Introduction

The word Goa or Gomantak means ‘land of the Gods’ is also known as “Aparant” or “Shurparak” is spread between the Sahyadri mountains and Sindhusagar. The history of the sacred land of Gomantak is well described in Sahyadri Khand of Skandha Purana, the ancient text of Hindu religion. Since then various dynasties have ruled Goa like Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani, Muslims and most famously the Portuguese. This land was liberated by the Indian Army on December 19, 1961 from the Portuguese and became Union Territory of India along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the one of 28th states of the Indian Republic.

Major Tourist Attraction

Besides its natural beauty, Goa is full of major rivers like Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona; wildlife sanctuaries like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary which lie in the eastern forested hilly areas of the state. Travelers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the people. Goa is famous for Beach Tourism which offers multiple options for beach lover. Some of the famous beaches are Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, Miramar are located in the North of Goa while Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem are located in the south. Some other tourist attractions are as:

Fort Aguada

Fort Aguada is famous for lighthouse and structures built by the Portuguese rulers.

Dudhsagar Waterfall

These exotic waterfalls are major attraction of tourists located in the Western Ghats is truly breathtaking, particularly when the falls are at their fullest after the monsoon rains.

Churches of Goa

The famous and magnificent churches of Goa are largely a legacy of Portuguese colonization. Some famous churches of tourist attractions are Se Cathedral Church, Ruins of Church of St. Augustine, The Church of St. Anne, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Reis Magos Church, St. Cajetan Church, Church of St. Francis of Assissi, Church of St Paul and Church of Mary Immaculate Conception etc.

Temples of Goa

Goa has a number of Hindu temples like Shri Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Shri Anantha Temple, Shri Chandreshwar Temple, Devaki-Krishna Temple, Shri Ganesha Temple, the Mahalaxmi Temple, Shri Mangesha Temple, and the Shanta Durga Temple.

Rivers of Goa

The rivers of Goa Holidays like Terekhol, Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona formed the island of waterways enhance its beauty and romance abounds in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters. Even the capital of Goa i.e Panaji is situated on the Mandovi River.

Cuisine of Goa

Cuisine of Goa is a blend of different cultures endures over many centuries. Goa food means the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. Seafood such as prawns, lobsters, crabs, pomfrets, clams, ladyfish, mussels, and oysters are used to make a variety of curries, fries, soups and pickles. Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish dishes are also available.

Minhaj Alam, Editor in IT Department, Culture Holidays, is an alumnus of Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh and is contributing significantly to enrich the tourism information of India by his thought provoking articles written for Culture Holidays, TravelChaCha.com. Some of his Articles like “Incredible India”, “Incredible Rajasthan” “E-tourism of India – Its Future” are published online for different travel websites. The reputed websites like Ezinearticles, Webraydian, Selfgrowth, Infocrystals, Amazines, Ideamarketers, etc. conferred him an honor of Expert Author in the field of India travel and tourism.