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| Goa is India's smallest
state in terms of area and the second smallest in terms of population after
Sikkim. It is located on the west coast of India, in the region known as
the Konkan, and is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and
Karnataka to the east and south. The Arabian Sea makes up the state's west
coast. Panjim is the state's capital, and Margao its largest town.
Portuguese merchants first
landed in Goa in the 16th century but soon after, colonised it forcibly,
persecuting Hindus and converting the majority of the locals to Christianity.
However, not all were persecuted into Christianity, many were converted
by choice because of missionaries like St. Francis of the Seven Seas, who
is still honored by both present day Hindus as well as Christians. The
Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed as
part of India in 1961. |
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Newbie's
Guide to Goa by Michael Braganza
Hotels
in Goa
| Goa is a vacation paradise,
rightly said. Located in South Western India, it is famous for three Ss:
Sand, Surf and Sea. Never ending stretch of sandy beaches, water sports,
flamboyant life style, British reminiscent, history, fairs and festivals
make Goa the best, yet economical vacation spot.
Goa owes much to the Portuguese
Raj for its architecture and to nature for rich tropical flora and fauna.
So, Goa has it all - history, culture and cuisine.
Goa - The Location: Goa
lies between the latitudes 14°53'54" N - 15°40'00" N and longitudes
73°40'33" E - 74°20'13" E and covers an area of 3,702 km².
It is elongated stretch of coastal land known as Konkan, facing Arabian
Sea. |
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The Western Ghats mountain
range separates the coastal region from the Deccan Plateau. The highest
point on the Western Ghats in Konkan is the Sonsogor (3,827 feet).
Goa - The Land:
Goa
has a coastline of 101 km (63 miles). Speaking in pure geographical language,
these are mainly rivulets, the major ones being the Mandovi, the Terekhol,
the Zuari, Chapora River and the Betul.
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The Mormugao harbour is
a natural harbour on the mouth of the Zuari. The Mandovi and the Zuari
serve as the lifelines of Goa, with their tributaries draining 69% of the
area. Goa has more than eight marine and about ninety riverine islands
and forty estuarines. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is 157
miles.
Each Beach of Goa has an
individuality of its own. The beaches have popularized Goa as the Beach
Capital of India. They attract over two million visitors annually.
The Goa beaches give the
visitors a "Take It Easy" feeling. You can follow action after action -
endless opportunities to roam around and all-night partying. People of
every budget can enjoy the endless abandonment. |
The Culture of Goa: Goa
exhibits a strikingly different culture from the rest of India. Dravidian
Christian culture has blessed Goa a flamboyant yet peaceful identity. The
natives observe Christmas, Easter, Ganesh Chaturthi and Shigmo with equal
jest.
| Goa Cuisine: Rice
and fish curry is the staple diet in Goa. The region is well-known for
its elaborate fish dishes cooked mainly with coconut oil. For drink, the
good old Feni (local brew) is popular. Feni is a ferment of cashew fruit
and toddy palms.
How to Reach Goa By Air:
Daily flights available to Goa throughout the year from major cities of
India.
By Train: Konkan Railway
connects Goa with major cities of the country by express trains such as
Shatabdi Express, Konkan Kanya, Netravati and Hapa express. Major railway
stations are Vasco, Tivim, Margao and Karmali. |
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Hotels
in Goa
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About the Author: Michael
Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tourism related
topics like Cultural & Historical Travel, Wildlife, Adventure, Safari
and India Tourism. For more details please visit http://www.swagattours.com/ |
GOA
FEATURED HOTELS & RESORTS, INDIA
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All
Seasons Beach Classic, Calangute
All Seasons Beach Classic
Resort Goa's latest boutique Resort located few metres away from the world
famous beach Calangute. All Season Beach Classic Resort Goa is a Boutique
resort which fulfil your requirements with Spectacular views from Swimming
Pool and the world will once again feel like a fine and gentle place. All
rooms at All Season Beach Classic Resort Goa are well designed and include
a self-setting air-conditioned bedroom, a living room with a balcony, satellite
television, well stocked mini bar in a mini fridge, fans in all rooms and
hot and cold running water. Stay at All Seasons Beach Classic Resort Goa
to experience Goan hospitality at its best with the right ambience to spend
any time and any day in all the seasons. |
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Beleza
By The Beach, Colva
Beleza By The Beach is located
in Goa, along the sandy beaches of Colva Beach. With tastefully designed
rooms, it offers an outdoor pool, private beach and free Wi-Fi. Coffee/tea
making facilities and a dining area are included. Guests can relax in the
sauna and steam rooms, or enjoy pampering massage services at the spa.
A separate children’s pool and a well equipped fitness centre are available.
The Beach Beleza also provides free parking and concierge services. A daily
breakfast buffet is served at Beleza By The Beach’s restaurant. Drinks
can be enjoyed at the hotel lounge or poolside bar. |
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Laguna
Anjuna
The Portuguese word Sossegado
, along with many others, is still often used in Konkani, "Goa's" official
language. Often misunderstood to mean lazy, the dictionary defines sossegado
as "quiet, restful, assured, at peace". It means taking time to enjoy the
good things in life and a very sane refusal to be rushed. A refreshing
holiday is an investment in your greatest assets-your family and well-being.
Perhaps Laguna Anjuna's most easily recognized feature is its large lush
tropical garden as one enters, with its large free form swimming pool.
A wild kind of beauty imbues a natural sense of peace and homecoming. |
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Sandalwood
Hotel & Retreat, Vainguinim Beach
Sandalwood Hotel & Retreat
is located in Dona Paula, a short 3-minute walk from Vainguinim Beach.
It offers 4 dining options, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor pool. The hotel is
30 km from Dabolim Airport and 21 km from Karmali Railway Station. Panjim
Shopping Area is 7 km from the hotel while Chance’s Casino is just next
door. Guests can exercise at the well-equipped fitness centre or find entertainment
at the games room. Sandalwood Retreat also provides car rentals and a tour
desk. Sea Pearl Restaurant serves local, Asian and international dishes.
Tea and snacks can be enjoyed at the poolside Upper Coast Café.
Drinks and cocktails are available at Caitan ‘n’ Joe Bar and Salud Latino
Bar. |
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Soul
Vacation Resort and Spa, Colva
Set on 1.5 acres of land,
a boutique in Goa located just 400 metres from the famous Colva beach.
The closest town is Margao which is 7 kms away. Elegant 30 king size rooms,
including 14 Luxury rooms, 8 Deluxe Rooms & 8 Superior rooms. All rooms
have a room safe, mini-bar, satellite & cable television, telephone
& individually controlled air conditioning.True combination of activities
which will relax both your mind & soul. A true combination of activities
which will relax both your mind & soul. With each one more unique &
interesting than the other, you may keep thinking which one to leave &
in the end you might be longing for more |
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Vivanta
by Taj - Fort Aguada, Goa
Vivanta by Taj - Fort Aguada,
Goa is at its best. Romantic. Charming. Vibrant. It has history woven in
its walls. It's where royalty, heads of government and the biggest celebrities
are known to frequent. For the luxury Goa experience, which no other place
has been able to recreate. Not much has changed. There's a nice new buzz
however. In the renewed rooms, cottages and villas, the nouvelle restaurants
and the Jiva spa. Soak in the space that showcases the spirit of Goa. Explore
the horizon as you look over the infinity pool, beyond the 16th century
ramparts of the Portuguese Fort, and wave back to the tide as it works
its way across the Arabian Sea to joyfully greet the Sinquerim beach below.
Explore Goa in a vivid, vibrant way. |
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