About Goa

Sun, sea and surf, that's the image of Goa that attracts millions of tourists from around the world. They enjoy a perfect holiday and carry back a healthy tan to show off to friends.

We welcome them with open arms and a warm heart! Though the tourists are encouraged to laze on our sun kissed beaches and swim in their clean waters, we would like to remind them that there is much more to Goa than its beautiful shore.

The hinterland of Goa beckons them with a virgin blush! Unspoilt tracts of forests in Mollem and Cotigao constantly spring surprises with a serene lake or shy wildlife playing hide and seek! The awesome Sahyadris mountain range along the eastern border of Goa is one of the hot spots of bio-diversity in the world. And connecting the mighty mountains to the sunny sea, meandering across the countryside are the beautiful rivers. The Khandepar river thunders down great heights, forming the spectacular Dudhsagar Waterfalls. A variety of bird life is found in the mangrove forests along the banks of river Mandovi and river Zuari and are a bird watchers paradise. Marsh crocodiles bask lazily along the banks of the Cumbharjua Canal. Idyllic organic farms and spice orchards dot the slopes of small hillocks across the state.

The name Goa came to European languages from the Portuguese colonisers, but its precise origin is unclear. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa, as 'Goparashtra' or 'Govarashtra"' which means a nation of cowherds. 'Gopakapuri' or 'Gapakapattana' were used in some ancient Sanskrit texts, and these names were also mentioned in other sacred Hindu texts such as the Harivansa and the Skanda Purana. In the latter, Goa is also known as "Gomanchala". Gove, Govapuri, Gopakpattan, and Gomant are some other names that the region is referred to in certain inscriptions and texts such as the Puranas. It has also been known as "Aparant".

Goa is a land that redefines holidays, with its exquisite mix of sun, surf, and beaches; Goa has become the ultimate tourist destination. It is a tiny emeralds land with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches and temples, famous for its architecture, feast and festivals and hospitable people with a rich culture. So get swept away by the spectacular sunrises and sunsets and rejuvenate yourself.

	Map of Goa
	Be sure, when you come to Goa, you carry a copy of the map of Goa, so that you could not only get the right directions, but also do not miss out the off beat places in Goa which are not usually highlighted in the map of Goa.

	Description of Goa
	Goa is a land that redefines holidays, with its exquisite mix of sun, surf and beaches. Goa has become the ultimate tourist destination.

	History Of Goa
	With an ancient history that gores back a few thousand years Goa has come under the influence of various kingdoms across the ages. Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese Rulers have all left their indelible mark on the Goan landscape in the form of monumentas, which remain as silent witness of a bygone era.

	Goa Tourism Development Corportation (GTDC) Goa
	The commercial activity of the Directorate of Tourism had to be run on commercial lines and needed flexibility in its working. The Government therefore, decided to set-up the Goa Tourism Development Corporation Limited which was incorporated on 30th March 1982 as a Public Limited Company.

	Goa : Tourist Destination
	The warm- hearted hospitality of the friendly Goans and the relaxing ambience means a visit to Goa is an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Goa has an extremely wide range of hotels, resorts and guesthouses to suit every budget and every taste. All around the year, travelers are usually assured

	Places In Goa
	The state is divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the headquarters of the north Goa district and Margao of the south district.

	Beaches In Goa
	Blessed with 105 kms of golden coastline, Goa provides an excellent range of beaches to suit everybodys needs.Some beaches are unspoilt pristine stretches of sand, ideal for the solitude seeker,while others pulsate with crowds basking in the brillant sunshine.

	Temples of Goa
	Goa, the temples in Goa like most Hindu temples around India are dedicated to a deity which is worshipped by the local devotees in Goa. Goa Temples are widely scattered. Goa Temples are the most famous. In Goa, lot of tourist come to see these temples for Pilgrimage.

	Churches of Goa
	All across the Goan countryside, the white washed facade of the village church is a well-known landmark amidst the greenery of coconut plantations and paddy fields.

	Fun and Frolic Goa
	Nightlife is always exciting with dance parties to liven up the evening at hangouts along the coast.There is so much more to do in Goa, besides just relaxing on the beach.Whether its dawn or dusk, midnight or noon, there is no end to the fun and frolic.

	Old Aged Homes
	Ageing should be seen as the beginning of a new chapter on how to live young in chronologically advancing years with an up-beat positive attitude.

	Heritage Sites In Goa
	Out of the 28 states which form the Republic of India, Goa is amongst the smallest. Yet Goa has a special aura of its own that entices every visitor to this palm decked land.

	Wildlife In Goa
	The rugged Western Ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The Western Ghats called the Sahyadris in Goa extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3702 kms.

	Museums Art Galleries In Goa
	The museums of Goa embody an effort to preserve the unique culture and heritage of the state. The chequered history of the state marked by invasions and occupations finds an expression through the artifacts preserved in the Goa museums.

	Monuments In Goa
	A monument is a statue, building, or other edifice created to commemorate a person, event or as an artistic object. They are frequently used to improve the appearance of a city or location

	Dams & Water Reservoirs
	A barrier built to contain water and prevent flooding. The water confined behind such a structure, often forming a lake or reservoir, used for irrigation, as a source of drinking water and for provision of hydroelectric power.

	Travel Distances within Goa
	We the distance chart showing the travel distance between important in kilometres (kms) and frequentoy visited towns and places within Goa. This would make it easier for your travel if you have to commute within the state of Goa.

	Traveller Tips
	Enthrall your senses with the scenic beauty of Goa, and take a trip to this land of magic and beauty. Goa is a true tripper’s paradise. However, should you want to avoid any trouble in your paradise, the first thing to do would be to well plan your Goa trip.

	Dances of Goa
	Different types of folk dance with their sheer pulse have added to the color of the district. Graceful movements, innocent luster and of course radiant hue of the different types of folk dances of North Goa illustrate the rhythm of the place.