Climate
:
The climate of Goa is tropical. This tiny state of India is warm and humid
throughout the year, with marginal variation in the temperatures, which stay
around 28°-33° C (average maximum temps). Monsoon brings good
amount of rain to Goa, during the months of June through August, with July
receiving as much as 133 cm. (52 inches). November and February are usually
dry.
Significance :
Most Frequented Beach Holiday Destination
Goa – The land of beaches :
Goa, the land of golden beaches, blue sea water, the clear sky, elegant
churches resting against green paddy fields and palm trees bordering coastal
line, remains in heart of all the visitors and compels them to come back
again and again. A place known for sun, sand and sea and unlimited fun, Goa
is quite different from the rest of India, having a Indo-western culture and
innumerable tourist destinations. A small state with charming locales and
heart warming culture, offering the experience of a lifetime.
History :
Portuguese ruled Goa till 1961, but the Indo-Portuguese character of Goa is
still alive and evident in its architecture as well as its people. Goa is
truly a 365 day holiday.
Famous for – Beaches and Churches :
Goa is known for its beaches and churches, without which Goa is incomplete.
Some of the beaches are Anjuna beach, Baga Beach, Miramar beach and many
more. There are many churches in Goa famous for their architectural might,
some of them are, church of St. Francis Xavier, The Rachel Seminary, The Se
Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and others.
Connectivity :
» By Air - Dabolim, Goa's airport, is situated at a
distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Goa is
connected by air to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin
and Mumbai by regular domestic flights. Several International charter
flights from the UK and western Europe also operate to Goa during the peak
season from October to April.
» By Rail - Goa is best connected by rail to Mumbai.
Trains are also available from Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin etc.
» By Road - Overnight bus service connect Goa with
Mumbai, approx 500 kms/12 hours.
Highlights of the State :
»
Panjim, Goa - The capital of Goa, Panaji is also called Panjim by the
Portuguese, which means "the land that does not flood". Panaji is
a laid back city situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, adding
to its charm. Panaji is built nearby a church facing a prominent square. The
beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and elegant old villas remind
of the European architecture.
» Anjuna Beach - Bandhavgarh is also home to many
species of birds. They include peacock, jungle fowl, golden and black headed
orioles, yellow Ioras, red-vented bulbuls, blue green barbets and mynahs. A
few species of migratory birds are also spotted during winters.
» Baga Beach - It is very interesting to note that
in the midst of wildlife, the ruins of 2000 years old Bandhavgarh fort is
also present. The Fort has a large number of caves belonging to the
pre-historic period with Brahmi inscriptions.
» Calangute Beach - One of the most busiest and
commercial resort of Goa, Calangute is mere 45 minutes bus ride away from
the capital. This peaceful fishing village was once the hub of hippies.
» Cathedral Church, Goa - The Portuguese Viceroy
Redondo constructed the Se, or St. Catherine's' Cathedral, situated
southwest of St. Cajetan's. This church is larger than any other church in
Portugal. It took eighty years to build and was not consecrated until 1640.
» A Cross Shaped Church - The largest church among
the group of churches in Old Goa, this church was built on a raised pedestal
of laterite, covered over with lime plaster. The church has, eight chapels
alongside the aisles and six altars in its structure.
