Goa, India

The eternal land of dreams and romance, Goa in India reflects an ethnicity, which is a unique blend of Latin and Oriental. With rich heritage, distinct cultural diversity, dazzling variety of exotic flora and fauna, exotic sea, sun and sand- Goa cast a timeless charm on its visitors. Creating a delicate synthesis of various cultures, this "Rome of the East” is truly justifies its position as the tourists’ undisputed paradise. With its 131 km long coastline, Goa vacation is a firm favorite with travellers around the world.
City Travel of Goa
Portuguese word sossegarde, meaning "carefree", is just apt to describe the city charm of Goa, India. The small cities of this unique paradise have still retained the careless approach which makes State Goa, one of the most irresistible travel destinations of India.



Panjim (Panaji)
In Portuguese, Panjim means "the land that does not flood". The state capital of Goa, is situated on the southern banks of the river Mandovi. Beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas have made this state capital more charming than the other state capitals of India.

Highlights: Dona Paula Beach, Se Cathedral, Church of Lady of Rosary, Church of St Francis of Assisi, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Goa Marriott Resort, Cidade de Goa, Fontainhas & Sao Tome, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, Goa State Museum, Mahalaxmi Temple etc

Canacona (Raja of Sund in the treaty of 1791)
Canacona district was the last parts of the territory to be absorbed into the Novas Conquistas. This place has a distinct Hindu feel. If you are on the family vacation in Goa and want to enjoy cultural travel packages in Goa then this place is quite appealing.

Highlights: Colva Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Intercontinental Grand Resort, Agonda Beach, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Shree Mallikarjun Temple, Shree Sanusthan Gokarn Parthagali Jeevotham Math, Fort Cabo de Rama, Fresh Water Springs etc

Mapusa
The market town Mapusa is a favorite tourism destination. Its proximity to the all popular beaches in Goa makes it more approachable to the tourists. This place is located just 13 km form the capital city Panjim.

Highlights: Old Goa, Anjuna Beach, Calangute Beach, Baga Beach, Vagator Beach, Candolim beach, Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Friday Market, Bodhgeshwar Temple, Hanuman Theatre, The Church of Our Lady of Miracles, Swiss Chapel etc

Margao
State Goa's second largest town Margao is also a lively commercial centre. Its vintage charm and fine country houses, surrounded by fertile farmland allures history buff tourist from though out the country.

Highlights: Colva Beach, Benaulim Beach, Taj Exotica, Majorda Beach Resort, Radisson White Sand Resort, The Leela Goa, Town Square, Church Square, Monte Hill, The Hari Mandir, Rachol Seminary, Loutolim, Chandor etc

Famous Beaches in Goa
The state of Goa is the first love of beach lovers from all across the world. Fresh sea food, beach shacks, full moon parties and flea markets are the major features of Goan beaches. These beaches are a craze among adventure freaks as well. Indulging in a variety of adventure sports on these beaches is an experience of a lifetime. Most visited beaches in Goa include Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Colva Beach, Vagator Beach, Morjim Beach, Candolim Beach, Miramar Beach and Dona Paula Beach. Whether your are looking for an ultimate honemoon vacation or a family adventure, beaches in Goa are just the perfect destination.

Architectural Heritage of Goa
The smallest yet the prettiest member of Indian Territory, Goa has seen rulers from Portuguese, French, British, Dutch and such other heritage. so for the People who are more interested in heritage travel of Goa, this queen of Orient is having churches, forts, cascades and huts. Beloved abode of the two World Heritage Sites - the Bom Jesus Basilica and a designated convent, Goa is a true a heriatge centre. Its Aguada Fort, Cabo Fort, Chapora Fort, Terekhol (Tiracol) Fort reflect its close association with Portuguese. Indo-Portuguese style architecture can be seen all the monuments and mensions which has been created in the esteryears. Even Hindu temples like Mangueshi Temple strongly exhibits Portuguese influences . Most of the travel agencies operates Heritage travel packages of Goa, which will show all the best of the state Goa has for you.

Adventure Travel in Goa
While in Goa, you can enjoy the wildest adventures. Go is really a nice destination for enjoying expeditions like Hiking, trekking Adventure activities and sports have made their mark in the Goan beaches. Enjoy Parasailing, Jet-skiing, Water- Skiing, Knee and wake boarding, Wind surfing, Speedboat rides, Banana, Bump and Ringo rides, Catamaran sailing, Sea fishing, Scuba-diving, snorkeling etc. Very much the part of the Goa’s allurement, Microlite – flying, Go- carting, Rallies, will definitely give your well desired adrenaline rush. For not so dare devils Goa has beach sports like Beach basketball, beach volleyball, making sandcastles, collecting shells, bullfights, casinos, rave parties, river cruises in her closet.

Goa wildlife Travel
Goa wildlife Travel will take you to the state’s that 20 percent territory, which is roofed several wildlife protected areas. A wide species of birds can be seen here which includes to a huge range of migratory birds. For the ardent wildlife lovers a rich wildlife travel in Goa will be a rewarding experience. The Goa wildlife travel packages will enable you the opportunity to venture in several wildlife sanctuaries in Goa like Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary, Bondla Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary etc will give you an opportunity to see animals in their natural territory.

