At a Glance:— Capital— Panaji. Area:— 3702 square Kms. Population:— 1343998. 0.13% of population of India. Male:— 685617. Female:— 658381. 363 live in per square Km. 1000 males against 960 females. 38% Christian, 60% Hindu, Muslim and other only 2%. 82.32% literate. Growth of Population according to 1991-2001 census 14.89% . Major language Konkoni. Dialect predominantly Marathi and Portuguese. Hindi, English and Portuguese language are spoken. Yet Marathi is a major language in the north and Konkoni in the south. Per capita income Rs. 6939 (1989-90). With some variation, Goa is 1022 feet above sea level. Climate is moderate. In winter temperature varies from (32.2- 21.3) degree Celsius and in summer it is (32.7-24) degree Celsius. Rain fall 350 centimeter from June to September.
In tourism Goa’s attraction is formidable. In 1995 inland tourist who were 8.78 lacks, visited Goa while 2.30 lacks foreign tourists visited Goa.
Season of Tour:— From 15th September to 15th June peak period of traveling Goa is mid December to January.
A Brief History of Goa: — 
It is 25th state of India. In area it is 28th state and in population it is 25th state. In length it is104 kms from North to South and in breadth it is 59 kms from east to west. Arabian Sea is in the west and in the east is Stony Sahyadri Mountains. Konkonis live in this state. They are mixture of aborigine Kasadigs and Aryans. Untill recently it was a centrally administered state having three separate zones not analogous to each other. These three zones are called Goa, Daman, and Diu. Goa became a full fledged state in the year 1987. Other two Zones— Daman and Diu neither connected by road nor by water ways with each other. Distance of Daman from Panaji via Mumbai is 787 kms. While Diu is 1523 kms away from Panaji via Mumbai, Ahmadabad and Bhavnagar.
Goa is a land of deep forest where Jack fruit, Cash nut, Mango, Coconut, grow in abundance. Many rivers come down from the western Ghat Mountains and Sahyadri Mountains. The Arabian sea washes the feet of Goa. The rivers Mondovi and Juari have jointly created a creak. In between these two rivers different villages and towns have come up. The state is rich in minerals specially —- Iron ore, Manganese and Bauxite. The state stands second in respect of per capita income after Punjab. There are more than 3500 different kinds of trees and plants in the 1428.38 square kms forest of Goa. It is very rich in forest wealth. In the Mangrove forest there are wild life sanctuary and marine orchids which have increased the attraction of Goa.
The Arabian sea at Goa resembles Kaleidoscope. Huge arrangements of water sports have been made in the sea in Goa. For details one can come in contact with National Institute of water sports E-3, Dramila Apartments, Mangor Hills, Vascoda Gama, Goa.
The climate is full of variety. Natural sights and sounds are marvelous. It is the heaven of Tropical climate. Light sweater is enough in December – January. Autumn is placid and sweaty. Still it is heartening to visit Goa in monsoon. The plains of Goa are covered with carpet of green grasses. Chirruping of birds, falling of rain drops from leaf to leaf, spectrums of flowers are the attraction beyond description. Hoteliers declare rebates in monsoon. Euphoria of foreign tourists dominates the whole of Goa. In 2000-01 foreign tourists landed in Goa by 419 chartered Airbuses. They were 116992 in numbers. There are 29 sea beaches along the 105 kms long Sea shore which is wrapped in golden sands. Among them, the world famous Calangute, Baga, Benaulim, Arambol, Vagator, Champora, Anjuna in the north Goa and in the south Goa Colva, Betul, Bagmalo, Palolem may be mentioned. The silver Sunshine on the Golden beach and blue water of Palolem is peerless in India for recreation. It is romantic in character; Goa is different from the whole of India in respect of inheritance. A woman is entitled to 50% property of her husband. Goanese are fond of festivals. 12 months of the year are the festival season of Goa.
Performance of drums, festival of illumination, x mass, Ganes Chaturthi are the gorgeous festivals. Yet it is extraordinary to take part in the death anniversary of St Francis Xavier at Basilica of Bom Jesus in old Goa on 3rd December. The anniversary is held once in twelve years. This is called Exposition of the unembalmed miraculously preserved body of St. Xavier. food and cultural festival with much fanfare is organized every year in November in Miramar beach. X mass is observed in the style of Lent. It is a great carnival in Goa.
