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A tiny emerald land of 3,702 Sq. Km. on the west coast of India, with its
natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches, churches and temples, famous for
it's architecture, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a
rich cultural milieu, has an ideal tourist profile. Econced on the slopes of
the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges), Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg
district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar
Districts of Karnataka, and on the west by Arabian Sea.
It's rivers -Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona, which are
navigable throughout the year, have their origin in the Sahyadri ranges and
flow westward into the Arabian sea 60kms. away, breaking the long coastline
covering a length of 105Kms. into the enchanting estuaries and bays which mark
off idyllic palm-fringed beaches like - Arambol, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga and
Calangute in the North, and Colva, Cavelosim, Betul and Palolem in the South.
North Goa:
This is, mostly the lively part of goa but there are plenty of away from it
all hotels and resorts too. Tourism started here in the 60's with hippies,
most of whom have now disappeared. Maybe they've just cut their hair. Who
Knows?. It is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Places of Interest:
Anjuna Beach: (18 kms from Panaji). A popular beach area adjacent to Chapora
fort. In Anjuna there is magnificent Albuquerque mansion built in 1920,
flanked by octagonal towers and attractive Mangalore tiled-roof.
Arambol Beach (50 kms from Panaji). A unique beach in the North Goa, it is a
rocky and sandy beach and much sought after. It has a sweet water pond right
on the shore.
Arvalem Waterfalls - Bicholim : 9 kms. south of Bicholim town at Arvalem, it is
a 24-metre high waterfall, best viewed after the monsoons. The ancient caves
in the vicinity adds a touch of antiquity to this picturesque place, which
finds a major attraction for the film makers as a favourite shooting spot.
Calangute Beach(16 kms from Panaji). It is the most popular holiday resort in
Goa. Excellent accommodation facilities are available, particularly at the
tourist resort and cottages.
Sinquerim Beach (16 kms. from Panaji). The southern most beach of the
Calangute stretch, this beach has good accommodation and water sports
facilities.
Baga Beach (18 kms. from Panaji). It is at the northern tip of a wonderful 7
kms. stretch along the coastal North Goa. Accommodation including star hotels
are available throughout this stretch.
Morjim Beach (40 kms. from Panaji). In the mouth of the Chapora river and
facing the famous Chapora fort, this is another famous beach of northern Goa.
Central Goa
It is an ideal base to explore Goa and is very near the Capital Panjim. Old
Goa is a heritage of the 16th century. The Patron Saint of Goa is St. Francis
Xavier. His umembalmed body can be viewed at the Basilica of Bom Jesus. The Se
Cathedral has a fantastic gilt altar.There are also many interesting Hindu
Temples like Mangeshi and Shanta Durga Temples
Places of Interest
Dona Paula (7 kms from Panaji). An idyllic picturesque spot, Dona Paula
commands a fine view of the Zuari river and Mormugao Harbour. Water Scootering
facilities are available here.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary - Chorao , Panaji: Spread over 1.78 sq. kms. and
located at the western tip of the island of Chorao along river Mandovi near
Panaji, it is fully covered with mangrove species. Varieties of local as well
as migratory birds frequently visit the area.
Aguada Fort: 18 kms. From Panaji and situated on a headland of the river
Mandovi, this strongest fort of Goa was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612,
to command the entry into the river Mandovi, in order to protect Old Goa from
potential enemy attacks.
South Goa
The Quieter area of Goa with the exception of Colva beach, ideal for those who
want to unwind and do nothing. The local village of Margao is a short taxi
ride away for those in search of souvenirs and a little taste of Goan living.
But essentially choose the South if you want to get "get away" from it all and
just be pampered. However there are some bars, restaurants and those ever so
popular "Beach Shacks" though they maybe a short taxi ride away.
Places of Interest
BENAULIM Beach (4 kms. from Margao). Situated at Benaulim village near Margao,
it is one of the famous beaches of south Goa.
COLVA Beach (About 6 kms. from Margao). Colva beach is the pride of Salcete
and the only rival to Calangute by its scenic splendour. Here, sand, sea and
sky blend in enchanting natural harmony unspoilt by men. It has good
accommodation facilities, particularly at the tourist cottages.
BHAGVAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY - MOLEM Situated along the North-East
border of Goa at Molem, about one-and-a-half hours' journey from Panaji (60
kms.) along Panaji Belgaum National Highway, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife
sanctuary covers 240 sq. kms. of thick forest clad slopes of Western Ghats and
its valleys and is the biggest of the three sanctuaries of Goa. The sanctuary
is rich in wildlife.
BOGMALO Beach (5 kms. from Goa Airport). Well connected by road, it offers
excellent water sports facilities.
CANSAULIM Beach (15 kms. from Margao). A famous beach in Mormugao taluka near
Cansaulim railway station.
DUDHSAGAR WATERFALLS Literally meaning 'The Sea of Milk', it is situated on
the Goa-Karnataka border, at a distance of 60 kms. from Panaji and 10 kms.
from Colem Railway Station. This beautiful waterfalls is accessible by train
and rough road. Water plummets hundreds of feet in large volume, in cascades,
forming one of the most spectacular of all natural phenomena in Goa and a
lifeline of our ecosystem in one of our Sanctuaries.
CHURCH OF ST. ALEX 9 kms. from Margao at Curtorim, it is one of the it is one
of the
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