Goa- The Emerald State of India

Goa is a tiny emerald land on the west coast of India. A very striking feature of Goa is its serene peace loving environment , its harmonious relationship among various religious communities, who have lived together peacefully for generations. Goa is one of the most developed States in India and even achieved the ranking of one of the best states in India with regards to investment environment and infrastructures in India.

The tourist season in Goa begins in late October and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool. 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.

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 Goan capital is stacked around the sides with lush terraced hillside at the mouth of the Mandovi River, its skyline of slopping red-tiled roofs, whitewashed churches and small squares. Some of the popular North Goa beaches are

VAINGUINIUM BEACH/DONA PAULA
7 km south from the centre of Panaji, Vainquinim is known around the world for Cidade de Goa. The beach itself is secluded and quite pleasant. On its west is the Dona Paula area, a small, peaceful palm fringed beach backed by casuarinas groves. Little further east is the Raj Bhavan, the State Governor's House.

SINQUERIM BEACH
13 km north of Panaji. This is landmark beach of Goa tourism, due to the three luxurious beachfront Goa resorts of the Taj Group of Hotels and the seafront Fort Aguada that overlooks them. The firm sand on this 'exclusive' beach of Goa continues past Candolim and further north to the happening Goa beaches of Calangute and Baga. Watersports on offer are windsurfing, parasailing, jet skiing, water-skiing, scuba diving and sailing.

CANDOLIM BEACH
14 km north of Panaji. This beach of Goa is lesser developed than the adjoining Sinquerim and a favourite amongst the British travellers. Backed by dunes, this straight and long Goa beach is home to excellent beach shacks.

CALANGUTE BEACH
This huge 7 km sweep of sand is sometimes called the Queen of Goa. Till the mid 90s Calangute (along with the adjoining Baga) used to be the beach of Goa for hippies, which has changed since then, but Calangute still remains the most happening beach of Goa, and the most crowded. The beach is rock-free and offers good swimming (though beware of the sudden drop and seaward current in some parts).

BAGA BEACH
This fishing village beach of Goa is the northern end of Calangute beach, south of Anjuna, the party beach of Goa. Compared to Calangute, it has more character, with its scenic beauty enhanced by the creek and the Retreat House perched on the hill. It's popular with those who love to use it as a base for water-sports and fishing in the area. At high tide the beach strip becomes very narrow, sandwiched-in by the shacks and fishing boats.

ANJUNA BEACH
This is the party beach of Goa, and also the most visited. The beach itself is just about ok, but the backdrop and more importantly; the interesting group of pleasure seekers is what makes it perhaps the most charming beach of Goa. Moonlit nights are favourites to bring out the party animals, and parties dot the Goa beach-line here, all the way to Vagator. Anjuna is also famous for the Wednesday flea market, a landmark tradition of Goa tourism.

VAGATOR BEACH/CHAPORA
22 km north of Panaji. Just to the north of the party beach of Goa is a fascinating group of small Goa beaches, more salubrious and laidback than Anjuna. Relatively secluded, these are situated on the crescent shaped Caisua bay, along the Chapora river basin, in the shadow of the ruins of Chapora Fort. Vagator is one of the most beautiful beaches of Goa, laying on inviting sandy coves, between coconut palm shaded rocky headlands. Generally peaceful, in peak season it attracts day-trippers, and during the night typically boisterous Goa beach parties are a regular feature.

Margao is considered as the commercial capital of Goa. It is a major business hub and also a very accessible city. Some of the popular beaches near Margao are

BOGMALO BEACH
Immediately south of the airport, Bogmalo is still a small-scale, relaxed holiday centre. The sand is clean and not too crowded, the water safe for swimming and there are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. Bogmalo is a stone's throw away from Dabolim airport.

VELSAO BEACH
With the Bogmalo beach on the north and the Majorda and the Colva Beach on the south the Velsao Beach is easily accessible and makes an excellent day trip from the other beaches of Goa too. Velsao is a storehouse of natural treasures.

ARROSIM BEACH
Just south of Velsao, Arossim beach is quite and the start of a superb stretch of wide white sands, peaceful, relaxing and away from the maddening crowd.

UTORDA/MAJORDA BEACH
Rises from the surrounding fields; there are small clusters of beach shack restaurants and a few fishing villages scattered under the coconut palms here. The best Goan toddy can be found here, as well as the best European breads.

BETALBATIM BEACH
Ideal for the independent traveller you will find yourself in a pleasantly uncongested, traditional beach belt, which will appeal greatly to anyone seeking peace and total relaxation.