Goa has a multi colored history. It had been under Portuguese rule from 1510 A.D. to 1961 A.D. In the year 1961 Government of India under the command of General J.N.Chowdhury annexed Goa, Daman and Diu. In the 1510 A.D. Alfonso De Alboobaque with only 20 warships and 1200 hundred soldiers he fought the massive army of Adilshaha of Bijapur Sultanate and took the possession of the Pearl of the Ancient that is the unblemished Pearl Goa. Since then it became the place of unrestricted business between East and West. Spices transshipped from India to the European market and different consumer goods were sold in the market of Goa. Padres, Bishops followed the path of merchants of Europe and landed in Goa to preach Christianity among the Indians. Among them St. Francis Xavier was most countable. (1512 A.D.) He established Jesuit Mission and preached Christianity.
It has a long history. It has been on the lips of people since the days when all worlds were water. Since that mythology era Goa has been the envy to others. The Portuguese, the British, the France, the Dutch came here one after another, besides them; many other people from other countries of the Globe stepped into Goa. Some came out of adventure, some for commercial benefit and some other with philanthropic mission. Goa has found its place in the Ramanaya, the Mahabharata and other mythological books. It was called the queen of the east. It was a part of the Murya Empire in the 3 B.C. The Satbahans of Kohlapur reigned it in the 2 B.C. Tolima mentioned it in his book as Gouba, Chalakya kings of Badami ruled it from 580-750 A.D. Under the rule of the Kadambas the old Goa got inhabit Ted. They had their capital at Chandrapur. The Muslim invaded Goa in 1312 by defeating the Kadamba King.
Harihar, the Hindu king of Bijoy Nagar defeated the Muslim rulers and brought it under his control in 1370. He maintained his supremacy for the next one hundred years. In 1470 Bahamani sultanate annexed it. Bahamani Empire broke into pieces as a result Goa went into the hands of Adilsheha of Bijapur. Ala that is velha of Portuguese became capital of Goa. Since then, Goa became a land of interest for spices to the foreigners. It also became a famous market for Arabian Horses.
In 1498 Vasco Da Gama reached the Malabar Coast crossing the Cape of Good Hope. The Europeans discovered the water ways to India avoiding the land of Arabs. In March of 1510 Portuguese Alfonso De Albuquerque landed in Goa. Without any fight, he took the possession of Goa. After 3 months, Eusuf Adil Saha, Sultan of Bijapur, forced the Portuguese to retreat. The Portuguese regained the control of Goa by defeating the Muslims in November the same tear. Portuguese also took possession of Bardej and Salset by defeating Jamerin King of Kalikot and rival Turks in the middle of the 16th century. In 1534 and in 1559 they captured Diu and Daman respectively. They built forts in rows in the Coastal areas of Arabian Sea to keep off the new invades. The Portuguese interfered in the Hindus custom. They stopped the custom of burning of alive widow with the dead body of her husband in the same pyre which was called ‘SATIDAHA’. To ameliorate the dissatisfaction of the Hindus, they provided jobs to the Hindus. But enmity surfaced between them when the Portuguese tried to build the Churches destroying the Hindu temples in the year 1540. Ismail Adilsheha seized the Portuguese for a period of ten months in the year 1570. The Marathas came forward under the leadership of Shivaji to capture Goa. After several defeats the Dutch left the hope of capturing Goa. The British got the permission to trade on the soil of Goa and made an agreement called convention of Goa in the year 1642.After a long time, the Portuguese were permitted to do business in Ponda, Sanguen, Quepem and Canacona in 1763 and in 1788 Pednem, Bicholim, Satari came under them which together emerged as modern Goa. With the passing of time, the Turks also retreated and the whole of Western Ghat area became a Zone of unquestioned area of business of the Portuguese. The golden era of Goa started by dint of spice business by the Portuguese in the years 1575-1600. Along with spices sea fish, fruits had been exported to the foreign markets in abundance. Even the Viceroy’s office was opened in old Goa which is a place of attraction of the tourists now-a-days.
