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