|
|
| |
|
|
| |
Nikhil Vajandar,
an active HolidayIQ-er from Bangalore, explores Goa!
|
|
One of the best places to see sands and beaches in India is Goa. Humid
for most of the year, Goa's most happening and peak season is November-February,
especially the Christmas-New Year time. The first thing that gets
you after you reach Goa is the heat. If you are visiting this place
in summer, you will be drenched in sweat, in minutes! But one visit
to the beaches and all discomforts are forgotten. The beaches of
Goa cater to every kind of tourists. You will find less populated
and secluded beaches in the southern part of Goa, and some big,
supercharged ones in the northern part.
Post 26/11 tourists are having apprehension of being caught in the
next gunfight. This has made the Government of India strengthening
security in the major tourist spots. In the last week of December
2008, Centre has sent additional security personnel in the form
of CRPF and RPF, monitoring the top spots of Goa like Arambol, Anjuna,
Candolim, Baga and Calangute beaches.
»
Goa
experiences
|
 |
|
| |
Many will be surprised to know, however, that Goa has
its share of forests too. There are 4 wildlife sanctuaries
in Goa. With a range of birds and animals to flaunt,
these are no less than the ones in Periyar,
Ranthambore,
Corbett
or Kaziranga!
|
| |
|
| |
 |
| |
Tiger in Goa |
| |
| |
There
are several tourism agencies, which will take you on
a round-the-city tour. The Basilica of Bom Jesus, The
Rachol Seminary and Church of Our Lady of Rosary are
some of the famous churches. Brahma Temple, Shri Bhagavati
Temple and Shri Datta Mandir Temple are some of the
antique temples ageing back to 5th century AD!
For 450 years Goa was a Portuguese colony until taken
over by India in 1961. This heritage is still apparent
in the architecture of its churches and old houses,
and the culture of its towns, which is very distinct
from the rest of India. In the Catholic world, Goa is
the place where St Francis Xavier is buried. |
| |
»
Get
the best Goa deals |
| |
| |
There
are 40 beaches in Goa, in all, and there are tours for
those who want to see more than one at a go. Statistics
say, annually, millions of people flock the beaches
of Goa, 12% of them being the foreigners. Goa has some
great beaches like Benaulim, Calangute, Candolim, Majorda,
Colva, etc. Shopping at Goa is very convenient, although
a bit expensive, with everything from flea markets to
night-bazaars conducted regularly. |
| |
»
Check
out the popular beaches of Goa |
| |
 |
| |
Calangute
Beach, Goa |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
There is a multitude of activities that
one can indulge in Goa. There are many river
cruises, with facilities ranging from casinos,
to swimming pools to the usual singing and
dancing. On many beaches, facilities for
fishing, boat rides, sailing, wind surfing,
and water sports like parasailing, water-skiing,
diving, water scooters are available. There's
also horse riding and bungee jumping for
the daredevils. Goa has an active night-life
and dances are organised at many resorts,
beaches and clubs. Goa also has discotheques
and casinos. Nature lovers can opt among
trekking, rock-climbing, rappelling, or
bird-watching. |
| |
»
Activities
in Goa |
| |
|
|
|
|
 |
Boat
rides |
|
Parasailing |
|
Water-skiing |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
Sailing |
|
Horse
riding |
|
Rock
climbing |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
Goan cuisine
is one of the highlights of the place. Lots
of sea foods are there on offer along with
mouth watering sweet preparations. Delicacies
like Crab curry, fish masala, Sannas, Khatkhate,
Goan sausage, prawn pickle, Sorpotel, etc.
would definitely compel you for a revisit. |
| |
|
| |
| |
Several airlines
fly to Goa regularly. Indian Railways also
connects Goa to most of the major cities.
Buses operate regularly from Maharashtra
and Karnataka. |
| |
»
Goa Itineraries |
| |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
..................................................................
We'd love to know what travel lovers like you
think about our new Vacationer feature. Click
here to send your feedback.
Do you also have a unique story or an interesting
write-up you would like to submit in the Vacationer?
Click
here to make your submission
(Photos from HolidayIQ Archives)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
