- Where is the state of Goa
- Goa history
- How to get to Goa
- Goa beaches
- What to see in Goa
A paradise for a beach holiday called Goa is associated with Russians, first of all, with the cleanest beaches, white sand and gentle sea. As a rule, most tourists think that Goa is an island, but this is not entirely true. Goa is a small state in India with a population of over 1,400,000 and plays an important role in the country's public life. From this article you will find out not only where Goa is, but also get acquainted with its attractions and tourist infrastructure.
Where is the state of Goa
Goa, amazing in its landscape and climatic conditions, is located on the southwestern coast of India. Today the state has the official status of a Portuguese colony with the capital in the city of Panaji. On the north side, Goa borders the state of Maharashtra, and the state of Karnataka is the southeastern "neighbor" of this territory.
Goa has a small area of 3,700 square kilometers, along which stretches a picturesque coastline with a length of 115 kilometers. The dimensions of Goa from south to east are only 105 kilometers, from east to west - 65 kilometers. The western part of the state is dominated by the waters of the Arabian Sea, famous among tourists for its beautiful beach areas, created on both the southern and northern coasts.
The Sahyadri mountain range (Western Ghats), which rises in the west of Goa, has a significant impact on the state's climate. Here you can also see the highest point of the mountain ranges, reaching almost 1200 meters above sea level.
Geographically, the state is divided into 40 beach areas, of which Bogmalo, Candolim, Manjorda, Benaulim, Palopem and others are especially significant.
Goa history
In 1501, the account of the history of Goa begins, when the navigator from Europe Afonso d'Albuquerque reached the shores of the state and took it under his rule, proclaiming Old Goa the capital. Then the power passed into the hands of the famous traveler Vasco da Gama, who devoted his life to the state and died here. Over the course of several decades, Goa developed into a state to which many lands were annexed, from Africa to China.
Subsequently, the Catholic faith began to spread gradually in Goa thanks to the preaching work of St. Francis Xavier and other clergy. More and more churches and temples were erected in the cities, and the locals got used to the new religion.
Prosperous for those times, Goa began to decline at the end of the 17th century due to the fact that the British and Dutch negatively influenced the economic situation of the state. Soon after the governor of Old Goa moved to Panaji, many of the significant architectural monuments were destroyed. However, the city remained a focus of Catholicism for many years.
During the war with Napoleon, the state passed into the possession of Britain, and in the middle of the 20th century it was captured by Indian troops. As a result of all the civil strife, Goa was officially recognized as the territory of India and separated from the Union republic.
In the second half of the 20th century, Goa became a place of pilgrimage for representatives of the hippie culture, who flocked here from all over the world.
How to get to Goa
When planning your trip to Goa, do not forget to take care of how you will get to the state in advance. The most common are the following: by plane; by bus; by train.
Both direct and charter flights of RossiyaAir, Transaero, Qatar, Air Arabia, Oren Air and UTair operate from major cities of Russia to Goa. Travel time can vary from 7 to 14 hours. It depends, first of all, on the air carrier, the route chosen and the point of departure. Many Russian tourists prefer to fly charter flights via Mumbai, Doha and Sharjah. At the same time, the cost of tickets for domestic flights from Mumbai will pleasantly surprise you.
If you are already directly in India, then a rather convenient option to get to Goa is to travel by bus of local companies. The largest carrier is the Paulotravels tour operator, which will take you to your destination from almost any neighboring state. For a seat you will pay from 340 to 450 rupees, but for the opportunity to lie down during the trip you will have to pay from 500 to 700 rupees.
When choosing a train as a means of transportation, it must be remembered that India has a well-developed railway network. Therefore, getting to Goa by train will not be difficult. From Mumbai to Goa, trains of various levels of comfort run several times a day, which is quite convenient. Travel time is about 12 hours, after which you arrive at one of the terminal stations (Karmali, Madgaon or Tivim), from where you continue your journey. There are also many trains from the capital of India to Goa, but be prepared for about 28 hours on the road.
Goa beaches
The resort areas of Goa are the pride of the state, as all the efforts of the local government are aimed at equipping and maintaining the proper level of this particular tourism sector. Among the most famous northern and southern beaches are:
- Arambol beach, which is 16 kilometers long, where you can find cozy lagoons with fresh and salt water, as well as entertainment for every taste. Couples and seniors prefer relaxation on this beach. Not far from Arambol there is a unique lake with healing mud, which helps to get rid of many chronic diseases.
- Anjuna beach is ideal for outdoor activities. Young people gather on its coast, wishing to take part in a variety of themed parties and club show programs. In the 70s, this Anjuna was a favorite destination for hippies. On Wednesdays, merchants gather near the beach and offer a wide range of local souvenirs.
- Calangute beach is especially popular with tourists from Russia, as this is where most of the hotels, shopping areas, clubs and restaurants are located. Combined with a gentle entrance to the water, a high level of safety and a variety of activities, the beach is considered a great place to spend your time.
- Benalim beach, where travelers, vacationers on their own, aspire. The infrastructure of the beach is not as well developed as on the rest, but the area is quite clean and well-groomed, and the sea coast is distinguished by a sandy bottom. Not far from Benalim there are cozy houses that can be rented at an affordable price.
- Varca beach is an ideal place for people with an average income, which is why tourists who want to relax not only comfortably, but also democratically tend to get to this beach. A wide coastal strip, a minimum of nightclubs, mesmerizing seascapes, the opportunity to swim with dolphins and go on an exciting sea excursion - all this attracts the attention of tourists to Varka.
What to see in Goa
After enjoying the water procedures and sunbathing, tourists go to get acquainted with the historical heritage of Goa. Special attention should be paid to the Cathedral of St. Catherine, the estate of Menezes Braganza, built in the medieval style, the temple complex of Shri Mangesh and Shri Mahalasa, as well as Fort Chapora.
Do not forget to visit Arvalem Falls, Bandla and Cotigao nature reserves, where all the variety of flora and fauna of Goa is represented. Culinary gourmets should take a tour of the Sahakari Plantation, whose staff are specialists in the cultivation of cinnamon, cardamom, coriander and other aromatic spices.
Oddly enough, Goa's restaurants are on the list of attractions, as traditional Indian cuisine is considered an integral part of the country's cultural heritage. Fans of gastronomic pleasures will appreciate the restaurants Florentine, Fishermans Wharf, Palacio do Deao, Bon Appetit and Pousada by beach.