Following the downfall of the Hindu Empire of Bijoy Nagar, the trade between the Portuguese and the Bijoy Nagar came to an end. The Dutch also stood in the way of business of the Portuguese in 1603-1639. But the Dutch were defeated in their efforts. Goa had an experience of epidemic arising out of plague in the year 1543, 1635 and 1735. More than two lacks people died of plague. Capital had to be changed to Margoan. In the year 1759 the Goanese capital returned to Panajim again. When Goa had been under bad days, the British captured Gao in 1797 and kept it under their control for 16 years, though administration was left to the Goanese. In 1948 and 1949 the Goanese wanted liberation from the Portuguese. In support of their demand, the Government of India snapped diplomatic relation with the Portugal Government. Freedom fighters were killed by the Government of Portugal, as a result, the Government of India created financial blockade against the Portuguese in Goa in 1955. Having lost all avenues, The Portuguese came to terns with the Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In the long run, the Government of India, in support of the Goanese took part in ‘operation victory’ in 1961 and Indian Army landed in Goa under the command of General J.N. Choudhury and the Portuguese were defeated in the war of two days and left Goa for good.
Important Places in Goa——
Panaji— It is the capital of modern Goa. Houses, buildings are seen in Portuguese style. It is situated on the south bank of the state’s second biggest river Mandvi. In the east of Panaji is old Goa, in the south Marmagaon, in the north Calangute and in the north-west is situated the Golden Beach – the pride of Goa. Water ways like cobwebs have encircled entire Panaji. Panaji was selected as an eligible place for a township as it was ‘Ilhas’. Ilhas is Portuguese language means a Island which would never be inundated. Far from Panaji, on the other bank of the river Mandvi in the green lap of the mountain, Rice Mango groves and fort are seen — built in 1551. Panaji has a population of over one lack. There three big roads running parallel will take you to the bluish Arabian sea. Adil Shaha, sultan of Bijapur, had a stapple in Panaji which was converted to residence of viceroy by the Portuguese in 1615. Till 1759, residence of Portuguese Vicroy remained in Idalco Palace. At present passport office functions from this palace. On the opposite side of the palace a statue made of bronze was set up in memory of Abbe Faria who came to India (1755-1819) via Paris. He was a padre. He came to Goa to preach Christianity among the Hindus. He also introduced hypnotics world wide. Opposite to the statue of Abe Faria, Braganza Institute, the Portuguese Archive Institute of Vasco-da-Gama should be visited. Not far from it opposite to the port there is Municipal Park which is called Azad Maidan where one can find memorial to the Martyrs built in 1973. This park is also called church square. Tourism office of Government of India is in that locality. Opposite to Church square, is the joint cliff. At the slope of the mountain a church was built in 1541 for the citizens who came to Goa from Lisbon which is called Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. Maha-Lakshmi Temple is worth to be visited. The Altino Mountain stands in the south of the Panaji as a guard behind the Air Station. Heart of the city is fast expanding to the foot of the Altino Mountain. The newest attraction of the Mountain is patriarch palace where Pope John Paul (ii) stayed on a visit to India. Even today houses of Portuguese architectural design are found in the city. One can have a picturesque sight of the city from this Mountain. To the west of city center on the first floor of the Ashirbad Building a visitor can see the Panjib Museum of Archive of Goa where beautiful collection of sculptures, photography, Art fact have been kept for the visitors. Archaeological Museum is situated near the Kadamba Bus stand. A visitor can be free of monotony of visiting Churches and Temples if he goes to Dona Paula. Dona Paula was the daughter of Portuguese Viceroy. She fell in love with Garper Dias who was a son of a fisherman. Her family did not permit her to marry him. She failed in love and commited suicide by plunging in the Arabian Sea. The place where she ended her life has been named Doan Paula. In memoriam. a statue is created there of her. The sunset in the Arabian Sea looks very beautiful on the spot of Late Rite Mountain. Spectrum of colors gives a visitor untold pleasure. Turning left, you can find the river Juari and to the right is the river Mandavi and to the front the Arabian Sea attracts you. Thousands of amusements lie here and there. The Arabian Sea houses water scooters, Yachts indigenous country boats are ready for pleasure trips and racing Dona in Portuguese language means unmarried girl. The river Juari wants to empty herself like the unmarried Dona to the Arabian Sea. Panaji city is fast spreading near the Doan Paula.
Garper Dias of Portuguese times has become Miramar Beach at the confluence of Mandvi and the Arabian Sea one kilometer ahead on way to Dona Paula. Miramar is the nearest to the city. In Portuguese Miramar means seeing of Sea. It is beautiful place for evening walk, a two kilometer long beach with fine sand of silver color. The Aguara Bay is nicely visible. There is science park, musical Fountain, Fisheries Aquarium to greet the visitors.
