| Goa, the smallest of the Indian states, lies on the | | | | Baga, etc. have small restaurants that supply soft |
| west coast of India. It is one of India's major | | | | drinks, beer, and snacks. Generally |
| tourist destinations; over a million tourists, mostly | | | | accommodation near the beaches is available. At |
| from abroad, visit Goa annually. This state with an | | | | some of these beaches loungers and umbrellas as |
| area of a little over 3000 sq. km. enjoys a | | | | well as water scooters and other water sports |
| coastline of more than 100 km. Its western flank, | | | | facilities are available. At Baga beach Dolphin Rides |
| the coastline, opens on to the Arabian Sea and on | | | | are quite popular among tourists; a boat takes |
| its eastern flank is a mountain range. | | | | you into the sea to areas where you can see |
| Visitors are attracted by the lush hills, beaches, | | | | dolphins gliding along. |
| cool turquoise blue water and coconut groves of | | | | Nature and Wildlife |
| sunny Goa. The mystique of India with its fabric | | | | Goa has been very conscious of its ecology and |
| of many religions, diverse languages, and above all | | | | nature. It has a number of wildlife sanctuaries and |
| its lively spirit and its warm, friendly people attract | | | | bird sanctuaries. In southern Goa, Bhagwan |
| people the world over. | | | | Mahavir Sanctuary is the largest wildlife preserve |
| Climate | | | | where you see herds of deer, Indian bison and |
| Except for the period June to August when Goa | | | | black panthers. Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary lies in the |
| is lashed by heavy rains; for the rest of the year | | | | northern part of Goa. This is a small preserve |
| Goa is warm and humid with temperature ranging | | | | where you see the Indian bison, jackal, |
| between 28°-33° C. (average maximum | | | | black-faced langur, wild boar and different species |
| temps). The months between November and | | | | of deer. |
| February are usually dry. | | | | Famous Dudhsagar Waterfalls are in the eastern |
| People | | | | part of Goa. Here water in large amounts falls |
| Open and fun loving, Goans have a passion for | | | | from the height of hundreds feet; this is a |
| music and dance. Virtually every restaurant or bar | | | | picturesque sight which is very popular with |
| boasts a live band, even if it's no more than a | | | | nature lovers, hikers and trekkers. |
| single Spanish guitar! They have an enviable | | | | Churches |
| laid-back lifestyle. Goan cuisine is an inspired | | | | Catholic religion has strong roots in India and there |
| marriage of local Konkani food style and | | | | are many Christian churches in Goa that are |
| Portuguese food style; it comprises of fiery | | | | famous. To name a few: the 16th century Basilica |
| curries and stews using beef, pork and fish with | | | | of Bom Jesus has the embalmed mortal remains |
| generous use of cocoanut in it. Most restaurants | | | | of St. Francis Xavier enshrined in a silver casket |
| serve local specialties as well as other Indian | | | | here since 1553; it is famous among Catholics of |
| regional cuisines. You can get authentic | | | | the world and both Christians and Hindus come to |
| international cuisines in large hotels and | | | | pay homage here. Cathedral of St. Catherine, |
| restaurants. | | | | which has an 80m long aisle and 14 altars is the |
| Beaches | | | | largest church in Asia,. |
| Goa has numerous golden sand beaches along its | | | | Tourist Accommodation |
| 105 km long coastline. These golden sand beaches | | | | There are many 4 & 5 star hotels in various cities |
| are free of urban pollution and provide relaxation | | | | of Goa. Apart from that many modest hotels |
| and tranquility. Most of the beaches like Dona | | | | cater to the backpackers and hikers. |
| Paula, Caranzalem, Calangute, Candolim, Sinquerim, | | | | |