Goa: a slice of Portuguese in India

Goa, located in the West Coast of India, in a region called Konkan,surrounded by Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south, is a famous tourist-spot for its magnificent picture- perfect beauty , serene beaches and ecstatic tourist attractions. Goa is divided into North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the capital of Goa and the headquarters for North Goa and Margaon is the headquarters for the South Goa. While Vasco Da Gama is the largest city of Goa, there are cities with great historical influence too. As the Portuguese ruled for over 450 years, Goa demonstrates a strong influence of Portuguese culture, especially Margaon,which distinguishes Goa from the other places.

Goa features a tropical monsoon climate. Month of May sets the hottest season in Goa, though the monsoons rains come in by early June.  Winter comes in for a very short span between mid-December and February. Goa captivates so many tourists for the reason that it is like a natural paradise, as the beaches and the crystal clear water of the sea diminishes the humid climate and the summer sun!  Well known for its beaches and eminent architectural temples, Goa is filled with millions of tourists every year, who are also attracted by the grand festivals, carnivals and mouth-watering cuisine consisting of Kokum spice as a distinct feature.

Goa has two World Heritage sites: Bom Jesus Basilica and churches and convents of Old Goa.The other must see places in Goa are the Goa churches, Arvalam waterfall, Fort Aguada, Chapoli Dam and a new wax museum on Indian history and culture, situated  in Old Goa. Then there are temples like ShriBhagvati temple,Mahalaxmi temple andShriChandranath temple, to name a few from a number of temples which have a different architecture because of historical reasons. Not to forget the marvellous beaches like the Candolim beach, Miramar beach, Majorda beach, Moborbeach, Sinquerim beach, Colva beach, Anjuna beach, Varca beach, Palolem beach, Vagator beach. These beaches also offer numerous attractions like flea markets, grand parties and amazing cafés with round the clock service. The water sports are also a popular fascination among the tourists.

Goa is also known for the dance and music culture it holds. From the traditional dance forms like Dekhnni and Fugdi to the most popular Goa Trance, this is known to have its origins in Goa.

Goa has its own International Airport at Dabolimnear Vasco da Gama, catering to both domestic and International air services. Goa flights connect to Doha, Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East. The domestic flights connect almost all the cities with airport availability throughout the year.

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Mesmerising Goa in Rains

Goa, India’s smallest state is also probably India’s most famous and richest. Best known for its beaches and everything associated with beaches, Goa is a place that defines freedom for most youngsters. Many concerts happen in Goa, and most foreign tourists make sure to visit Goa when they are in India. For Indians too this is a favourite vacation destination. Great food, drinks and picturesque views by the beach are the highlights of being in Goa.

Romancing the Goa in Monsoon, Batim (photo Courtesy: parrikar.com)

Goa though, is more than just beaches; it lies tucked deep in the Western Ghats, and has all the richness of a tropical rainforest. Goa is a biodiversity hotspot. Nature lovers can go trekking or visit wildlife sanctuaries such as the Bondla Wildlife sanctuary. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is here in Goa too. Safaris or walks through these forests will allow you to spot birds, see sambars, wild boars, and more. 

Let it Rain, Goa (Photo Courtesy:bigpictr.com)

Beach's during the monsoon in Goa (Photo Courtesy: photonewsinworld.blogspot.in)

 Goa also has a rich history; it is a former Portuguese colony and so has remnants of the Portuguese culture, such as churches built in Portuguese architectural style. Many of the historical monuments in Goa are sites of world heritage architecture.

The monsoon rains arrive early in June and continue to pour down until September. The rains are respite from the heat that gets almost unbearable just before the season hits, around May. During the monsoons, the beaches are blurred, making it look as though the ocean and the sky are one and the greenery comes alive. One of the tallest waterfalls in the country, in fact, one among the 100 highest waterfalls in the world - the DudhSagar waterfall which is in Goa, takes on a fuller form. The name of this waterfall literally translates to ‘Sea of Milk’, so known because of how milk-white it looks in its descent.

A Railway Trek to Dudhsagar Fall ,Goa(Photo Courtesy: bharatmoms.com)

Dudhsagar Fall, The World's Most exquisite falls (Photo Courtesy: shivkirantourism.com)

The Sea of Mils (Photo Courtesy: bharatmoms.com)

 While Goa sees fewer tourists during the monsoons because the beaches generally become dirty and one cannot maintain shacks by them, there are those who come for the western Ghats tour of Goa’s rich biodiversity. Take advantage of the lack of crowds on the beaches of Goa, since during the rains, there are few tourists and one can explore this haven uninterrupted. Watching the rain dance with the sea with a steaming cup of tea in your hand is a feeling unparalleled. Goa is now being marketed by the government as a place that can be visited during the monsoons and hotels nowadays are offering monsoon holiday packages too.

Don’t think of Goa only during summers and winters. Consider going there during the monsoons to experience mesmerizing Goa in the rains. Take any of the Goa flights and make a memorable trip of Goa in the rains.

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Explore the unexplored Goa

A tourist place that would be very human in that it could use the line “But I’m so much more than that!” is Goa. Thronged by tourists from September to March, Goa is well known for beaches, thriving night life and delicious seafood. Little known is the incredible Goa that’s on the flip side of this coin. It’s true, hidden from the eyes of the regular tourist, this state has another personality.

Take a flight to Goa, hop on a train if you’re the kind to plan in advance, or drive there if you’re close enough, and consciously move away from the beaches. Besides the sea, Goa has much to offer.

The Western Ghats - We tend to forget that Goa lies tucked deep in the Western Ghats, and so has all the richness of a tropical rainforest. For those who love nature, go trekking or visit wildlife sanctuaries such as the Bondla Wildlife sanctuary. Pay a visit to the Dr. Salim Ali Bird sanctuary too. You can go on walks or safaris to spot birds, see sambars, wild boars, and more in these forests.

During the monsoons, the greenery comes alive, glistening a deeper green and feeding one of the tallest waterfalls in the country, in fact one among the 100 highest waterfalls in the world - the DudhSagar waterfall. The name literally translates to ‘Sea of Milk’, so known because of how milk-white it looks in its descent.

The architecture - a combination of the Portuguese and Indian, the art galleries and museums, the old forts, churches and temples are a must visit as well. Goa has a rich history and the beautiful local handicrafts, quaint market places, attitude of the people and carnivals speak volumes about that past. It’s time to go explore the unexplored Goa!

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