A Tourism House where 18 information’s centers, 15 Handloom Emporiums, offices of different Airlines, Tourism Departments of different state Government of India Tourist Information centers are located. Nearby, National Oceanography Institute where at 600 feet, above Sea level is situated Kabo Governor’s Palace on the confluence of Mandvi river. In past Portuguese viceroy Kabo resided here. Buses ply to Dona Paula to Vasco on the opposite bank. By road Vasco is 31 kms from Panaji. You can also go to Vasco by train or Air. Marma Goan is the port city of Goa which is 33 kms from Panaji. Tourist’s Attraction of Panaji is unparallel in India.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary: —– It is in Chora Island near Panaji different species of birds of indigenous and foreign countries are found here. Chief Wild life warden, Forest Department, Junta Houses, Panaji issues permits to the visitors for having a glance of the sanctuary. Visitor has to reach there by ferry.
Carambolim Lake: —- It is 12 kms away from Panaji at the confluence of Juari and Mandavi rivers.
Reis Mongos: — It is a fort built by Portuguese Don Alfonso De Noronha in 1551. At present the fort is used as Jail. The oldest Church of Goa is also inside this fort. Bamboo Hotels, Noalis Ark, Verem, Reis Mongos are the hotels nearby.
G.T.D.C. and Goa Sea Travels separately arrange Sunset cruise. International songs and music mixed with Goanese folk songs are played along with dance in the cruise. It is better to board Santa Monica cruise of Goa Tourism Depart. Telephone No—2226728. Cruise also carries the visitor in the Full Moon night and nights of other important festivals. The scenery created by the beams of the Moon is marvelous to see from the blue water of the Arabian Sea. G.T.D.C. cruise makes a journey of 10 kms to reach old Goa where a visitor can stay for 5 hours to come back to Panaji by Bus or by Launch. Again, either in the morning or in the evening one can travel to back water of Mandovi and to Mangrove forest where crocodiles and various species of birds along with Kingfishers can be seen. Crocodile station telephone no—03832- 2550334 can be contacted. There are several Islands amidst the rivers Mandovi and Mapusa such as Divar, Jua, Cambasjua which are attractive in their own shape and nature.
Visiting Goa in a long 256 kms waterway by Launch is delightful to the eyes. From Island to Island by Launch is excellent to see life in a new way, to know water, to taste the green. Different kinds of water sports such as Hovercrafts, Aqua bikes, Rowing Paddle boats you can take part in.
North Goa: —- North Goa consists of white waves of the Arabian Sea. 10 kms away from Panaji by water way, is ROME OF THE EAST that is old Goa built by the Portuguese. Buses and other cars ply there also. Golden Beaches of Goa named Kalangute, Kandolim, Baga, Anjuna, Bhagator Chhapora are situated in old Goa. These are the world famous beaches. Tourists from India and abroad assemble there. Even chartered Aero planes fly to Goa from London every week-end.
Aguada: — It is 18 kms from Panaji and 9 kms south off Kalangute. There is a fort built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612 called Aguada Fort. 79 guns slung across the fort. St Lorrence Church is inside this Fort built in 1630. ‘Agua’ means water in Portuguese. Once upon a time there were seven hot waters fountains. Ships used to collect sweet water from those fountains. Sinquerim Beach to the north is seen from the fort. On permission the jail can be visited. There are thirteen Light Houses in old Goa. Visitor is allowed to see the Sun Set from the top of the Light Houses. Luxury Hotels of TAJ GROUP is ready for hospitality. A bit away, the Governor House on the top of the hill is seen.
Calangute: — 15 kms from Panaji, 10 kms from Mapusa 7 kms in area like a bow is the Island of Calangute. It is the queen among the Islands. Candolim Beach is here. It is the longest Beach. The Beach is full of tamaris and far away are rows of Mountains. To see the Sunset standing on Golden sand is excellent. It was the Mecca of the Hippies. It is the heaven of Tourists. One can return to Panaji in the same day. Every evening songs and dance programme is perfomed at the Kerkar Art Gallery south off the city.
Baga: — It is 2 kms north off Calangute Beach. A steep mountain is behind it. Waves of the sea dashe against the rocky shore. Near by, at the foot of the mountain there is a lot of Cascades. Sun bath and sea bath are two special attractions for which foreign tourists in a great number come here. Gamblers assemble in night to play. Houses roofed by tiles are used as guest houses. One can even stay in those houses as playing guest. North off Baga a small river has merged in to the Sea. Baga is famous for its Saturday night market called Mackey and Lago.
