Goa
The Indian state of Goa, also known as 'the pearl of the east', is known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins, palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. With its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important tourism destination in every tourist's itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa is a perfect tourism heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation. Goa is one of India's special tourism places, a State seemingly blessed with fabulous weather, even more fabulous beaches, delightful people, good food, hill-top forts, little white-washed churches, soaring Portuguese-era cathedrals, a unique cultural legacy-small wonder, therefore, that Goa is one of India's prime tourism and holiday destinations.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches ( Calangute, Colva, Dona Paula, Miramar, Anjuna, Palolem, Vagator, Arambol, Agonda.) and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax
Place of Interest
Goa Beaches
The ideal combination of sun, sand, sea and surf is enough to send a person packing his bags and go on a short holiday. It becomes even better when that holiday is in one of the popular Goan beaches. Goa has a long coastline that makes it the ideal state to have beaches. The beaches of Goa the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and holiday in India.
Goa Churches
Goa is literally synonymous with churches. They are living testimonies of the rich historical past of Goa. During the early days of the Portuguese rule in India, church building was the primary concern and occupation in Goa. This was because of their zeal to spread Christianity.
Goa Carnival
One of the most colorful and popular festival of Goa is the Goa Carnival. This three day extravaganza, of fun, frolic, amusement and merry-making, takes place in the month of February. The Goa Carnival festival is one of the most eagerly awaited events of the year. Though essentially a Christian festival, all people of Goa, irrespective of their faith and religion take part in this festival.
Dudhsagar Waterfalls
The Dudhsagar waterfalls are located in the Sanguem district of Goa near the Goa-Karnataka border. It is located at a distance of around 60 kilometers from Margao and can be reached easily by hiring a taxi or taking a bus from either Margao or Panaji.
Goa Spice Plantations
Goa is synonymous to its exotic beaches and pulsating nightlife. Tourists come here to enjoy the relaxed pace of life and rediscover themselves in peaceful and serene surroundings. But there is more to Goa than just beaches, churches, nightlife and casinos. A major attraction in the rural side is the spice plantation of Goa.
Sri Bhagawati Temple
Located in Pernem, the Sri Bhagawati temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga. This temple is supposed to be over 500 years old and is dedicated to Goddess Ashtabula or Eight Handed Goddess. The temple is constructed in a grand style and the entrance is flanked by two statues of elephants.
Sri Datta Mandir
The Sri Datta Mandir is located in Sanquelim in Goa and is dedicated to the Hindu trinity of Lord Vishnu, Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma. The temple's annual festival is held in December - January and it is located amidst beautiful surroundings on a hill. Devotees claim that people who come here with mental ailments are miraculously cured.
Sri Chandreshwar Temple
This temple is located in Ponda, Goa. The Chandreshwar temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the beautiful Shiva Lingam located here is a major attraction. During full moon night, the Lingam bathes in moonlight and looks magical. One can have a beautiful view of the valley below from the temple.
Sri Mangesh Temple
Sri Mangesh temple is a famous temple located in the Ponda district in Goa. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The lovely temple attracts lots of devotees and the architecture of the temple follows every norm of the traditional Hindu architectural style.
Sri Shantadurga Temple
Shantadurga temple is dedicated to the Goddess known as Shantadurga who is known to be a peaceful form of Goddess Durga. According to legends, she settled a major dispute between Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu amicably. The temple is constructed beautifully and is located amidst scenic landscapes.
Jama Masjid
Located at a distance of 25 kilometers from Margao, the Jama Masjid is located at the Sanguem district in Goa. The Jama Masjid was re-built in 1959 as it had started to fall apart due to the lashes of time. The beautiful is commendable for its simple yet elegant construction. The entrance of the mosque is flanked by two beautiful and the mosque is surrounded by elegant "Minars". The top of the minars have dome shaped cabins.
Photo Gallery
