Legend goes that when Lord Parusuram wanted to gift land to his followers, he stood atop a high mountain overlooking the
Arabian Sea and shot an arrow into the water. From the point where the holy dart landed, to the base of his mountain, the sea receded and the land rose… and after millions of years of gestation, Goa was born.
With a skyline of Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and forts of the Kadamba and Chalukya dynasties, Goa is a rich amalgamation of cultures and religions. Its palm-fringed coastline along white surf, rich cuisine, breath-taking architecture and the splendour of its cities and ancient towns has been attracting people world over. The history of Portuguese Goa tells us a story of its colonial heritage and its tyrannical monarchs making her a fascinating blend of the Latin and Oriental.
Goa is often referred to as 'the pearl of the east.' Famous for it's soft, white sand beaches, mesmeric sun sets, the state of Goa has been renowned as one of India's most irresistible tourist destinations ever since the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama, sailed down the Malabar Coast in 1498, in search of Christians and spices. The 100 kms long state attracts tourists from all over the country, who come on weekend breaks. Goa, a tiny emerald land of 3,702 Sq.Kms. on the west coast of India, with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches, churches and temples which are famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals. Goa is synonymous with sun, sand and wine.
But Goa certainly is more than just the sun, the sand and the surf. It has a soul that runs deep into its unique history, rich culture and some of the most spectacular natural panorama that India has to offer.
The beaches are the best known of Goa’s innumerable attractions and offer everything from a veritable hive of activities to deep solitude and tranquillity. Among the Northern Goan beaches, Anjuna beach is one of the most appealing ones, inhabited by the hippy population. More than anything else, it is famous for its weekly ‘flea market’, an attraction for the tourists and locals alike. The Calangute beach is undeniably the most famous beach of Goa stretching upto seven kilometres. One of the most commercial beaches, it reaches upto the ramparts of the majestic Fort Aguada, which was once built by the Portuguese for strategic and defence purposes and now serves as the Central Jail. Terekhol and Cabo De Rama are other well-known forts of Goa though not much of them remains to be seen. Other frequently-visited North Goan beaches include Miramar and Baga. Located in the heart of the capital, Panaji, Miramar beach is crowned by the mansion of the Governor of Goa, Cabo Raj Niwas.
Among the beaches of South Goa, Colva is sought by tourists. It supports myriad water-sporting activities and is well endorsed by shops, shacks and accommodation facilities. Contrary to the hype and activity of Colva, beaches down south are deserted and calm, and perfect destinations for solitude-seeking visitors. Benaulim, Varca, Cavellosim and Palolem are the more placid and heavenly shores.
The churches of Goa are another dominant element in her landscape, with white domes, towers and crosses rising from the green sea of waving palms and paddy-fields. Few exquisite churches include The Se Cathedral, The Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church of St Catejan, St. Jerome’s Church in Mapusa, Church of the Holy Spirit in Margao and the Church of Immaculate Conception at Panaji. The dazzling effect of the intricately carved and heavily gilded wood, the decorative motifs and the imposing interiors are a big attraction for tourists.
For more than a thousand years before the Portuguese arrived, Buddhism had fluttered into oblivion after surviving for almost six centuries. However, the ‘lingas’ of Lord Shiva still exist in Buddhist rock-cut caves. The Mangeshi and Shantadurga temples are good examples.
Other places of interest include ‘Big Foot’ at Loutolim. Designed andxecuted by Maendra Alvares, Big Foot portrays ancestral Goa; an open air museum spread over nine acres of land. It was created to preserve the fast fading culture and heritage of Goa and includes India’s longest laterite sculpture depicting Sant Mirabai strumming her ektara.
More vacationers visit Goa every year then any other destination on the west coast of India. Why? Wonderful climate. A glorious history richly preserved in churches, forts, traditional homes, villages and its cities. Spectacular pageantry, colourful festivals, warm and gracious people, superb cuisine. Goa is one of India's most laid back, yet sophisticated and exciting, destinations. From miles and miles of sunny beaches, to the splendors of its quaint cities, towns and cobbled alleyways, Goa is more than just beaches and sunshine. It's also the charm and magic of toxic resorts, a verdant green countryside, lush green forests and abundant wildlife topped with the legendary warmth and hospitality of the Goan people.
And away from the beaten track, travelers discover a romantic and other-century Goa in its medieval small towns, and beautiful villagers, with rich flora and fauna. There is so much to see and yet at the end of it all you feel there's too little time.
A truly exhilarating out of this world experience that only Goa can provide. Whether it's fun adventure, sunshine, spirituality or just plain relaxation, you don't need to look beyond the magical land of Goa.