About Goa - History

History

Goa is India's smallest state , it is located on the west coast of india in the region known as Konkan . Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for 450 years till it was liberated from the portuguese to form a part of india on 19th december 1961. 

Goa has a long history of rulers dating back to the 3 rd century BC when it was the part of the mauryan empire .

Goa has been ruled by numerous rulers Silharas,Kadamdas,Chaukyans , kings of Deccan,kings of Vijaynagar,Adilshah of Bijapur and last but not least the Portuguese who were the most sucessful of them all .

The Portuguese came in 1498 ans were the the first Europeans to set foot in India , they soon established a trading colony for the sole purpose of dealing with spices and cotton and later ended up ruling the state when the portuguese admiral alfonso de albuquere defeated the ruling Bijapur kings on the behalf of a local sovereign. 

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North Goa -Beaches

North Goa - Beaches

Baga Beach

• Baga Beach in north Goa is one of the most happening beaches on the coast. 
• You'll find everything from water sports to fine dining restaurants there, along with a pulsating nightlife
• The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats, and at high tide the beach is narrow.
• The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach
• Baga beach is 9 kilometers away from Mapusa city and 16 kilometers away from Panaji city.
• There are many activities like para sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing and ride on a jet ski or take a ride on a jet ski.
•  Dolphin spotting trips and island trips are other popular options
• However, many people are simply content lazing on the sun lounges in front of the beach shacks all day and feasting on a steady supply of food, beer, and cocktails.
• Many people say that the sand of Baga beach is bountiful of some natural medicinal properties.
•  The swimming is very safe in Baga beach because of it's sand and water both are clean.
• The Baga beach is more of a fishing beach with the tourists from across the world trying to get that big catch.
• The Baga beach shacks serve wide variety of food including Goan cuisine of fish, curries and rice.
• Mackie's Saturday Night Bazaar is located by the river in Baga. 
• The Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach and Saturday night market at Arpora are both close by as well, and will satisfy even the best shopaholics.
• The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's drive away from Baga.
•  The nearest railway station is at Karmali 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's drive away from Calangute.
• Baga is well known for its commercial nightlife, most of which can be found in and around Tito's Lane -- home to the infamous Club Tito and Cafe Mambo.
• Cape Town Cafe is widely regarded as the best place to party on Tito's Lane

Calangute Beach

• The word CALANGUTE which has become kolngutt or korgott, is derived rom KOLI-GUTT, (or Gudi), which originally meant land inhabited by fisher folk.
•  With the advent of the Portuguese, the word most likely got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today.
• Calangute is the largest beach in Goa and is also known for its bustling tourist crowd. It is in close proximity to the famous Baga Beach and both are part of the same shoreline.
• The beach is lined with a row of shacks and restaurant which are great places to relax with a pint of chilled Indian Pale Ale.
• The Beatles who used to come to Calangute in the late sixties to rest and enjoy beach life, this luscious stretch of silvery sand is considered as Goa’s most beautiful and also called “The Queen of all beaches”
• In addition to swimming and sunbathing,  para saiingl, water-sking, windsurfing, snorkeling and water-scootering tourists can enjoy.
• From prawns to kingfish, lobster and squid, all are fresh and always available. Other popular local food is vegetarian Thalli, Balchao (fish in spicy, red sauce), Xacuti (meat or chicken cooked with coconut), Vindaloo (spicy pork curry), Sorpatel (spicy pork dish), Reichado (fish stuffed with spicy sauce), Fish Curry (the national dish) and Bebinca (sweet cake made from coconut pancakes).
• Kerkar Art Gallery is the popular art gallery of Calangute that holds display of sculptures and paintings made by Subodh Kerkar.
• The church of St. Alex, which was founded by Franciscans, is popular among tourists for its architectural beauty.
• Located at Mottant, Medicinal Springs is a stream believed to have curative properties.

Miramar  Beach

•      Miramar beach is situated at the distance of 3 km from the Panaji, covered with bed of soft sand surrounded with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea .
•      Miramar beach is the sort of beach where you sit down and watch the sunset in its entire grandeur.
•      The word ‘Miramar’ in Portuguese stands for viewing the sea.
•        A Roman structure at the entrance gives it a very artistic look.
•      At Miramar beach, one can get pleasure and satisfaction with some interesting activities like fishing, bird watching, shopping, strolling around and taking leisurely walks alongside the seaside.
•      Watersports like scuba diving, jet skiing, water surfing and fishing can be enjoyed.  It is not a safe beach to swim due to strong undercurrents.
•      The beach also provides a kaleidoscopic view of the Aguada fort,
•       The best time to visit Miramar Beach is between the months of November and March.
•        During this time, a large number of migratory birds come to the beach.
•        One can see migratory birds such as gulls and plovers at the beach from November to March.
• Miramar is the place to drench in the ocean and cherish in a dolphin spotting tour.

