Goa

Climate :

The climate of Goa is tropical. This tiny state of India is warm and humid throughout the year, with marginal variation in the temperatures, which stay around 28°-33° C (average maximum temps). Monsoon brings good amount of rain to Goa, during the months of June through August, with July receiving as much as 133 cm. (52 inches). November and February are usually dry.

Significance :

Most Frequented Beach Holiday Destination

Goa – The land of beaches :

Goa, the land of golden beaches, blue sea water, the clear sky, elegant churches resting against green paddy fields and palm trees bordering coastal line, remains in heart of all the visitors and compels them to come back again and again. A place known for sun, sand and sea and unlimited fun, Goa is quite different from the rest of India, having a Indo-western culture and innumerable tourist destinations. A small state with charming locales and heart warming culture, offering the experience of a lifetime.

History :

Portuguese ruled Goa till 1961, but the Indo-Portuguese character of Goa is still alive and evident in its architecture as well as its people. Goa is truly a 365 day holiday.

Famous for – Beaches and Churches :

Goa is known for its beaches and churches, without which Goa is incomplete. Some of the beaches are Anjuna beach, Baga Beach, Miramar beach and many more. There are many churches in Goa famous for their architectural might, some of them are, church of St. Francis Xavier, The Rachel Seminary, The Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus and others.

Connectivity :

• By Air - Dabolim, Goa's airport, is situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Goa is connected by air to Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Cochin and Mumbai by regular domestic flights. Several International charter flights from the UK and western Europe also operate to Goa during the peak season from October to April.
• By Rail - Goa is best connected by rail to Mumbai. Trains are also available from Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin etc.
• By Road - Overnight bus service connect Goa with Mumbai, approx 500 kms/12 hours.

Highlights of the State :

• Panjim, Goa - The capital of Goa, Panaji is also called Panjim by the Portuguese, which means "the land that does not flood". Panaji is a laid back city situated on the southern banks of the Mandovi River, adding to its charm. Panaji is built nearby a church facing a prominent square. The beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and elegant old villas remind of the European architecture.
• Anjuna Beach - Bandhavgarh is also home to many species of birds. They include peacock, jungle fowl, golden and black headed orioles, yellow Ioras, red-vented bulbuls, blue green barbets and mynahs. A few species of migratory birds are also spotted during winters.
• Baga Beach - It is very interesting to note that in the midst of wildlife, the ruins of 2000 years old Bandhavgarh fort is also present. The Fort has a large number of caves belonging to the pre-historic period with Brahmi inscriptions.
• Calangute Beach - One of the most busiest and commercial resort of Goa, Calangute is mere 45 minutes bus ride away from the capital. This peaceful fishing village was once the hub of hippies.
• Cathedral Church, Goa - The Portuguese Viceroy Redondo constructed the Se, or St. Catherine's' Cathedral, situated southwest of St. Cajetan's. This church is larger than any other church in Portugal. It took eighty years to build and was not consecrated until 1640.
• A Cross Shaped Church - The largest church among the group of churches in Old Goa, this church was built on a raised pedestal of laterite, covered over with lime plaster. The church has, eight chapels alongside the aisles and six altars in its structure.