Sun-kissed beaches and the celebration of life would ideally define this place. The magnificent scenic beauty and architectural splendour of its temples, churches and old colonial houses - European style central squares and Indian bazaars, Portuguese churches sharing their walls with Hindu temples, have made Goa a favourite with travellers around the world. The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water.
Goa is a paradise for water-sports lovers. Indulge in white water rafting, para sailing and other activities. Casinos, a major tourist attraction here, are located in most of the five star hotels and luxury cruises operating in Goa. Just around Christmas until the dawn of the New Year, Goa is in a festive mood and plays host to thousands of visitors from all over India and around the world - siestas and fiestas coupled with fun and 'feni', the local alcoholic beverage made from cashew nuts.
The cuisine is a unique blend of Konkani and Portuguese styles, with coconut-based curries being a local favourite. Pork and beef are part of any regular feast. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors.
Tour operators often tend to ignore the fact that this former Portuguese colony on the Arabian Sea boasts of lush hills, cool blue waters, coconut groves, spice plantations, paddy fields and a host of heritage buildings from the bygone era. They're all perfect for exploring as long as it's not raining. If you have the time, there is nothing like renting a car and travelling through unexplored Goa.
Getting to Goa
All flights - national and international, to and from Goa - operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim near the port town of Vasco-da-Gama. The airport is about 30 km away from the capital of the city, Panaji and is owned by the Indian Navy.
Goa is easily accessible by road as it is connected to all major towns in India by the National Highways - NH4A, NH17 and NH17A. There are bus services operating between Goa and most towns and cities in the neighbouring areas such as Mumbai, Pune, Belgaum, Hubli, Bangalore, Mangalore, etc. These modes of conveyance can be availed at fairly regular intervals throughout the day. The charges, however, are subject to distance and season.
The high-speed Konkan Railway is your answer, if you want to know how to go to Goa by train. It starts from Mumbai, via Miraj and Pune, has a daily train and takes around 8-9 hours to reach. The rail route also has trains that travel past Mumbai in the north right up to Delhi, and in the south up to Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Goa has two major railway stations. The South Central Railway terminus is at Vasco-da-Gama and the Konkan Railway terminus is at Margao. A word of caution; this train is in great demand; if you intend to use it, make your reservations well in advance.