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South Goa - Beaches

South Goa

Beaches in South Goa has an excellent ambiance for beach lovers

South Goa is also known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the state and here is a brief insight on some of those beaches

Bogmalo Beach
Bogmalo Beach – 25 kms from Margao city

• Bogmallo Beach has pure intention of capturing its mesmerizing beauty and presenting you with ever striking curvy shores with a never ending rush of people from around the globe.
• The Bogmalo Beach is one of the irresistible beach of Goa. It is a secluded, crescent shaped cove.
• In South Goa this small half a kilometer long beach is about 3 km from the airport and 8 km away from Vasco.
• Windsurfing and water skiing facilities are available.
• It is a beach-side village that is lined with a number of shops selling artifacts and shacks serving delicious local food.

Palolem Beach 

Palolem Beach – 25 kms from Margao city

• It is the wonderful Goa beach holiday destination for the tourist in look for  a bit of action: water sports, night life and an enormous variety of dining and accommodation options to choose from.
• The palm-fringed sands of Palolem are filled with fishing boats offering dolphin viewing and day trips, jet skis, banana rides and other water activities
• Excellent freshly cooked seafood is everywhere to be found and there are numerous well-run beach hut resorts.
• The Northern End of the beach has a lovely tidal river which joins the Arabian sea, on which one can enjoy charming bird-watching boat rides, ideally suited to small children.
• There is a great lookout point on the rocks on that end of the beach from which to catch a glorious Goa sunset.
• The Southern End of the beach ends in the famous Neptune's Point, a rocky protrusion that forms a separator between Palolem beach and Colomb Bay.
• Neptune's Point is also home to Silent Noise, the famous weekly headphone party, where throngs of tourist flock to get a taste of party Goa and dance the night away to the sounds of trance, house and drum and bass.
• The main Palolem road is the top place for shopping in south Goa, with a variety of clothing and jewellery stores to choose from

Colva Beach

•     Colva beach lies in the south of Goa at the distance of 6 km from the city of Margao. It is the longest beach in Goa.
•     The best time to visit the beach lies between November to February.
•      The beach consists of about 25kms of the fine powdered white sand and is bounded along its coast by coconut palms that stretch from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline.
•       The nearest railway station is Margao, which is 39kms from Colva.
•       In the colonial days it used to be the resting area for Margao’s high society, who would visit Colva for their change of air.
•       Today the area that is reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle of the aristocratic class has the beautiful houses or villas that speckle the village.
•      Beach lovers can try their hand on water scooter rides, jet skiing, speed boat rides, snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, motorboat rides, etc.
•       Apart from these, parasailing is also one of the favorite beach activities for travelers.
•        On the tour to the Colva Beach the tourists can make a visit to a very simple Church called The Church of Lady of Mercy.
•       The church houses the magnificent statue of Menino Jesuse.
•       It was built in the 17 century and is quite famous for the annual religious festival called 'Fama of Menino Jesuse
•       Colva is a famous shopping destination where you can get some colorful clothes, jewelry and other fashion accessories.
•        While on the beach you can try out the exotic sea food.
•        Do not forget to taste the most famous drink of Goa called Feni. It is also known as Fenny. You can either try out the Cashew feni or the coconut feni.
•      Colva's nightlife is livelier and vibrant than anywhere else in south Goa.
•       The two most happening nightspots are down in the dunes south of the beachfront area: splash boasts a big MTV satellite screen and music to match, and a late bar and disco energize and rock crowds around 10.00 pm.
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•  Majorda  Beach
  ·         Majorda Beach – 5 kms from Colva Beach
  
  

  •     Situated in the south of Goa, Majorda beach is one that will sweep you off your feet with its sunshade of palm trees, soft white-sands, clear waters & sheer bliss.
  •      Majorda is a beautiful beach located close to the city of Margao at a distance of 8 kms. from it.
  •     Along the beach lies the village of Majorda which is well-known for baking the best bread in the region
  •    It is also houses Martin’s Corner: a restaurant famous for its Goan dishes, drinks and nice music.
  •       Along the beach are numerous shacks which serve wonderful food
  •      Majorda is also the place where the Jesuits discovered the best toddy of Goa who used it to leaven the bread
  • Benaulim  Beach

