We now know more about the state of Goa, situated in the middle of west coast of India. Goa was a Portuguese colony until 1961, which explains much of the environment that we live here. It was on that time began to arrive here the tourists, attracted by these new beaches that began appearing on the banks of Arabian Sea.
Since then, Goa has always been a haven for backpackers and hippies, although this has been changing in recent years. Many hotel chains have settled here, in view of its more than 35 miles of waterfront.
Goa is the place relaxed when you have to come if you want to give you an exotic escape to India. A perfect destination to enjoy the beach and nature in a unique atmosphere. Animation, fun, and all without losing the charm of traditional and popular. We get into Goa to know a little more.
GOA TOURS
- Arambol
Arambol is one of those places to get lost in Goa. It lies north of the region and perhaps has the best beaches of Goa. Arambol is a typical fishing village, away from the hustle and bustle of big cities. So much so that most accommodations are small cottages, and there are not many hotels. It will be the perfect getaway in Goa.
- Beaches in Goa
Goa's beaches are one of the main attractions. To the north you have the beach Anjuna and Arambol aforementioned, which you can see dolphins. Much business is bustling Calangute Beach and Baga beach, a lively nightlife. In the south must know the Agonda beach, with excellent fish restaurants and the beach of Benaulim. Palolem Beach is a tropical paradise with its palm trees, while the beach is ideal Patnem to stay in their log cabins.
More information: Goa, beaches of India's sacred
- Old Goa
One of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO that exist in India. This is one of the places where we see the traces of Portuguese colonization. This area is full of colonial buildings and churches, as Cathedral Goa, The largest in India, dating from the XVI century, and the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, built by Franciscan monks. A stroll through this area and discover noble houses, palaces, temples ... a place full of history that will amaze.
Panaji
- Panaji
The city of Panaji is located along the river Mandovi. It is the capital of Goa since 1843, and the best thing to know it is to stroll along the old cobbled streets seeing their red-roofed colonial houses, taverns and cafes. Who would not say we were walking through any city in Portugal?. In Panaji have to see the building of the Government or the Church of Our Lady of Conception, built in Baroque style in the sixteenth century, a marvel in white stone.
More information: Panaji, cultural mix on the banks of river Mandovi
- Anjuna Flea Market
If you want to go shopping in Goa is impossible to lose the Anjuna Flea Market, where you will find everything. Almost all the street vendors in India pass through this market to sell any product of local craftsmanship. In addition to posts are snake charmers, fakirs and the inevitable juggling hippies are all over Goa. This market is held every Wednesday from 09.00 till evening.
GOA TOURS
Of the places I have not mentioned you can make your trips. For example we can approach Margao, The second largest city of Goa, where he is famous fish market. A 28 km from Panaji is PondaBirthplace of the Hindu pilgrimages in Goa, a perfect place if you want to see are shrines and temples of all kinds.
You can also find new beaches and lots of entertainment in the city Daman and Diu. Indeed both are best beaches, although Diu remains the memory of a great Portuguese colonial heritage.
GOA WEATHER
The predominant climate is tropical Goa. Throughout the year tends to heat and humidity is very high. Summer temperatures hover around 35 degrees, and do not rise further as the time when the monsoon rains fall, especially between June and September. The winter of Goa is curiously short, and from December to February, although temperatures rarely go much beyond 25 degrees.
SHOPPING IN GOA
The best places to go shopping in the region of Panaji and Goa are Anjuna. However, anywhere in the area will find one of the typical products, hand-painted tiles, a legacy of its Portuguese past. The best find them in the Gallery of Panaji Goa Velha.
Before I talked Panaji Market on Wednesdays, but you can also visit the market every Friday is in Mapusa, though this market is more for food to crafts. In the area of ??Calangute is where you will find everything related to art, while the typical wicker basket of India will see in SanGold.
DINING IN GOA
It is clear that the Portuguese influence and other cultures is felt in the cuisine of Goa. A typical elements such as rice, chicken, fish curry in Goa is added to the special flavor of spices and Indian Muslim. In a coastal area like this could not miss the fish dishes, highlighting the shrimp, clams, mussels and oysters.
Goa is not forgotten either in the flesh, such as pork and chicken, as well as beef. Speak wonders of Vindaloo Spicy Pork and dishes prepared on the wood, which gives a special flavor. There are even dishes that mix the fish with the flesh, always very special.
NIGHTLIFE IN GOA
Goa may be the best place to enjoy the nightlife in India. Taking advantage of good weather which always makes is very common to see parties on the beach on weekends, with terraces, small bars and seafood restaurants. So if you want to live a little party in Goa ever get close to the beach area, where they will not miss the animation.
TRANSPORT IN GOA
Most of those who want to visit Goa rented a car and fill the roads. We must be very careful because the roads in India are not the best there is, and few of them are marked, so be equipped with a good map. If you will only be in one place there are buses, taxis and even the possibility of renting bikes. The buses usually stop and travel to the main beaches of Goa.
HOW TO REACH GOA
One of the best ways to reach Goa is through its Goa Dabolim Airport, Located about 29 kilometers south of Panaji. Air India is one of the airlines that fly there. You have to reach Panaji bus outside the terminal, and taxis. You can also arrive by train or by road from anywhere else in the country.