Goa Travel Guide - Goa Tourist Attractions

Goa, India

Goa, on the west coast of India is a land of swaying palms, miles of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west. Known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is popular with travellers around the world because of the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, tourists to Goa love the laidback, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.

Weather
Goa is a coastal place that is located near the Arabian Sea which results in humid weather for most of the year. The month of May is typically the hottest with temperatures peaking around 35°C (95°F), but with the arrival of the monsoons in late June, the conditions become cooler and more pleasant. The monsoon season lasts until September and is followed by a short cool season from December to February.

Tourism:
Internationally popular for its beaches, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic travellers every year, and has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for European travellers, particularly in the Northern hemisphere winter. Besides beaches, Goa is also known for its world heritage architecture including the Basilica of Bom Jesus. Goa also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which are classified as a biodiversity hotspot. There is a lot one can do at Goa like
you can relax at the beaches. Goa has an almost unbroken 100 km coastline of beaches, visit the venerable catherals of a bygone era at old Goa, which are still in good condition, enjoy the cuisine at a range of resturants that cater to just about every palate, check out the several discos and pubs that have sprung up around Goa, and last but not the least ... try feni. It is a local specialty alcoholic drink made from cashew fruits.

Places of Tourist Interest:
Beaches:Agonda ColvaAnjuna Dona PaulaArambol MiramarGaspar DiasBaga Beach PalolemCalangute Vagator
Museums & Art Galleries:Archaelogical Museum and Portrait Gallery. Old Goa Galleria de Icons MargaoGoa State Museum, Patto, Panaji The Big Foot Art Gallery & Local Handicrafts CentreGalleries at Se Cathedral LoutlimSt. Francis of Assisi and Bom Jesus

Temples/Churches/Mosques/Historical Monuments:Shri Manguesh Temple at Pirol, Ponda Ruins of Church of St. AugustineShri Shanta Durga Temple at Kavlem Viceroy's Arch all in Old GoaMahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla Reis Magos ChurchShri Mahalsa at Mardol The Church of Mae de Deus at SaligaoBasilica of Bom Jesus Rachol SeminarySe Cathedral The Church of St. Alex at curtorimChurch of St. Francis Assisi Jama Masjid at SanguemSt. Cajetan Church Safa Masjid at PondaChurch of Our Lady of Rosary Aguada FortNunnery of Santa Monica Tirakol Fort

Towns:Panaji, Margao Marmugao HarbourVascodaGama PilarMapusa Chandor

Wildlife/bird Sanctuaries :Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Molem Cotigao Wildlife SanctuaryBondla Forest Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Waterfalls/Lakes/Springs :
Arvalem Waterfalls, Mayem LakeDudhsagar Waterfalls near Colem Kesarval Spring

When to Go
The best period to visit Goa is during winters between November to February end. It is pleasantly cold during winters with temperatures ranging from 15o 30o Celsius. Winters are probably the best months to visit this paradise and enjoy the sun, the sea and the sand!

Interesting Fact
Even after India's independence in 1947, Goa remained a Portuguese colony till Dec 1961.