COLVA BEACH
Spectacular Colva Beach, 6kms west of Margao, constitutes the longest unbroken stretch of white sand in the state, spanning 25 kms from Mormugoa peninsula in the north to Cape Rama in the south.

BENAULIM BEACH
In the centre of the Colva Beach, this village had fishing and rice-farming as its major occupations only a decade ago but now, one can see guesthouses and souvenir stalls springing up in the place of the paddy fields. Free from jellyfish in general, the sea is safe for swimming.

VARCA BEACH
One of the most luxurious and exotic beaches of Goa, Varca is 2 km south of Benaulim. The cushion-soft white sands and the black lava rocks are much cleaner and offer much more solitude and peace than most of the renowned beaches of Goa. Explore a little to find places which offer you dolphin-watching and boat trips on the River Sal with an ample opportunity to see dolphins swimming in the seawater.

CAVELOSSIM & MOBOR BEACH
11 km south of Colva, Cavelossim beach is known as the last chief settlement in southwest Salcete. The scenic church square of the village is not far from the paddy fields that lend the charm of calm and peaceful rural life to the Cavelossim-Assolna ferry crossing near the mouth of the Sal River.

PALOLEM BEACH
The picture-perfect beach of Palolem has a beautiful crescent shaped bay fringed with a swaying palm trees. A pair of wooded headlands, a perfect curve of white sand arcs and the Sahyadri Ghat, which tapers into the sea. A string of cafes, hawkers, souvenirs shops and a tent camp set on the beachfront. It is popular, full of life, people and music.

RAJBAGA BEACH
Rajbaga beach stretches in an unbroken sweep south of Patnem to the mouth of the Talpona River. The Intercontinental located at Rajbaga and is ideal for those who want to get away from it all offering total seclusion and stunning white powdery beach.

The Goan forts are the witness of its past glory. They speak effusively about bygone era and the feeling of wonder that they still instigate in the minds of its visitors. Every monument and fort in Goa is associated with some telling tale. To say it laconically, forts in Goa are the quintessence of serene beauty and charm. Goa forts boast of different streaks. Some Goan forts have Portuguese influence in their structure whereas some have Hindu and Muslim influences. However, the remarkable part of these forts in Goa is that they have stood the test of time and bear testimony of the glory of past times.

Chapora Fort
Situated near the Anjuna beach, the Chapora fort was built by Adil Shah of Bijapur. The fort gives a spectacular view of the sea as it is situated atop a cliff, on the coast of the Anjuna beach. A few ruins here and there give a mystical look to it, though otherwise it has been well preserved. It was given a new dimension when the Portuguese took over and one can see traces of the Portuguese architecture in it.

Aguada Fort
Another famous fort of Goa would be the Aguada fort, built by the Portuguese in 1612 A.D. This fort was built in order to protect Goa from any external enemy attacks from the sea. Built near the Mandovi River, the Aguada fort derives its name from the Portuguese word "aguada" which means "water". The place where this fort is situated is a hotspot of many natural springs, which provided the Portuguese with drinking water. A part of the fort has been transformed into central jail. Otherwise, the scenic Aguada Fort is nice spot to unwind and relax.

Cabo De Rama
The Cabo De Rama fort is situated on the southern coast of Goa. The Portuguese rebuilt it when they took over. They built a chapel inside the fort. The chapel is still in use, but otherwise the fort lies in ruins, which gives it a magical look. It was uninhabited for many years, which gives it a naturally ruined look. The historical atmosphere created by the fort in its entire splendor is something to look out for. Locals believe that Lord Rama stayed in this fort with his wife Sita for sometime during his 14-year exile.

Terekhol Fort
The Maharaja of Sawanwadi built The Terekhol Fort on the banks of the Terekhol River. It was taken over by the Portuguese and rebuilt it again in 1764. The fort has now been converted into a heritage hotel. The fort flourishes in peace and serenity as calm seas surround it. One can enjoy the beautiful view of the endless sea for hours together and soak in the rich historical legacy it has to offer.

Goan night life is exuberance of fun, frolic and a bit of liberal enjoyment. Discos in Goa are agents paying off for the dynamic culture of dance and partying in Goa. Discos in Goa are an added attraction for many especially those who enjoy night outs, loads of excitement and dance along with immense boozing.

Night life in Goa is one of the most flamboyant and matured than in any other part of the country. In order to visit Goa, one must go to enjoy the nightlife at Goa. Nightlife in Goa is enticing and people party out to enliven the evenings. A family on a night-out attending parties or cheering up over a peg of feni or gin is a routine phenomenon in Goa.

The atmosphere is just great - relaxing and conducive to spend with family and friends. Most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies having well stocked bars. If you want to jive the night away, there are a plenty of nice discotheques in Goa.