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| Home > Goa > North Goa Guide |
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Variously known as “Pearl of the Orient” and a “Tourist Paradise”, the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.
Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions. All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm. 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. |
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| Panaji |
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| This is the capital of Goa and also the headquarters of North Goa District. This is basically a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River. The beautiful red-roofed houses are seen in abundance in the city. These houses are built in Latin style. This district can also boasts of many modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with Gulmohar, Acassia and other trees. The enthralling scenic beauty can be found when it is viewed from atop Altinho or from the hilltop. |
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| Mapusa |
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| This is situated at 13kms from the district headquarters. This place is the capital of Bardez Taluka, which is on the NH 17. It is at the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of North Goa. There is weekly fair, which is celebrated on Friday and is held at the modern streamline market. A large crowd usually comes to attend the market and enjoy a lot at that place.
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| Pilar |
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| This is placed at the distance of 11 Km from district headquarters. This is an important religious and educational centre of Christian Missionaries as well. The Church, Seminary and School atop hillock command a magnificent panorama of the countryside around. This place is also has a fine view of Mormugao Harbour & Zuari River. People always like to visit the place. |
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| Aguada Fort |
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| This is located at 18 kms away from the district headquarters. The Portuguese built this fort in 1609-1612. The main purpose of this was to command the entry into the river Mandovi, in order to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. A spring within the fort once provided water supply to the ships that called there. A lighthouse is situated nearby to this fort. |
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| Dudhsagar Waterfalls |
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| This is situated at 60 kms. i.e. 10 kms from Colem Railway Station. This place is accessible by train only. Water comes down hundreds of feet in large volume, in cascades, which forms one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa. It is also regarded as a lifeline of the ecosystem in one of the Sanctuaries. This is generally a popular destination to hikers and trekkers. It is also accessible by jeep route, which is 14 kms through the Bhagvan Mahavir Sanctuary. However, one needs to obtain prior permission from the Department of Forests at Junta House, Panaji to visit the place. |
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| View Packages For North Goa |
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Plot No 2. DDA Commercial
Complex. D.B.Gupta Rd,
Motia Khan, Paharganj,
New Delhi-55.
Call 24 x 7 : 011-43513511
09350918952
09310305211
E mail : info@suncityholidays.net |
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