Panaji, Mar 28: Goa, one of India`s smallest states with an area of 3,702 sq km is cradled in the Sahayadri range in the Western Ghats. The vertical strip of the state begins from Tiracol in the north to Palolem in the south and is bound by the Arabian Sea on the west, Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka to the east and south.
Goa is India`s most superior beach resort with superb beaches at least a million years old. Goa`s beachnik lifestyle is best experienced during the winter months between October and the end of February.
A Portuguese colony till 1961, Goa`s Portuguese atmosphere and its lovely beaches make this an interesting region to spend time. Goan culture is a blend of Indian and Iberian: European style central squares and Indian bazaars, white Portuguese churches alongside Hindu temples and villages and hamlets surrounded by green fields of paddy.
Goa is rich in folk culture with a delightful blend of vigorous Konkani folk songs and remnants of Portuguese dance and music. Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa.
Goa is famous for its beaches to suit every taste and pocket, from high-class Aguada and Bagmalo, to busy, bubbling Calangute and Colva, to pert-going Anjuna and Chapora, to peaceful, plam-fringed paradise of Vagator.
But Goa is simply not for beaches, within striking distance of the capital, Panjim ,one of India`s prettiest cities, are a variety of historic temples, churches, lakes and parks, market towns and old style Portuguese villas. A short drive away, there`s impressive ghost city of catholic cathedrals, old Goa. Goa is a self -contained holiday spot where many travelers end up staying a lot longer than originally planned.
Bureau Report