    
    

    

    
    

    
    

    
    

    • Benaulim Beach is one of the fairly undiscovered beaches of Goa.
    • Legend has it that this is the place where an arrow shot by Lord Parshuram, sixth incarnation of Vishnu landed.
    • The arrow shifted back the hills hence forming the Konkan.
    •  The place was hence named Banavli (ban means arrow) and later got corrupted to Benaulim by Portuguese
    • Benaulim is one of the few places in Goa where one can glance handicrafts typical to this area.
    • The best of the traditional rosewood furniture is made here.
    • The Church of St John the Baptist is situated on a hill beyond the village and worth a visit. On the arrival of the monsoon, Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao) is celebrated as a thanksgiving.
    • The long beach with its radiant white sand, churning surf, beach shacks, traditional  fishing boats and splendid sunsets is breathtaking.
    • The Benaulim beach is also popular because people can easily go swimming here as the water is free of jellyfish and other hazards.
    • One can see bull fighting at Benaulim Beach between the months of October to March.
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Famous Temples

Famous Temples in Goa

Mallikarjun Temple

Located amidst an enchanting scenery teeming with lush greenery, the Mallikarjun temple is renowned for its colorful festivals observed with pomp and pageantry.

Built by the ancestors of the Kshatriya Samaj in 16th century, the Mallikarjun temple was subsequently refurbished in 1778.

Mahalaxmi holy place

Located at the heart of the Panaji city, the Mahalaxmi temple is a sacred shrine for Hindu devotees.

 The Mahalaxmi temple enshrines the deity of Mahalaxmi, the Goddess of wealth. Mahalaxmi is also regarded the presiding deity of the Panaji city.

 The Mahalakshmi temple assumes significance for being the first Hindu temple to be built in Goa after the Portuguese invasion by Alfonse de Albuquerque.

MahalsaTemple

The magnificent Mahalsa temple is one of the most famous temples in Goa.

 The temple is dedicated to Goddess Mahalsa, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

 Hence the temple is also as the Mahalsa Narayani temple, Narayan being another name for Vishnu.

 The Mahalsa temple is located one kilometer afar from the Mangueshi temple, another prominent temple in Ponda.

Mangueshi Temple

Located about 21 km from Panaji, the Mangueshi temple stands tall amidst the scores of Hindu temple that dot the Goan landscape.

One of the survivors of the destruction unleashed by the Portuguese, the Manguesh temple was originally located at Kushasthali (present day Cortalim).

Naguesh Temple

One of the ancient Hindu temples in Goa, the Naguesh temple is dedicated to Lord Naguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. Courtesy a stone plaque found near the temple, the origins of Sri Naguesh temple can be traced back to 1413, when the region was under the rule of Veer Pratap Devraya of the powerful Vijayanagar Empire.

Ramnath Temple

Located 22 km from the state capital Panaji, the origin of the temple of Lord Ramnath is steeped in mythology.

Natives believe that after slaying King Ravana of Lanka, a remorse-filled Lord Rama installed a shivalinga on the shores in order to atone for his act. Since then the temple came to be known as Rameshwar or Ramnath.

Saptakoteshwar Temple

Acclaimed as one of the six honored temples of Lord Shiva in the Konkan area, the Saptakoteshwar temple has a chequered history dating back to the 12th century.

During that period Saptakoteshwar was the patron deity of the kings of Kadamba dynasty.

 In 1352, when Bahamani Sultan Hassan Gangu usurped the Kadamba kingdom, his armies vandalized the linga of the Saptakoteshwar temple.

Sri Devaki Krishna Temple

Located 17 km from state capital Panaji, Marcel in Ponda taluka is home to some of the most sacred Hindu temples in Goa.

 Among these shrines, Sri Devaki Krishna temple is of great religious significance.

