Goa – Sun and Sand – Fun and Frolic

A beautiful tiny state on the western coast of the Indian peninsula is the state of Goa. Sometimes referred to as the pearl of the orient, Goa is rich in culture, history and natural beauty and is one of the most important tourist destinations in India. Sun kissed beaches, palm and coconut trees lining its long coastline, plenty of sunshine make this a much sought after tourist paradise. Fantastic local Konkani cuisine greatly influenced by the Portuguese colonizers make this place a gastronomic delight. Though Goa was liberated from the Portuguese in 1961, it still retains many Portuguese influences in its culture, architecture, religion, cuisine and language. This land of pristine beauty and serenity is dotted with many churches and chapels of historical and religious significance and truly reflect the architectural efficiency of the early Portuguese settlers and also their catholic convictions. One of the best ways to explore Goa is to rent a bicycle or a motorbike as the state is small and this mode of transportation offers the tourist a cheaper means of transport and also accessibility to places, bigger vehicles cannot go.

The year round salubrious climate offers the visitors plenty of sunshine and the beaches are packed with ardent swimmers and surfers. The visitor can take a sunbath on its many beaches or take a stroll near the Mandovi River. The months of December, January and February are a much-visited period as Christmas, New Year and the famous goan carnival are celebrated with gusto and fervor. Another attraction of Goa is its incredible cuisine. Mainly dominated by sea food and rice, the cuisine is a perfect blend of Indian hotness and Portuguese finesse, and one of the specialties is the spicy Goan fish curry, a must try. This paradise is also home to the famous Feni, an alcoholic drink concocted by using coconut or cashews. The Goan people are a friendly lot and their way of life is reflected in the carnival and in their music.

Politically, the state of Goa is made up of several smaller regions and its capital is Panaji. The population of the state is roughly around 1.5 million and the languages spoken are English, Hindi, Marathi and Konkani. The entire state is well connected by good roads and the state is accessible by road, rail, air or sea. Al the major airline companies fly to the capital Panaji, catering to millions of tourists every year. The state is filled with budget hotels, star hotels and beach resorts; however accommodation during the busy tourist season might be a problem if not booked in advance. Great sunshine, luxurious beaches, Sistine chapels, great cuisine and hospitable people make this land bordering the Arabian Sea a great place to visit and visit again and again.

Author – writer baba