Anjuna: — It is 1.5 kms north off Baga and south off Bhagatore. It is called Abode of Hippies. This beach has become a place of unity among tourists from all over the world. The Hippies were driven from the Kalangute and made Arjuna Beach their next place of destination. They used to have Sun bath being naked under the coconut grove. Al Buquarque mansion with eight angled domes built in 1920 is very beautiful. Another attraction of Anjuna is her Flea market from morning to evening. Being dressed as hippies the Shop Keepers sell their goods of different countries. The goods are cheap. In the Full Moon night the Flea Market resemble the grand fare in the old empire of the Hippies. There is no dearth of Hotels in Anjuna.
Mapusa: —- It means a big land. It is a commercial city. It is famous for beautiful buildings and orchids. It is also famous for its bakery products. Church of our Lady of Miracles (built in 1594) attracts a lot of tourists. This Church caught fire. It was Reno vated twice once in 1719 and second time in 1838. Buses regular ply from Panaji 13 kms away from Mapusa. It is a distance of half an hour. Mumbai Mangalore west coast highway passes through Mapusa. Panaji-Bombay Panaji buses also ply via Mapusa. Local buses have regular service.
Chapora :— It is a very beautiful Beach full of coconut groves. On the hill close by Beach there is a fort built by Adil Shaha. Akbar, the Son of Aurangzeb set up his departments in this fort. In 1717, the Portuguese renovated the fort in modern style. It is nice to the see the beach from the fort. Chapora River meets the sea here. Under the open blue sky a whole night program of songs and dance is arranged here in every Friday night along with dinner and drinks.
Vagator: — It is 3 kms north off Chapora and 8 kms west off Mapusa. It is a solitary beach shadowed by palm trees. It has three parts – Big, middle and small. On the other side of the hill south of Vagator is Anjuna Beach. Buses come to Vagator from Panaji and Mapusa. In between Chapora and Arondem rivers the Pernem Beach is lovely.
Arambal 32 kms North – West off Mapusa and North off Chapora, it is in a solitary heaven of peace. Buses, Taxies ply regularly. Regular bus service is ensured from Panaji. On every Wednesday boat plies from Panaji to Arambole in 90 minutes. On the hills houses made of tiles are the resting place of foreign tourists. Hippies have also made Arambole their den. Tourists complex is up coming. It has a lagoon of mild Saline water. At the end the hill made of basalt has kissed the Sea .The Basalt hill is full of green trees and plants. Alex Fernandes, Anthony Cardozo, Lizzy’s Gtl, Ganesh H.Uttam, Maria, Bella are the best hotels. Ganesh and Welcome Restaurant are best for lunch and dinner. Arambole village is at a walking distance of 10 minutes. At the mouth of Chapora River, Morjim beach is fast becoming a tourist place.
Terekhol :— It is in north – west Goa, 42 kms away from Panaji on the border of Maharashtra. It is a Hill terrain. On the south are Aromdem and Terokhal Rivers, on the west endless Arabian Sea. Solitary Sea Shore, Temples have made it a place of tourists. From Redi of Maharashtra, it is 4 kms from here Bombay is 554 kms.
Terokhal Fort built by the Marathas in 18th century fell to the hands of the Portuguese in 1745 in a week’s war. For a short tenure the Marathas regained it in 1794. The Terokhal Fort stands witness to many ups and downs relating to movement of independence. It is also famous for natural sights and sounds. Crossing the River by ferry you can reach Querim Beach, Kalacha and Arambel Beach, Chapora, Fort Aguada. At a place 12 kms north off it, you may visit Usha-Ispat Iron ore complex. Inside the fort, Chapel of st.Authony Church of the Holy Trinity of more than 100 years old greets the visitors. Outer part of them is very gorgeous. For staying, GTDC’s Tiracol Fort Heritage ( T ) -2220705 A/C ranging from Rs. 1750-1800 per room can be booked. Apart from this Hotel, there are several hotels at Terokhal.
Mayem: — It is a big lake 35 kms north-east off Panaji surrounded by green low clipped hill. It is a good place for boating. There is also a restaurant floating the Lake. For staying Mayem Lake view of G.T.D.C. is ready to welcome you with suit for Rs. 1520. At a distance of 2 kms there is a spring at Arvalem and a Buddhist cave worth to be seen.
