Goa

The very word Goa, conjures sun kissed beaches and fun filled holidays. Amidst the traditional India, Goa is one place where you forget all the cares, all the traditions, all the worries of daily life. You just let yourself free and soar in the sky with the wind. It is THE tourist place in India and a must visit in every Indians and India visitor’s itinerary.

Nowhere in India will you find so many tourists. It is the tourist hot spot with people from all over the world coming here. It is the smallest state in India with a small town ‘Panaji’ as its capital. Located on the beaches of the Arabian Sea, the beautiful blue waters mesmerize you.

Goa is dominated by Portuguese culture and there is an old world feel to it. Hence its largest city is suitably called Vasco de Gama. Hundreds and thousands of foreigners visit Goa especially during its tourist season in northern hemisphere winter. Goa beaches are beautiful beyond description no doubt, but apart from them there is world heritage architecture. It includes the famed ‘Basilica of Jesus’.

The flora and the fauna are rich because of its natural location on the plains. Goa has great long stretch of sunny beaches which make it a favourite of the Europeans during their winter months. The climate in Goa is warm and slightly humid throughout the year. But May is the hottest month. The day temperature may well cross 35 degrees centigrade. Monsoons arrive in early June, thus if you want to enjoy the sea in rains, this is the time to go. The rains go on till the end of September. It is never very cold in Goa. It is pleasantly cool in December to February.

The most renowned bird sanctuary in India, the Salim Ali Bird sanctuary is situated here and you come across some exotic birds. Like all sea beaches in India, Goa too has a ubiquitous presence of coconut trees. The coconut water is a delicious natural drink which works wonders on your digestive system. You can taste mangos, jackfruits blackberries and pineapples in Goa, depending on the season. There are cashew trees too.

In the jungles of Goa you can find migratory birds, wild boars and foxes. There are many snakes in Goa and thus the rodent population is pretty low. There are many National parks in Goa including the Bondla Wildlife sanctuary, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary and many others too. Tourism is the chief industry in Goa and it has the distinction of being the most beautiful state in India.

Because of its Portuguese culture, the Americans and the Europeans can identify themselves with the culture. There is a mixture of Christians, Hindus and Muslims in Goa which lend it a truly cosmopolitan look. This mixture of religions and culture is reflected in the food of Goa. You may go to any restaurant and order both, beef and pork! Alcoholic drinks are freely available and people are always in a joyous holiday mood.

To enjoy your stay in Goa you may select among the five star hotels of Goa or the show string budget ones. The five stars are the Hotel Taj Exotica, The Leela palace, Taj Holiday village, the Aquada Hermitage, the Radisson, Hotel Kenilworth and many others. On the other hand there are shoe string budget hotels too like Image inn, villa bornfim hotel, Dukes Villa, Hotel Panjim Hill and countless others.