Tag-Archive for » Goa India Tourism «

Panjim City, Goa: The Quaint Attractions Of The State Capital
Wednesday, January 12th, 2011 /

By Sanjog KR

Panjim (or Panaji, as the locals call it) is a typical Goan city located on the banks of river, Mandovi. This is the third largest city and the capital of Goa state. It is one of the prominent tourist attractions which is visited by number of tourists across the year.

This town has some beautiful Portuguese Baroque style buildings and enchanting old villas which are among the major attractions of this place. The centre of attractions of this place revolves around beautiful beaches, magnificent churches, vibrant carnivals and scenic natural beauty. Some of the best known attractions of this place are:

Dona Paula:

It is the place where two most important rivers of Goa meet the Arabian Sea. This secluded bay is a favourite retreat for tourists to relax and watch the sunset. The scenic location of Dona Paula and the myth behind it makes it a favourite destination for shooting Bollywood movies.

This place offers some fun water sports facilities that attract thrill seekers who enjoy the excitement of motor-boat rides, water scooters, para gliding and many more. The nearby Miramar beach, at the mouth of the Mandovi river, is one of the most popular beaches of Goa with its beautiful, scenic location.

Fontainhas:

Known for its old Portuguese charm, this place is located west of the Ourem River, near the hill of Altinho. It is located amidst several fountains which gave it its name.

Fontainhas is known for the mesmerising beauty of tiny overhanging balconies of terra cotta tiled houses, narrow cobbled streets with red, blue, yellow, green buildings with shuttered windows.

This is what gives it the feel of the ingrained Portuguese culture in the life style of the Goan people. The undistinguished beauty of this place attracts numbers of tourists from several parts of the globe.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church in Panaji, Goa, India

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Church, in the middle of the main market in Panaji, Goa, India

Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary:

It is located on the island of Chorao along the Mandovi River which is known for its varieties of local and migratory birds. It is named after the Indian’s known ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali.

Thick mangrove vegetation make it the perfect place for a bird habitat. A large number of tourists throng this place to see the diverse beauty of its flora and fauna. This Bird Sanctuary is an ornithologist paradise and a favourite haunt of migratory birds.

Some of the other known attractions of Panjim are the Hanuman temple, Mahalaxmi temple, Jama Maszid, Safa Shahouri Masjid and Jain temple.

Goa is a coastal paradise of India known for its turquoise beaches, silvery sand, fabulous flora and fauna. This is an internationally known tourist destination visited by large numbers of tourist from various parts of the globe.

The sun, sand and sea make a Goa Holiday an unforgettable experience. It is known the world over for its natural panorama, delectable cuisine, exciting carnival and age-old monuments. Tourist can check out the Panjim Travel Tour so they don’t miss out on its enchanting locations and mesmerising beauty.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com & Photo source sachyn

Category: Beach Holidays, Beach Vacations, Goa Culture, Goa Holidays, Goa Travel Tips, Goan Culture, Goan Food, Holidays, India Culture, India Holidays, India Travel, India Travel Destinations, India Vacations, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips, Vacations  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,  Leave a Comment
Goa Holidays: Explore All The Fascinating Facets Of Goa
Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 /

By Aprana Singh

The tiny state of Goa, in India, is located on the western coast of the country. Rated among the best vacation destinations, the sensuous beaches of Goa are one of the most sought-after holiday spots in India.

Goa is a fascinating place that offers a cornucopia of attractions for the tourist – among them are shimmering beaches, historical forts, calm churches, temples, lush green hills and mountains.

Some prominent tourist attractions of Goa are:

Goa’s Beaches:

The coastline of Goa extends over 105 km and offers some of the world’s most alluring beaches for travelers to enjoy. It’s long coastal area is divided, by the river, into two major areas, those that lie in North and other in the South.

The beaches of Goa are the perfect place to laze the day away. For party-loving tourists, one of the most well-known and prominent of Goa’s beaches is Anjuna beach, which is located in between the sea and hills of Anjuna.

Water Sports:

The vast stretch of coast makes Goa a hub for adventurous water activities. Goa offers great opportunity to pursue world-class water sports, like para-sailing, water skiing, scuba diving, wind surfing, snorkeling, jet-skiing and boogie boarding. These water sports activities in Goa are hugely popular.

Monuments in Goa:

The monuments of Goa showcase both Mughal and Portuguese cultures. Old Goa has an ethereal collection of rugged forts, exquisite temples, convents and churches. Some of the ancient buildings have been converted into museums. To protect its rich historical past, many of these sites have been included into UNESCO world heritage status list.

Church in Goa, India

Visit the churches and monuments of Goa on your next trip

Wildlife in Goa:

Besides the sandy beaches, Goa is also gifted with green forestland and gently rolling hills. Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries are a haven for many biological species. The famous sanctuaries of Goa, like Molem sanctuary, harbor 1512 documented species of green plants, 275 kinds of birds, 48 varieties of wild animals and 60 genera of reptiles.

Festivals of Goa:

For party lovers and dance freaks, Goa is the place to be. Goa celebrates some exclusive and unique festivals with full fun and gaiety. The most eagerly awaited event in Goa, Goa carnival is held in mid-February to mark the beginning of Lent or Spring.