The uniqueness of the Devki Krishna temple lies in the fact that it is the only temple in India with the presiding deity of Devakikrishna, a confluence of Lord Krishna and his mother Devaki

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10 Famous Beaches

10 Famous Beaches

Palolem Beach 

Palolem Beach – 25 kms from Margao city

• It is the wonderful Goa beach holiday destination for the tourist in look for  a bit of action: water sports, night life and an enormous variety of dining and accommodation options to choose from.
• The palm-fringed sands of Palolem are filled with fishing boats offering dolphin viewing and day trips, jet skis, banana rides and other water activities
• Excellent freshly cooked seafood is everywhere to be found and there are numerous well-run beach hut resorts.
• The Northern End of the beach has a lovely tidal river which joins the Arabian sea, on which one can enjoy charming bird-watching boat rides, ideally suited to small children.
• There is a great lookout point on the rocks on that end of the beach from which to catch a glorious Goa sunset.
• The Southern End of the beach ends in the famous Neptune's Point, a rocky protrusion that forms a separator between Palolem beach and Colomb Bay.
• Neptune's Point is also home to Silent Noise, the famous weekly headphone party, where throngs of tourist flock to get a taste of party Goa and dance the night away to the sounds of trance, house and drum and bass.
• The main Palolem road is the top place for shopping in south Goa, with a variety of clothing and jewellery stores to choose from

Baga Beach

• Baga Beach in north Goa is one of the most happening beaches on the coast. 
• You'll find everything from water sports to fine dining restaurants there, along with a pulsating nightlife
• The beach contains rows of shacks and fishing boats, and at high tide the beach is narrow.
• The beach is named after the Baga Creek, which empties into the Arabian Sea at the north end of the beach
• Baga beach is 9 kilometers away from Mapusa city and 16 kilometers away from Panaji city.
• There are many activities like para sailing, kite surfing, windsurfing and ride on a jet ski or take a ride on a jet ski.
•  Dolphin spotting trips and island trips are other popular options
• However, many people are simply content lazing on the sun lounges in front of the beach shacks all day and feasting on a steady supply of food, beer, and cocktails.
• Many people say that the sand of Baga beach is bountiful of some natural medicinal properties.
•  The swimming is very safe in Baga beach because of it's sand and water both are clean.
• The Baga beach is more of a fishing beach with the tourists from across the world trying to get that big catch.
• The Baga beach shacks serve wide variety of food including Goan cuisine of fish, curries and rice.
• Mackie's Saturday Night Bazaar is located by the river in Baga. 
• The Wednesday flea market at Anjuna Beach and Saturday night market at Arpora are both close by as well, and will satisfy even the best shopaholics.
• The nearest airport is at Dabolim, which is 29 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's drive away from Baga.
•  The nearest railway station is at Karmali 11 km away from Panaji. Panaji is just half an hour's drive away from Calangute.
• Baga is well known for its commercial nightlife, most of which can be found in and around Tito's Lane -- home to the infamous Club Tito and Cafe Mambo.
• Cape Town Cafe is widely regarded as the best place to party on Tito's Lane

Benaulim  Beach

• Benaulim Beach is one of the fairly undiscovered beaches of Goa.
• Legend has it that this is the place where an arrow shot by Lord Parshuram, sixth incarnation of Vishnu landed.
• The arrow shifted back the hills hence forming the Konkan.
•  The place was hence named Banavli (ban means arrow) and later got corrupted to Benaulim by Portuguese
• Benaulim is one of the few places in Goa where one can glance handicrafts typical to this area.
• The best of the traditional rosewood furniture is made here.
• The Church of St John the Baptist is situated on a hill beyond the village and worth a visit. On the arrival of the monsoon, Feast of St John the Baptist (Sao Joao) is celebrated as a thanksgiving.
• The long beach with its radiant white sand, churning surf, beach shacks, traditional  fishing boats and splendid sunsets is breathtaking.
• The Benaulim beach is also popular because people can easily go swimming here as the water is free of jellyfish and other hazards.
• One can see bull fighting at Benaulim Beach between the months of October to March.

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Miramar  Beach

•      Miramar beach is situated at the distance of 3 km from the Panaji, covered with bed of soft sand surrounded with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea .
•      Miramar beach is the sort of beach where you sit down and watch the sunset in its entire grandeur.
•      The word ‘Miramar’ in Portuguese stands for viewing the sea.
•        A Roman structure at the entrance gives it a very artistic look.
•      At Miramar beach, one can get pleasure and satisfaction with some interesting activities like fishing, bird watching, shopping, strolling around and taking leisurely walks alongside the seaside.
•      Watersports like scuba diving, jet skiing, water surfing and fishing can be enjoyed.  It is not a safe beach to swim due to strong undercurrents.
•      The beach also provides a kaleidoscopic view of the Aguada fort,
•       The best time to visit Miramar Beach is between the months of November and March.
•        During this time, a large number of migratory birds come to the beach.
•        One can see migratory birds such as gulls and plovers at the beach from November to March.
• Miramar is the place to drench in the ocean and cherish in a dolphin spotting tour.

