Thursday 17 February 2022

Brief Glimpse of Goa :

 History of Goa

Goa is one of the Indian states that remained under colonial rule for 451 years. The history of Goa dates back to the 3rd century. Several dynasties ruled over Goa: Mauryas was the first, then followed by the Satvahanas, Chalukyas, and in the end, the Shilharas and Kadambas. Goa passed into the hands of the Mughals in 1312. In 1510, the Portuguese captured Goa, and in 1961 Goa attained freedom from the Portuguese. However, in 1987 it got the status of statehood.

Goa has numerous historical monuments and eye-catching sights. For the historically inclined, Goa is just ethereal. There are several Churches in Goa that testify to the rich historical past of the city. Some of the famous Churches in Goa are; Mary Immaculate Conception, Reis Magos Church, St. Anne Church, Church of St. Augustine, St. Paul Church, etc. Goa is also home to numerous forts and museums that offer glimpses of a culturally rich state.

Weather in Goa


The weather in Goa somehow remains moderate. Goa lies in the tropical zone and is also bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West. It experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year. But the one good thing about the state is that its temperature is always under control. Neither do the summers get very hot or do the winters get extremely cold.

Beaches in Goa


Goa is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. One of the reasons for the popularity of Goa is its sun-kissed beaches. The Goa beaches have an abundance of not only clear waters and shimmering sands but flea markets and open shacks that sell mouthwatering Goan cuisine along with a whole lot of music and dance. Goa has two parts North and South. The beaches are also divided accordingly.

The beaches in North Goa are meant for the party lovers, whereas the South Goa beaches are more serene and tranquil and act as ideal spots for couples in search of privacy. Some of the most stunning beaches in Goa are Candolim Beach, Baga, Arambol, Vagator, Benaulim Beach, and Palolem Beach.

Tourist Attractions in Goa


  • Fort Aguada
  • Basilica de Bom Jesus
  • Chapora Fort
  • Secretariat from the array of history and culture
  • Church & Convent of St Francis of Assisi
  • Church of Our Lady of the Rosary and Royal Chapel of St Anthony
  • Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
  • Ancestral Goa museum
  • Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and
  • Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

When to Visit Goa


Tourists mostly flock to Goa during the winter months. Another good time to visit Goa would be during the Monsoons. Planning a trip to this state should be avoided in May as this is the hottest month with the mercury shooting up to 35 °C.

How to Reach Goa


Goa is well-connected by a broad network. Travelling to Goa is extremely easy as it is connected with several national and state highways. The roads in Goa are pretty decent, which makes travelling a lot easier. The best way to travel to Goa is by bus from Mumbai or Pune. The journey is very smooth and offers some of the most enthralling visual sights.

Goa is well linked to the other parts of the country by rail. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Pune share a strong railway network with Goa. Numerous trains travel to Goa almost daily from these cities. Some of the trains that travel frequently to Goa include; the Mas Vasco Express, Cstm Karwar Express, Cstm Karwar Spl, and the Ernakulam Express. Trains from Mumbai generally take about 9 hours to Goa. Goa has two major railway stations situated at Margao and Vasco-da-Gama.

The best way to travel to Goa is by flight. Almost all the important cities in India share a good air network with Goa.

Most of the domestic and international flights fly to and from Goa. Some of the popular flights to Goa include; Air India, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Indigo, Air Deccan, and Go Air.

Goa State Information

CapitalPanaji
Date of formation30 May, 1987
GovernorBhagat Singh Koshyari (additional charge)
Chief MinisterPramod Sawant
Tourist attractionsAnjuna, Arambol, Basilica of Born Jesus, Se Cathedral
FestivalsCarnival, Feast of St. Francis Xavier, Shigmotsav, Bonderam Festival
Major dance and music formsShigmo dance, Manddo, Durpod
Arts and craftsTerracotta or baked clay figurines, utensils etc; crochet tablecloths, curtains, covers, handkerchiefs; cane and bamboo fish traps, mats, baskets.
LanguagesKonkani, Marathi
Size3,702 sq. km
Population (Census 2011)1458545
RiversMandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chapora, Sal, and others
Forests and wildlife sanctuariesBondla WS, Mollem NP, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Cotigoa WS, and many more
State animalGaur
State birdFlame-throated bulbul
State treeCoconut palm Cocos nucifera Matti Terminalia crenulata
Major cropsPaddy, ragi, maize, cashew
FactoidsGoa, Daman and Diu were liberated in 1961 and officially became a part of India in 1962.
No. of District2

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