The mixed culture of Goa reflects in other colorful festivals of Goa, such as the Ganesh festival and Shigmo. Each village also celebrates its own feasts and these are worth attending if you get a chance.

Goa Tourism guide helps you plan a Goa tour and get drenched in the spellbinding beauty of this beautiful place.

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Article Source: EzineArticles.com & Photo source mansi734

Category: Beach Holidays, Beach Vacations, Goa Culture, Goa Holidays, Goa Nightlife, Goa Travel Tips, Goan Culture, Holidays, India Holidays, India Travel Destinations, India Vacations, Travel Destinations, Travel Tips, Vacations  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  One Comment
Goa Beach Holidays: Languid Breaks From Life’s Crazy Demands
Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 /

Vacations are an important part of our life and in today’s busy lifestyle and nuclear family setup’s vacations have become less. But have always played an important role.

Vacations are defined as breaks taken from one’s hectic lifestyle and spent especially on an exotic destination.  A vacation not only gives us an opportunity to explore a new place but also rejuvenate us as well as replenishes the mental and emotional charisma which is lost because of the hectic lifestyle we people live today.

The most important part of the vacation thus also becomes the destination which we have chosen to explore and be a part of. The choice of an ideal vacation destination can vary from person to person. Some people find replenishing energy in the greens of the hills, some in the devotee shrines and many in the calm and charismatic beaches.

Beach vacations are ideal for those who tend to get lazy in a cooler environment like that of hills, they tend to enjoy in the active environment and the cool breezes from the sea.

Some people like me find the sea very magnetic. We people love to enjoy the seas and the waves. Beach vacations once in a while are a must not only for me but for everyone.

The best part of a beach vacation is I think the coastal food comprising mostly of seafood and the night long parties around a bonfire on the sea shore are just so enchanting. I really love trying out different coastal food every time I am out on my beach vacation.

I have tried all the same fishes but all tasting so different and exotic. And my night long party sessions have been mostly with my friend comprising of lots of grilled food, liquor and girls.

I have many stories of my beach vacations. But the most memorable ones have been while I was in Goa – the beach city of India. Goa has some of the best beaches in India and is a very well known destination all around the country.

Although it is very hard to find a sweet serene spot on the beach (keeping in mind the very high amount of tourists it receives every year) still we have some places which if you are lucky could be free for you to cherish. And how can I forget to mention about the sensual ayurvedic massages provided by some of the resorts that have sprouted all around Goa. They are simply splendid.

Parasailing in Goa

Parasailing, scuba diving and fishing are some of the fun things to do in Goa

Morning and evening walks along the shore on the wet sand is a very relaxing experience. And every time I am on my beach vacation I make it a point to never miss out this opportunity. Moreover water-sports like parasailing, scuba diving and fishing are some things I never forget to do.

Overall the beach vacations are always something which brings a broad smile on my face because I have some very happy moments of my life on the beaches. And I never miss an opportunity to fly to the beaches and start my beach vacations.

Author Bio: A travelling voyager has a psyche which grasps every nugget of exquisiteness from his experience. He is not a veteran of this travelling field but after logging off from his studies he chose to exploit the world and developed best travel backpacks from his ruthless experience.

This article may be reprinted with the complete author links and a live link back to http://www.goa-beach.com

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Photo source sumi

Category: Beach Vacations, Goa Culture, Goa Holidays, Goa Travel Tips, Goan Culture, India Travel Destinations, Travel Tips  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,  One Comment
Travel Tips: Goa Vacation Survival Guide
Tuesday, April 15th, 2008 /

So, you’re going on a Goa vacation. You’ve made an online booking in what may be the last of the decently priced hotels in Goa, have your flight tickets in your hand and are raring to go. Goa beach culture – here you come!

Good for you. I salute your prudence and good taste. To be sure, there aren’t many options that compare to a Goa vacation. You’ve made an excellent choice. I love Goa, and recommend it highly over India’s other beach-based tourist destinations.

Kerala’s Kovalam? Gimme a break. Mumbai’s Juhu? You’ve GOT to be kidding me. Lakshadweep? Hey, I thought you want to be where the ACTION is!!

So, your plane lands at Dabolim Airport. Or your train pulls into Margao Station. Or your bus wheezes to a halt a Panjim. Or you’ve survived a self-driven car journey and are trying to figure out if this IS Panjim or just another of those towns with pseudo-Portuguese names that you’ve passed through.

Tourists at Baga Beach, Goa

Tourists at Baga Beach, Goa

Read the hoardings and see what area the joints they advertise are at, dummy. Don’t tell me you can’t see all those Dantesque monstrosities that vie for your attention. Eat that lobster platter. Drink that beer.

Take that pleasure cruise down the Mandovi River. Move into that Goa resort, because no other resort even comes NEAR in terms of ‘tropical ambience’, hospitality, facilities, cuisine (don’t bother looking for the room rates, though).

You’ve finally arrived at your hotel, dumped your baggage, taken a shower and are now ready to ‘do Goa’. Everyone has been very courteous and helpful. The receptionist has handed you a list of the services available at the hotel and pointed out that the shopping arcade is just behind the bar.

Read the rest of the article: Goa Vacation Survival Guide here.

Category: Beach Vacations, Goa Culture, Goa Holidays, Goa Travel Tips, Goan Culture, India Travel Destinations, Travel Tips  Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,  One Comment
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