South Goa : — Goa’s Airport is situated at Dobolim in South Goa. Marmagaon is the district town of South Goa. Houses reflect the design of Lisbon. At port of Marmagaon ships from inland and abroad anchor, Marmagoan is the commercial and cultural capital of Goa. It is better for the passengers of trains to get down at Marmagoan and procede to Panaji which is 1 ½ hours journey by Bus from Marmagoan. Church of the Holy Spirit was built in the relics of a Hindu Temple in 1564. This Church was destroyed in 1589 by the Muslim. In 1675 it was built anew. There are statues of St. Anthony and Joseph Vaz in the Aisle. In 1778 Maramagoan received the title of best city by a Royal decree.
Marmagoan port is the art of the state port in Western India. Cruise and cargo ships arrive here from around the world. The Portuguese had set up their temporary Head quarters at Marmagoan in 1683.
From here anybody can go anywhere of Goa and Western India .10 kms north off Marmagoan is Lutolim. Its main attraction is its houses built after Portuguese architectural design.
Asia’s first ‘The Museum of Christia Art’ was founded here. It remains open on all week days except Monday. This Museum has a nail of St. Xavier.
Ponda : — On NH4 A, 17 km north west off Marmagoan and 28 km south east off Panaji. The main attraction of Ponda is the Safa Mosque built by Bijapur king Adil Shaha in 1560, 2 km away from Ponda on way to Panaji. It is small in size but placid in view. The landscape is very beautiful, a hill behind, Mosque was built in local architectural design mixed with Bijapur style. It has a bow like dome. Its base is rectangular in size. Its roof is made of terracotta tiles of late rite soil. Adil Shaha had a fort here. It was destroyed by Portuguese in 1549. Shivaji got it built anew in 1675. But it was also destroyed by the Portuguese once again. In 1791 The King of Sund was beaten by the Portuguese and finally they look possession of the fort.
Take a Ferry and cross the river Juari to reach pond. A dozen of Hindu temples have made up for deficiency of beaches. A visible change is evident in Nature. There are many hills covered with green trees and plants like Mango, Jackfruit, Betel Nut, Cardamom, Black Pepper and clove are being grown. At Kovalem 2 ½ km away from Ponda, Shivaji’s grandson got built the Santa Durga Temple in 1738.
28 km away from Panaji Farmaguri hill resort is situated above 2000 feet with green trees. There are two hills side by side. G.T.D.C.’s hill resort is on the one hill and a park made in the shape of Maratha Fort is on the other. In 1683 when the Portuguese attacked the Ponda, Shambhuji, Son of Shivaji resisted their attack from this hill. In memorium, a stayue of Shambhuji had been installed inside the park. Natural sights and sounds are enjoyable, the Sunset is excellent. G.T.D.C’s Farmaguri Residency Ph—2335122 where you can put up. At the foot of the hills in Ganesh Temple full of artistry. Panaji to Ponda bus service is via Farmaguri.
On NH4A at village Mangeshi is between Mardol Priyal and 22 kms away from Panaji. There is a temple called Shri Mangesh. Lata Mangeshkar, the Nightingale of India had her ancestral home in this village. This place is also called Garden of Goa for its beauty.
Bogmalo : — It is a Sea Beach 8 kms north west off Vasco. It is small in size but placid in attraction. Dolphins are seen here. Inside the village there is a Chappell made of white marble stone. There are other two Sea Beaches nearby called Zortino and Velsao. Buses and Cabs ply from Vasco.
In north of Colba, at Salcette Majorda is the famous Beach. Dolphins freely swim there. To the Deep South, Betalbatim Beach should be visited. It is solitary free from chaos and bustle. Its water is calm and quiet. In Salcettle area, the last two Beaches are Mober and Kevolsim. These two Beaches are in the limelight for their Pomflets Lobsters and Crabs. Dolphins and Sharks are found here too. Every Beach has Hotels and Resorts.
Colva Beach: — It is the leader of South Goa’s Beaches. It is called King of the Beaches. It is 40 kms away from Panaji and to the south from the Dobolim Airport, 6 kms west off Marmagao. Coconut groves are as if its roof. One can go to Colva Beach directly by Kokon Railways. Reaching Marmagoa you can reach Colva by Buses and Taxies. Colva is famous for its natural sights and sounds. Once upon a time Hippies ruled the Beach. Blue sea and attractive Sky invite the tourists. It is a good spot for sea bath. On way to Colva you can visit ‘Our Lady of the Miracles’ church built in 1581.
