 832 272 1234
Fax: +91 832 272 1235
Email: parkhyattgoa@hyatt.com
Website: http://goa.park.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null

5. Majorda Beach Resort
Majorda, Salcette, Goa-403713
Tel: +91-832-668-1111 / +91-832-288-1111 to 1113
Fax: +91-832-288-1124 / +91-832-288-1121
Email: resv@majordabeachresortgoa.com, fosecy@majordabeachresortgoa.com
Website: http://www.majordabeachresort.com/

Economy:

1. Ginger Goa,
Plot No. 37, 38,
SGO Complex, EDC, Pato,
Near Passport Office,
Panjim-403 001
Goa
Phone: +91 832 664 3333
Fax: +91 832 665 6336
Email: reservations.goa@gingerhotels.com
Website: http://www.gingerhotels.com/Goa/

2. Youth Hostel Association of India
Website: http://www.yhaindia.org/hostels/state/8

3. GTDC Hotels (Goa Tourism Development Corporation)
Website: http://www.goa-tourism.com

Note: There are thousands of hotels in Goa. This was just a sneak peak to to show you the best of the both sides of budget.

Where to eat:

1. Sher-E-Punjab
Rua 18th June, Panjim, Goa-403001, India
Phone: 22-7204, 22-7975, 43-5983
Fax.0832-224330

Here I am going give you a link which will give the best restaurant names in various parts of Goa: http://www.gogoa.com/restaurants-cuisines.html

Language spoken: Konkani, Hindi and English

During the medieval time, Goa was under the rule of Portuguese who came as traders but later occupied what is very Goa today. After India independence from UK in 1947, Portugal refused to return Goa to mainland India. Goa was finally liberated by Indian armed forces in 1961 through operation Vijay.

Goa is probably the most happening state in India in terms of tourism. It is the richest state in India in terms of per capita income. Its pristine white sand beaches brings in droves foreign tourists. The hippys of 1970s shows to the world beauty of Goa. It became the 25th sate of the Indian union and is presently the second smallest state in India after Delhi. Goa comprises of just 2 districts – North Goa and South Goa.

What to See:

Goa is mainly popular for its pristine white sand beaches. Lets check the beaches first.

In North Goa you can see Calangute beach, Baga beach, Vagator beach, Anjuna beach, Sinquerim beach, Candolim beach, Aguada beach, Morjin beach, Arambol pr Harmal beach and Miramar beach.

Among them you should see Calangute located around 15 km from panaji. This 7 km beach is refereed to as the most popular beach in Goa. Baga beach is a isolated beach and is a feast for tourist who wants to be with nature around a creek. Near Chapora Fort is located Vagator beach located around 22 km from Panaji. Vagator is a quieter cresent shaped beach flanked by Chapora river basin. Probably the most beautiful beach in Goa. Anjuna beach is famous for trance parties and wednesday Flea Market. Aguada beach has the Aguada fort apart from the beach. Morjin beach is a popular hunt of Russian and is also the nesting place of Olive Ridley turtles. Miramar located at the mouth of river Mandovi is a popular urban beach with various local delicacies to eat.

In South Goa you should visit Palolem beach, Agonda beach, Varca, Cavelossim and Mabor beach, Betalbatim beach, Colva beach, Majorda beach, Bagmalo beach, Benaulim beach and Betul beach.

Palolem beach is around 3 km from Canacona Railway station and 40 km from Margao. The beach has become popular for the unique silent noise parties. You can also see the nearby quite Rajbag Beach and another turtle nesting site Galgibaga Beach. Agonda beach is very beautiful beach with lots of nature thrown in. Majorda beach is a must visit simply for the beauty it offers.

Temples of Goa:

1. Shree Bhagavati temple: Bhagavati temple is said to be around 500 years old and is located around 28 km from panaji in Parshem.

2. Brahma Temple: A rare temple dedicated lord Brahma – the Hindu god of creation. It is located in Brahma Carambolim village around 7 km from Valpoi.

3. Sri Chandranath Temple: Chandreshwar was the royal deity of then Bhoja kings who ruled goa around 8th century. It is located on hill at Paroda, Quepem and one get a nice view from the temple.

4. Sri Mallikarjun Temple: It is said to be more than 400 years old and is located at Canacona 40 kms from Margao.

5. Shri Mangesh temple: This beautiful temple along with beautiful scenery is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is located in Priol Ponda Taluka around 22 km from Panaji.

