GENERAL INFORMATION:

Variously known as the"Tourist Paradise", Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan . Tucked away snugly between the hills of the Western Ghats on the East, Arabian Sea to the West, Maharashtra s coastline to the North, and Karnataka s coastline to the South, this tiny territory covers 1350sq miles (3500 sq km). It provides spectacular views with bottle green hills wooded with jackfruit, mango, and cashew groves, cut across by river and edged by miles of sun-drenched beaches. Warm, languid climates, and a gentle unspoilt people, complete this compelling kaleidoscope. Squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. It offers glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, and ultra fresh seafood. Luxury hotels and budget guesthouses overlook fisherman mending their nets, and beer comes cheap and chilled. Discovered by pioneering hippies looking for peace and love. Goa's beaches are now filled with persistent hawkers during the day and rave parties at night. For those intent on discovering the real India, Goa is the best treated as a relaxing break on the southern trail. The incomparable natural beauty and the ancient temples, churches and beautifully constructed houses made Goa a favourite touist destination for the travelers of all around the world.

CULTURE:

Goa is a land of highly talented and artistic people with a rich cultural synthesis blending East and West most creatively. In addition to the classical different forms of music and dance have evolved. Music and dance form the very fibre of rural Goa. Each occasion and region has its distinctive forms. The urban areas have adapted to modern and popular music styles.Goa folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and castes of Goan society. Women perform a number of the traditional dances like Dekni - a rare blend of traditional and modern music. Fugdi and Dhalo are the most common folk dances of Goa. The Kunbi is a tribal folk dance. Women holding lamps on their heads perform the lamp dance during Shigmo festival. Morulem is another traditional folk dance presented by the backward community during Shigmo. The Zagor is a folk play presented in different villages of Goa by the Gawda community. The Dhangar, performed during Navratri, is a vigorous session of worship and dance. Mando is a love song which represents the mingling of Indian and western tradition.

HERITAGE:

Goa, Jewel of India, is studded with a number of churches that remain as silent but forceful witnesses to the intense religious history of the land.Visitors from India and overseas flock to the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, built in 1605, and now declared a World Heritage Monument. The church houses the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, who died while on a sea voyage to China on December 2, 1552. The following year, while transferring his remains to Goa, in accordance with his wishes, it was found that the saint's body was as fresh as the day it was buried. This miraculous phenomenon continues to attract the devout from all lands, and an Exposition or public viewing of his body every ten years attracts lakhs of pilgrims. During the 450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa, St. Francis Xavier was believed to have accorded protection to the rulers who handed over their symbols of office to the saint during every changeover of the office of Governor General. The Saint had miraculous healing powers which were experienced by the erstwhile Nizam of Hyderabad when he came for the Exposition of 1878. The Se Cathedral nearby is dedicated to St. Catherine, as it was on her feast day, 25th November 1510, that Alphonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. Believers are awe-struck to hear of the Cross of Miracles, which is placed in the cathedral, its earlier church having been destroyed. People have had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water while, today, the Cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public.

CLIMATE:

Summer:  Mid March to June last minimum temperature 20° C and the maximum is around 45° C

Monsoon:  June last to September last  average rainfall is around 25 inches.

Winter: Late November To Mid-February minimum temperature  3° C  the maximum is around 11° C .

State Capital:                    Panaji (Panjim)

Area covered:                  1350sq miles (3500 sq km).

Languages:                       English, Hindi,  Konkani and Marathi 

Best time to visit:             October to March.