Vasco- da-Gama: — It 30 kms south-west off Panaji and 4 kms west off Marmagaon port. It is by the side of Goa’s longest river Juari. It is a modern city. In 1543 this city was annexed by the Portuguese. It is also the Railway connecting city with Panaji. Sole Airport of Goa is also in Vasco-Da-gama. The Airport is called Dobolim. One can reach Vasco-Da-Gama from Dona-Paula by ferry. You may return to Panaji after visiting Vasco in the same day. Bogmalo Sea Beach is 8 kms away from Vasco. Going past Airport you may visit Majorda Beach. In between bogmalo and Majorda, there are another two Beaches called Velsad and Arossiom respectively.
Pillar Seminary: — In 1613 capuchin missionaries built Pillar. It is a religious educational centre 11 km away from Panaji. On the top of the hill, a state of the Art Church was built by them. It is called Pillar. Different colors were used for the decoration of the Church. In the Sunset, Spectrum of colors is excellent. From the top of the Church the river Juari and Marmagoan Port are very nice to look at.
Old Goa : — It is 10 kms east off Panaji. This city was developed by the Usuf Adilshaha in the last part of 15th century. Old city was surrounded by walls. There were many palaces, temples, mosques. Now they are extinct. After 15th century, the Portuguese built the city anew. They changed name to Velha. In the middle part of 16th century the Portuguese established their administrative headquarters here. Gradually all temples, mosques were destroyed by the Portuguese. One by one different Churches raised their heads. They established barrack, mint, foundry, arsenal, hospitals and jail. They set shipbuilding yard and administrative offices and commercial houses nearby. It became a Rome of east.
In the 19th century Velha became the headquarters of Goa, Daman and Diu. Dutch, British and French became claimant for the water empire of the Portuguese at the time of Napoleonic war. At that time 80% of the population of Velha died of Chlera and Plague. As a result, the Portuguese temporarily shifted their headquarters to Marmagoan. In the year 1843 they set up their capital town at New Goa. Since then a sense of despair looms large in Velha- the Rome of the orient.
Places to be visited: — Chapel of St. Catharine, Se Cathedral, the Archaeological Museum and portrait gallery, convent of St. John God, Royal Chapel of St. Anthony and Tower of St. Augustine Basilica De Boom Jesus is religious place in the world to the Catholics.
Bondla Forest: — It is 50 kms away from Panaji. It is a natural Botanical Garden. Rose Garden, Deer Park and Zoo are very beautiful. There is a nature interpretation center here. Guides are available also. You can put up in the tourist lodge of Forest Department. Write to Dy Conservator of Forest, wild life division Panaji (T) — 2229701/1114747.
Dud Sagar Spring: — Passengers traveling by the night trains are a waken by the sounds of this spring. It is the second biggest spring of India situated in the western Ghat Mountains. Its water is as white as milk, so it is called Ocean of milk. The sight is full of adventures with dawn, the trains reaches the spot. From the running trains one can see the spring. From September to December natural sights and sounds increase with the flow of the water of the spring.
Bhagaban Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary: — It is the biggest sanctuary in Goa. It is 60 km north east off Panaji on national Highway 4A on the border with Dud Sagar. It is a dense forest spreading about 240 square km in area. It is a picturesque in beauty. Mahavir Sanctuary is famous for Bison, Cheetah, Elephant and Deer. Black Panthers reside in it. Morning and evening in the month of Nov to March are very beautiful for strolling in the sanctuary. This sanctuary is heaven to the ornithologists. Private Jeeps are allowed in the forest. This sanctuary was previously known as Mollem. During your journey by train from Pune to Marmagaon you can enjoy this sanctuary along with dud Sagar. Mollem Forest Resort, Mollem (T) – 0834-2612238. GTDC Dud Sagar Resort Mollem (T) – 0832-2612238.
Hotels in different locations of Goa with Telephone Numbers —-
All in A/C—Panaji—Code—0832. Panaji residency A/C (T) 2227103, H. Fidal Go A/C—(T)- 2226291, Hotel Mandovi A/C (T)- 2426270, Goa Woodland H. Loyola Furtado A/C—(T) 2721121, Keni’s H. A/C- 2224581, H.Aroma A/C-2228310, Mabai H. A/C, Hotel Park Plaza A/C- 2422601, H. Manvin’s A/C- 2224412, H. Nova Goa A/C-235909199, H.Golden Goa A/C-2226231, H. Leela Beach A/C-2871363, Hotel Delmon- 2226846, H. Chandrageet – 2212746, H. Noah’s Ark- 22442051, Miramar Residency – 2464154, H. Salmar- 2230041, H. Swimsea-24852502, Palm Holiday- 2224898, Cidade De Goa- 245545,
At Old Goa – H. Seema- 2234172, Jaia De Goa, Old Goa Residency- 2285327.