 

Colva Beach

•     Colva beach lies in the south of Goa at the distance of 6 km from the city of Margao. It is the longest beach in Goa.
•     The best time to visit the beach lies between November to February.
•      The beach consists of about 25kms of the fine powdered white sand and is bounded along its coast by coconut palms that stretch from Bogmalo in the north to Cabo de Rama in the south along south Goa's coastline.
•       The nearest railway station is Margao, which is 39kms from Colva.
•       In the colonial days it used to be the resting area for Margao’s high society, who would visit Colva for their change of air.
•       Today the area that is reminiscent of the luxurious lifestyle of the aristocratic class has the beautiful houses or villas that speckle the village.
•      Beach lovers can try their hand on water scooter rides, jet skiing, speed boat rides, snorkeling, swimming, banana boat rides, motorboat rides, etc.
•       Apart from these, parasailing is also one of the favorite beach activities for travelers.
•        On the tour to the Colva Beach the tourists can make a visit to a very simple Church called The Church of Lady of Mercy.
•       The church houses the magnificent statue of Menino Jesuse.
•       It was built in the 17 century and is quite famous for the annual religious festival called 'Fama of Menino Jesuse
•       Colva is a famous shopping destination where you can get some colorful clothes, jewelry and other fashion accessories.
•        While on the beach you can try out the exotic sea food.
•        Do not forget to taste the most famous drink of Goa called Feni. It is also known as Fenny. You can either try out the Cashew feni or the coconut feni.
•      Colva's nightlife is livelier and vibrant than anywhere else in south Goa.
•       The two most happening nightspots are down in the dunes south of the beachfront area: splash boasts a big MTV satellite screen and music to match, and a late bar and disco energize and rock crowds around 10.00 pm.

Calangute Beach

• The word CALANGUTE which has become kolngutt or korgott, is derived rom KOLI-GUTT, (or Gudi), which originally meant land inhabited by fisher folk.
•  With the advent of the Portuguese, the word most likely got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today.
• Calangute is the largest beach in Goa and is also known for its bustling tourist crowd. It is in close proximity to the famous Baga Beach and both are part of the same shoreline.
• The beach is lined with a row of shacks and restaurant which are great places to relax with a pint of chilled Indian Pale Ale.
• The Beatles who used to come to Calangute in the late sixties to rest and enjoy beach life, this luscious stretch of silvery sand is considered as Goa’s most beautiful and also called “The Queen of all beaches”
• In addition to swimming and sunbathing,  para saiingl, water-sking, windsurfing, snorkeling and water-scootering tourists can enjoy.
• From prawns to kingfish, lobster and squid, all are fresh and always available. Other popular local food is vegetarian Thalli, Balchao (fish in spicy, red sauce), Xacuti (meat or chicken cooked with coconut), Vindaloo (spicy pork curry), Sorpatel (spicy pork dish), Reichado (fish stuffed with spicy sauce), Fish Curry (the national dish) and Bebinca (sweet cake made from coconut pancakes).
• Kerkar Art Gallery is the popular art gallery of Calangute that holds display of sculptures and paintings made by Subodh Kerkar.
• The church of St. Alex, which was founded by Franciscans, is popular among tourists for its architectural beauty.
• Located at Mottant, Medicinal Springs is a stream believed to have curative properties.

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·       Majorda  Beach

·         Majorda Beach – 5 kms from Colva Beach

•     Situated in the south of Goa, Majorda beach is one that will sweep you off your feet with its sunshade of palm trees, soft white-sands, clear waters & sheer bliss.
•      Majorda is a beautiful beach located close to the city of Margao at a distance of 8 kms. from it.
•     Along the beach lies the village of Majorda which is well-known for baking the best bread in the region
•    It is also houses Martin’s Corner: a restaurant famous for its Goan dishes, drinks and nice music.
•       Along the beach are numerous shacks which serve wonderful food
•      Majorda is also the place where the Jesuits discovered the best toddy of Goa who used it to leaven the bread
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• Bagmalo Beach

·         Bogmalo Beach – 5 Kms from Dabolim Airpor

·         Vagator Beach – 9 kms from Mapusa city

·         Dona Paula Beach – 4 Kms from Panjim city

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