| |
Attracting sun-worshippers from
all over the world, Goa’s coastline is
fringed with miles of beaches. The most popular
ones dot the 7 km line from Sinquerim through
Calangute and Baga in the north, and a 25 km
stretch in the south comprising Velesao, Uttorda,
Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Fatorda, Cavellosim
and Mobor. There are smaller beaches, Chapora,
Vagator and Ajuna in the north, Dona Paula in
the cente, Palolem in the south. Each beach
has its own appeal. The Portuguese character
of Goa is a obvious-old tile-roofed bungalow
with deep verandahs and a profusion of whitewashed
churches nestling amid coconut palms and fields
of paddy. Goa
|
|
 |
was a Portuguese
colony for 450 years. Tourism has scarcely affected
the character of the people, for whom laissez-faire
and the afternoon siesta is a way of life.
A Union Territory since 1961 following its liberation
form Portuguese colonial rule, Goa became the 25th state
of the Indian Union on May 31, 1987. Nestled between
Karnataka and Maharastra, it is fringed by the Arabian
sea on the west. The eastern region is hilly forming
the northern edge of the Sahayadri mountain ranges.
A land blessed with abundant rainfall, its climate is
warm and humid with little variation in temperature.
visit to Goa is essentially a visit to the magnificent
churches dotting its cities, and the equally remarkable
temples which have an architectural style quite distinct
from the Dravidian or the north Indian style. Added
to these are the plazas, taverns and mansions which
speak of Portugese presence in the land till recently.
Beaches of Goa They have good facilities for staying
and food, providing visitors endless opportunities to
explore the shore, or just laze around. Calangute Beach
is 16 km from Panaji and known as the queen of Goa’s
beaches, Miramar, 3 km, is nearest to Panaji while Done
Paula, 7 km commands a fine view of the Mormugao Harbour.
The Colva beach, 6 Km from Margao, competes with Calangute
beach in scenic beauty.
By Air There are daily flights to Goa
from Delhi and Bombay. Goa is also a major International
Airport for charter flights from Europe and the United
Kingdom.
By Rail Goa is well connected by Konkan
Railways to Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Secunderabad, Bangalore
and other major cities.
By Road Panaji is connected by road
to the main national highways crossing through Goa.
Panaji is connected by road to Mumbai-594 km, Belgaum-157
km, Bangalore-632 km, Mysore-696 km. |
