Goa

Introduction: Goa is the evergreen tourists destination of India. Due to its incredible beauty, Goa is called by various names such as Tourist Paradise, Rome of the East, Pearl of the Orient or more popularly Jewel of India. It is full of thousands of visitors throughout the year. It not only enjoys big reputation as favorite honeymoon destination in India, but all over the globe too. Blessed with breathtaking blue beaches, sensuous silvery sand, fabulous flora and fauna, rich cultural heritage, captivating churches and terrific temples, Goa is the largest earner of tourism revenue in India. You can only view the real Goa in the interiors and not on the coast. The tradition and culture can be viewed inside Goa and not coasts where most of the tourists throng.

History: Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa. Various dynasties have ruled Goa in its history. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa got its freedom from the Portuguese in December 19, 1961. The Indian Army played a major role in liberating Goa. It was an union territory with a chief minister of its own. It was given statehood in May 1987 when it was recognized as 25th Indian state. Goa has totally separate lifestyle compared to other India, as it is a mix of east and west and has people of all races and religions – a true example of secular and peaceful India.

Places of interest: Panaji, the capital of Goa and headquarters of North Goa District, is a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid garden, statues and avenue's lined with Gulmohar, Acassia and other trees. Just 34 kms away from Panaji, Mormugao Harbor is one of the fine natural anchorages on the west coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity. Margao is 33 kms away from the capital city of Goa. It is thriving commercial metropolis linked by rail to the rest of India.

Travel information: Goa is the smallest state of India, located in its western coast. It is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian Sea. Mumbai is very near to Goa.