Cultural Travel of Goa
Goan culture, architecture, cuisine and lifestyle all are distinctly influenced by the Portuguese influence. Be it music, dance, poetry, visual arts, folklore, every where this influence is so discrete that it symbolizes the uniqueness of Goa. On your cultural travel of state Goa enjoy an artistic fusion of Latin and Oriental, the harmonious coexistence of Hinduism and Christianity has given birth to some of the most esteemed inheritance of Goa. Jute macramé, fabric collage, fiber and batik prints, fiber stone statuette, coconut shell statuette, metal adornment, silver and imitation jewelry, cotton dolls, soft toys, woolen tapestry, and artistic weaving etc are some most important expertise of Goa

Festivals of Goa
All the festivals of Goa have an individuality of their own. Most of the festivals reflect the cultural foregrounds of the state. Here religious festivals of every order are celebrated with much merry fair and gaiety. Hindu Festivals like Maha shivratri, Rantha Saptami, Mahalasa Yatra or Vijayarathotsav, Shigmotsav, Ghodemodni, Kalas Utsav, Ramnavami are celebrated with great enthusiasm through out the state. Major religious festivals of Goa include Feast of the Three Kings at Reis Magos, Cuelim (Cansaulim) and Chandor, Feast of Our Lady of Candelaria at Pomburpa, Feast of Jesus Nazareth at Siridao, and Feast of St. Fiancis Xavier. Holi in Goa is celebrated as Shigmotsav. All the festivals see highest involvement of people of all religions.

Goa Carnival
Goan Carnival is the most awaited festival for the people of Goa. During this time Goa wore her bridal attire. Held during the month of February, Carnival is a round-the-clock 3-day festival of color, song and music. During Carnival men and women in fancy dresses, wearing masks join the grand parade. They dance, they sing during the procession. Conventional troupes perform on the roads as part of the programs. Street Plays, songs, dances, and farces are very much an integral part of the whole function.

Famous Cuisines of Goa
Goan cuisine will give you a supreme gastronomic delight. Goan foods bear a combine legacy of Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi food traditions. Very hot and spicy cuisines can gratify the gluttony of the most foodies with its taste. From the vegetarian North-Indian, South-Indian, Jaini thali, marwari thalis to non vegetarian sea food item, you can have all the delicacies of your choice chourisso, vindalho (spicy pork), Xacuti, Sorpotel are very popular maongst the Catholic. During christmas, Bebinca, a rich egg-based multi-layered sweet dish is served. The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is Fenny.

Popular Shopping Centres in Goa
For the fashion freaks shopping in Goa is a valuable experience. If you want to collect some traditional souvenirs then visit the villages’ weekly Haats. You will get famous items of Goa on brassware, terracotta, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, bamboo work and papier-mâché. The Golden Heart Emporium of Margao is known for its wide range. From the 18th June and MG roads you can pick handicrafts, sarongs, beach wears, T-shirts, junk jewelries, leather items. Beach flea markets are one of the hot spots for the beach wares and junk Jewelleries. During the Saturday night bazaar at Anjuna and Ingo live music played by the local brands, all night drink and food bars make the whole shopping experience more of a night out. For the expensive antiques and handlooms one can trust Government of Goa Emporia and Handicrafts Emporium in Panjim.

Major Railway stations / Airports of Goa
Being the one of the most frequented tourist destination of India, Goa has well connectivity to the rest of the world.

Airport: Dabolim International Airport

Major Railway station

• Margao Railway Station
• Vasco da Gama Railway Station
• Canacona Railway Station
• Karmali Railway Station
• Thivim Railway Station
• Pernem Railway Station

Luxury Trains: The Deccan Odyssey
The destinations covered- Mumbai - Jaigadh - Ganpatipule - Ratnagiri - Bhatye Beach - Goa - Pune - Aurangabad/Ellora-Ajanta/Nashik- Mumbai

Goa Beach Resorts

• Cidade de Goa Beach Resort
  Location: 26 kms from Airport, 30 km from Railway Station.
  
  
• Aguada Hermitage
  Location: 45 kms from Airport, 20 kms from Railway Station.
  
  
• Fort Aguada Beach Resort in Goa:
  Location: 45 kms from Airport, 25 km from Railway Station.
  
  
• Taj Holiday Village
  Location: 50 kms from Airport, 22 kms from Railway Station.
  
  
• Highland Beach Resort in Goa
  Location: 30 Kms. from Airport, 35 kms from Railway Station
  
  
• Whispering Palm Beach Resort in Goa
  Location: 45 Kms. from Airport, 25 kms from Railway Station

Home stay

• Arabian Retreat
  Location: 200 meters from Candolim Beach
  
  
• Xavier Beach Resort
  Location: 100 meters from Candolim Beach
  
  
• Ronil Royale Resort
  Location: 200 meters from Calangute Beach
  
  
• Amigo Plaza
  Location: 200 meters from the Colva beach in South Goa
  
  
• Alphaville (Sila Goa) Resort
  Location: 40 kms from Dabolim Airport