6. Shree Shantadurga Mandir: This beautiful temple with beautiful scenery is located at Dhargal, Pernem around 14 km from Mapusa.

7. Rudreshwar Temple: The Rudreshwar temple is located near the rock cut caves of Harvalem in Bicholim Taluk around 45 km from Panaji. There is also a waterfalls nearby. You can visit other temples like Damodar Temple, Datta Mandir, Devi Sharvani, Pisso Ravalnath, Gomanteshwar Devasthan (Brahmapur), Gomantak Tirupati Balaji Padmavati Temple, Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam Charitable Trust, Shree Gopal Ganapati, Kalikadevi Temple, Shree Lairai Temple, Mahadev Temple, Shree Mahadeo Bhumika, Madanant Temple, Maha Ganapati Mandir, Shree Mahalsa, Shree Mahalaxmi, Tapobhoomi, Saunsthan Gokarn Partagali Jeevotam Math, Sapteshwar Bhagvati, Morjaee Mandir etc.

Churches of Goa: Being a Portuguese colony for around 500 years, Goa has some of the best churches in the India.

1.Basilica of Bom Jesus: It is a World Heritage Monument and is probably the most popular in Goa. It was built in the 16th century.

Time:
Weekdays: 9 am to 6 pm
Sundays: 10.30 am to 6.30 pm

2. Se Cathedral: It is the most decorated and the biggest church in Goa.

3. Church of St.Francis of Assissi: It was built in 1517 and houses beautiful paintings. It also has a archeological museum.

4. Church of Mae de Deus: This is a beautiful gothic style church built in 1873. It is located Saligao (Bardez). You can visit other churches like Church of Our Lady of Rosary, Nunnery of Santa Monica, Ruins of Church of St.Augustine, Viceroy’s Arch, Reis Magos Church, Church of St. Alex, Church of St. Ana and Rachol Seminary.

Mosques: In mosques you can check the following two:

1. Jama Masjid: Located at Sanguem around around 26 km from Margoa.

2. Safa Masjid: It is the best mosque in Goa and was built in 1560 by Ibrahim Adilshah of Bijapur. It is located in Ponda taluk.

Wildlife

1. Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Mollem National Park: The 240 square km Wildlife Sanctuary is located 60 km from Panaji in Mollem. Apart from nature and wildlife, you can also see Devil Canyon. Goverment cottages are available for rent.

Entry fee Rs.10/- per adult, Rs.5/- per child and Rs.3/- per student.

2. Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is a bird watcher’s paradise.

3. Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary: It is located around 76 km from Panaji in Cancona Taluka in South Goa.

4. Bondla Forest: Bondla Forest forest is like a jungle resort and offers mini zoological park, botanical gardens etc. It is located around 36 km from Margoa and 52 km from panaji.

Natural Beauty:

1. Arvalem Waterfalls: This 70 feet falls is located near Rudreshwar temple.

2. Kesarval Spring: People believe that its water has medicinal value. It is located a round 22 km from Panaji.

3. Dudhsagar Waterfalls: It is one of the best waterfalls in India. Water falls from huge heights and cascades with rock like foam of milk, hence the name Doodhsagar. Doodh in Hindi means milk and sagar means ocean. It is located around 10 km from Colem Railway Station.

4. Arvalem Caves: Arvalem caves are located near Rudreshwar temple and are very interesting.

5. Mayem Lake: It is a popular picnic spot located in Bicholim amidts green hills.

6. Carambolim Lake: Carambolim Lake is a reservoir where you can see green vegetation and migratory birds.

7. Netravalli Lake- Budbudyachi Tali: Located in Sanguem Taluk, this lake has an interesting characteristic of emerging bubbles from the lake surface.

Others:

1. Astronomical Observatory
Address: Junta House, Panaji
Time: 14th November to 31st May every year

2. Goa Science Centre
Address: Bypass Road, Miramar, Panaji Ph: 2463426 Timing : 10.30 am to 6.30 pm

You can go for boat cruise at Cumbarjua Canal, visit Salaulim Dam, Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum, turtle nesting sites at Morjim, Galgibag and Agonda beaches, view spice plantations at Sai Herbarium, Parvati Madav Park Plantation, Sahakar Spice Farm – (0832) 2312394, cell: 9422057312, Pascoal Spice Village – 2344268, 2344119 etc. Also, you can visit ancestral Goa which has been established to showcase the past of Goa, located at Loutulim around 9 km from Margao.