Talk of the beach and your mind says “Goa”. It’s popular, scenic, has adventure sports and is culturally alive.
On the Map
Flanked by the Arabian Sea in the west and the Sahyadri mountains in the east, Goa has many rivers criss-cross the state adding to its natural beauty. The rivers include Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpon.
Back in Time
The Portuguese arrived in Goa in 1510 and were impressed, by the exotic landscapes and the promise of a lucrative port. Their legacy is still evident in the state’s ornate architecture, whitewashed churches, forts, colourful ceremonies and the stunning cathedrals.
Indulge
There are as many as 54 beaches —Palolem, Anjuna, Vagator, Calangute, Mober, Baga and Miramar to name a few, along the 125 km long coastline. Take a Hot Air Balloon and see Goa from the skies. Many of the beaches offer water sports. You have a wide range to choose from — water-skiing, windsurfing, ski-biscuit, para sailing, ski bob, snorkelling, sports fishing, water-scooter, motorboat rides, yachting, harpoon fishing and kayaking.
Do not miss!
Dudhsagar falls: The closest station is Castle Rock and you could trek to the falls from here. Water plummets from 600 metres deep down into an attractive pool formed between the steep-sided rocks.
Museum trail: There are five museums — Archaeological Museum, Museum of Goa, Museum of Christian art, The Indian Customs and Central Excise Museum of India.
Heritage walk: If you are a history buff there are seven forts that will interest you. According to legend, Cabo de Rama Fort, in south Goa, is where Lord Rama stayed with Sita during their 14 years of exile. This fort was invaded by many armies at different periods of time and has also served as a prison for political prisoners during the Portuguese rule.
Fort Aguada, was once the most formidable and impregnable of the Portuguese forts and is the best preserved Portuguese fort in India today.
The Reis Magos Fort was one of the first bastions of the Portuguese rulers. It was built as a military outpost in 1493 by the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur.
The Terekhol Fort was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle, the king of Sawantwadi in the 17th century. It was later taken over by the Portuguese. This fort also served as the base for freedom fighters during the freedom fight of 1961.
Besides these, there is also the Chapora fort, the Corjuem fort, and the Rachol fort.
Wildife sanctuaries: The Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary is an area of high biodiversity, and is being considered to become a Project Tiger tiger reserve because of the presence of resident Bengal tigers.
Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary has pristine vegetation and is home to black panther, barking deer, pangolin and more. Several species of birds can be found here.
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is a popular destination while the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its dense forest of tall trees, some of which reach 30 metres in height. A special feature of the sanctuary is a treetop watchtower, 25 metres above a watering hole for animals to drink.
The Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is an estuarine mangrove habitat and must not be missed.
