Goa - known as the Pearl Of India, is a multifaceted destination. It is more beautiful than Switzerland. The ambience of Goa is unique and vastly different from rest of India. The world famous majestic western ghats, which adorn the state's eastern skyline, offer a wide spectrum of landscape, wilflife and colours. Swaying palms, miles of golden sun and sands , lush abundant greenary and mangrove forests, blue skya and pale hills - a maginificent hybrid of oriental and occidental baroque architecture set in a tropical landscape, a incredible cultural heritage unique cultural synthesis of east and west, a rare blend of yesterday and tommorow. Deities leaving side by side in their elegant temples, magnificent churches and mosques. International cuisine with local flavour. Scumptous seafood, feni, fruits and spices of life, The land of fun and frolic and hardwork as well. Such are the treasures of Goa. The 450 years of colonial portuguese rule have imaprted a distinct Latin ambience to the state of goa that makes the western tourist feel very much at ease. But despite its western form, the soul and the content of Goa remains essentially Hindu with tradition going back 2000 years. Goa having many fragrances, its charm lies essentially in the fact that its possible for every tourist to find exactly what he is looking for in this little heaven. A holiday destination for all seasons, Goa's unique architectural tradition with its fusion of many styles and tradition, its magnificent old homes with their priceless antiques and its temples and churches make it an ideal place to soak in culture. For the more energetic, its varied landscape offers a wide range of sports ranging from football and watersports to trekking.
Goa is nestled between the Sahyadri ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west and is an emerald fleck on India's western shore. It is a 5o minute flight to south of mumbai. Much as it is famous for its beaches, Goa is also famous for its historic churches and temples. the unique culture of Hindu, Muslim, Christain and Portuguese makes for a fascinating potpourri of architecture, religion, language and cuisine. The freindly and hospitable people relfect in their moods and manners and way of life the ethos of rich cultural heritage. A happy distinctive blend of east and west, a splendid blossom of the all embracvie Indian genius for synthese laced with algeria, the Goan spirit of laughter, a good fellowship and affection. Its no wonder that Goa is called the Pearl of the Orient. Brilliant lush green fields of irrigated paddy surround villages and hamlets with white painted churches standing out against occasional empty patches of startling red soil. In the backgroud are the jungle clad hills, pizzas of churches, cool temple tanks, shady Goan houses and elegant mansions splashed with the colour of bougianvillea lend the atmosphere of lethargic Portuguese villages. With some of India's finest beaches, Goa has long been popular as a place for relaxation. Yet inland goa, predominantly Hindu, has much to offer with interesting temples around Ponda and the 12th-13th century site of Tambdi Surla. the former portuguese enclave of Goa has beckoned travellers for many years with its palm fringed beaches, liberal attitudes and renowned travellers' scene. Gleaming, Portuguese styled white washed churches, paddt fields, dense coconut palmgroves and crumbling forts guarding rocky capes make up the Goan landscape. Markets are lively colourful affairs and siesta is widely observed during the hot afternoons. Goans love to celebrate and this is reflected in huge number of feasts and festivities.
Goa is a land with a glorious past that extends far beyond its four and half centuries of colonial rule. Indeed, history has palyed an immense role in in shaping the Goa psyche. For, during the course of its past, Goa has welcomed into its midst a conglomeration of different races and people. Infact, it s ithe only state in Inida offering a compoasite of cultures. And its uniqueness lies in the fact that while creating a delicate synthesis of variuos cultures, Goa has retained its inherent soul. The essence of Goa lies in its marvellous expanse of palm fringed beaches and azure blue seas, all warmed by the sun and local hospitality. Goa is all about relaxed lifestyle, enlivened by the Goan love for music and dance, spiced up by its superb cuisine. Thats why, Goa is also known as Gourmet's Paradise. The climate is just the type to chill out and have fun. Summers on the golden sands, winters in the warm waters or soaking in the Goan rains - Goa is exhilarating round the year. An experience in the hinterlands of Goa fills the heart with more than just tranquility. There is more to Goa than sun, sand and natural beauty. The allure is quite distinct from the rest of India - its not just the familiar remanents of European colonialism or the picturebook exocitism that make it seem so accessible, its the prevalence of a form of social and political progressiveness that westerners feel they can relate to.
Also read:
Facts And Figures Of Goa
