ABOUT GOA
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. |
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History
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.
Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese
colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union
Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On
May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the
25th state of the Indian Republic. |
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Geography
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. |
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Culture
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.
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. |
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Climate
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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Currency
Unit
The Currency Unit in Goa as in the rest of India is the Indian Rupee. Each rupee
consists of 100 paise. Currency notes are issued in the denominations of Rs.
1000, Rs. 500, Rs. 100, Rs. 50, Rs. 20, Rs. 10, Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Re. 1. Coins issued
are of Rs. 5, Rs. 2, Re. 1, 50 paise, 25 paise, 10 paise denominations.
However you will rarely find the following in circulation: Notes of Rs. 2, Re.
1 and coins of 20 paise, 10 paise, 5 paise. Notes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 100 are
quite similar in appearance and hence easy to confuse, so always take care while
accepting or handing out notes of these denominations.
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Money Exchange
It is not permitted to take Indian currency out of India nor purchase the Rupee
overseas. If you are arriving from a foreign country, you should change some
of your currency into Rupees at the airport or at the nearest branch of any
bank where you are offered the best rates of exchange.
Money Exchange services are also available at most major hotels & resorts
and private money changers in the area. Most reputed banks such as HDFC, ICICI
etc also have ATMs that accept Master and Visa Card to withdraw cash.
Travellers cheques of all major brands are easily changed. The currencies that
are most widely and easily accepted are the US dollar, British Pound Sterling
and Euro.
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