At Ponda—STD Code—8343, Farmagudi Hill Retreat – 2335122, H. Atish- 2313224, H. Menino- 2315026.
At Calangute : — STD Code—0832, 1. Calangute Residency- 2276024, 2. Ronil Beach Resort- 2276101, 3. H. Kamat Holiday Homes- 2277316, 4. Concha Beach Resort- 2276056, 5. Villa Goesa Beach Resort- 2277535, 6. H. Goan Heritage-2276761, 7. Golden palm complex-2277327
At Mopusa : –- 1. Mapusa Residency - 2262794, 2. H. Bardez – 2262607, 3. H. Satyasheera – 2262849, 4. H. Vilena – 2263115.
At Candolim : — 1. Whispering Palm Beach Resort—22442051, 2. Highland Beach Resort – 2276405, 3. Holiday Beach Resort, 4. Health Centre – 22410729,22442051, 5. Don Francisco Resort – 22442051, 6. Sunset Beach Resort- 2275120.
At Aguada : — 1. Aguada Hermitage, a cottage shaped Hotel- 2276201, 2. Fort Aguada Beach Resort- 22760201, 3. Aguada Holiday Resort- 24754502.
At Colva : –-1. Colva Residency- 2788047, 2. Longuinhos Beach Resort- 2731645, 3. Sands Beach Resort – 2788099, 4. Sea Queen Beach Resort – 2720499, 5. Silver Sands H. salcette – 2721645, 6. Pent House Beach Resort- 2731030.
At Marmagoan : — 1. Goa Wood Lands – 2721221, 2. H. Metro pole. Marmagoan Residency – 2715528, 3. H. La Flor – 2715084, 4. H. Gold Star – 2714485.
At Vasco Da Gama : — 1. Vasco Residency- 2513119, 2. H. Gladstone- 2513966, 3. Maharaj H – 2514075, 4. H. La Paz Gardens- 2512121, 5. H. Zuari, H. Rukmini- 25123723, 6. H. Bismark- 2512277.
At Bogmalo Beach : — 1. Bogmalo Beach Park 2. Plaza Resort – 2556222, 3. Monalise Ashiyana-2513347, 4. Raj Resort- 2555177, 5. Joets G.H.- 2555036.
At Majorda Beach : –- 1. The Kenilworth Beach Resort- 2754183, 2. Majorda Beach Resort- 27544871, 3. Golden Tulip H. Regency Goa-2754180, 4. H. Sangrila- 2754264.
At salcette Taluka : –- STD Code—0834, 1. The Old Anchor- 2246337, 2. Resort Dona Sylvia- 2746321, 3. Nanu Resort- 2701401, 4. Holiday Inn Resort- 2871303, 5. Goa Penta H. Resort De Goa – 2745066.
Apart from above mentioned Hotels, there are thousands of Hotels in different parts of Goa, varying from Luxury to general standard.
Tourist Information in Panaji—
Directorate of Tourism, Govt. of Goa, Tourist House, Patio, Panaji—403001, Fax–0832—228819/ 2438750.
Tourist Information Counters : —
Inter State KTC Bus Terminus—2225620.
Vasco Tourist Hotel—2512673.
Dabolim Airport—2540031.
Margoan Tourist Hotel—2262390.
Mumbai Central RLY. Station—022-23086288.
Goa Tourism Development Corporation LTD.— Trionora Apartments, Dr. Alvares Costa Road-1. Fax—0832—2423926, PH– 2224132/2226728.
Govt. of India Tourist office, communicate building, Church Square – 2223412.
Indian Airlines, Dempo House, Dr. Dayananda bandodkar Margh—2223826.
IC Airport—25138863.
Jet Airways, 102 Rizvi Chambers, 1st floor, Cactano Albuquerque Road—2438792.
Jet Lite—Hotel Fidalgo—2230237.
Directorate of Transport—2225724, Kadamba Transport Corporation—133/2222634, Maharastra Transport Corporation—2226853, Automobile Association—WIAA, Tourist Hostel Panaji—2426572.
General Post Office, Panaji— 2223704, Foreigners’ Registration Office—2426545.