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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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more |
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Hotels
in Goa
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Interesting Reading on
Goa:
Newbie's Guide to Goa
by Michael Braganza
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. 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. 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.
Hotels
in Goa
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/ |
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Featured Goa Hotels:
Full
list of hotels in Goa, India
 |
Aguada
Hermitage, Co Fort Aguada Beach Resort, Goa
This deluxe resort was specially
built as a retreat for the Commonwealth Heads of Government. Perched on
top of a hill above the Fort Aguada, there are miles of the golden Calangute
Beach, comprised of 15 luxuriously appointed deluxe garden villas.
Facilities with the Fort Aguada Beach Resort and the Taj Holiday Village,
as well as tennis courts. |
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Marriott
Goa Resort, Panjim, Goa
Surrounded by mystical hills,
lush green trees and right on Miramar Beach, India's Marriott Goa Resort
puts guests in one of the country's most cosmopolitan destinations known
worldwide for its beaches and vibrant festivals. The six-acre resort stands
along the Mandovi River near the Arabian Sea, and offers a casino, spa
and health club. Guests are near Hindu shrines and Christian cathedrals;
quaint villages; wildlife sanctuaries and forest preserves; caves ideal
for spelunking; dolphin cruises; thriving open-air markets; and vibrant
nightlife. At this Marriott, recreational purists will enjoy a freeform
50-meter outdoor pool, swim-up bar, squash and tennis courts, and scuba-diving
center. |
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Phoenix
Park Inn Resort, Sequera Vado - Goa ***
This hotel is the smartest
boutique resort in the area consisting of 58 rooms. Hotel features restaurant,
poolside bar and barbeque, internet cafe, board room and conference hall.
Phoenix Park Inn Resort, the inimitable resort in the heart of the immensely
happening district of North Goa, truly complements the spirit of Goa. The
resort is located an easy buggy ride from Goa’s famed sea n’ sand. |
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Ramada
Caravela Beach Resort, Varca Village, Salcette, Goa
The Ramada Caravela Beach
Resort Goa is located on the serene white sands of Varca Beach, Goa, India.
Reflecting traditional Goan architecture, this property stands along 23
acres of pristine tropical landscape that border the Indian Ocean.
Hotel Features. Nine restaurants and bars grace this prestigious property,
including Sossegado Grill that specializes in grilled-to-order seafood.
Seasonal Castaways presents poolside live music and dancing, and serves
themed barbecue and vegetarian fare. |
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Taj
Holiday Village, Sinquerim Bardez - Goa ****
Located in North Goa, the
Taj Holiday Village is seven kilometers from Calangute Beach and 16 km
from Panaji City, the capital of Goa. Complimentary airport transportation
is provided by the hotel. Guests have access to a full-service health spa
in addition to an outdoor swimming pool, spa tub, and fitness equipment.
Dining options include an authentic Thai restaurant located under a 300-year
old Banyan tree. Taj Holiday Village also features beachside dining throughout
the day, as well. Taj Holiday Village offers 141 guest rooms decorated
in a Goan-Portuguese style, all of which offer high-speed and wireless
Internet access and cable TV with premium channels. All guest rooms also
include balconies with garden or sea views, complimentary newspapers, mini-bars,
refrigerators, and DVD players. |
More
hotels in Goa, India
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