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Preface
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. I 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, I 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 watcher’s 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. Ancient rock-cut caves at Arvalem and pre-historic Mesolithic carvings at Pansaimol interest historians from around the world. Strategically located forts built by the erstwhile Portuguese and local rulers give an insight into the civil engineering skills of the earlier generations. The Churches and Temples that dot the Goan countryside are silent witnesses to the art and architectural marvels of the bygone era. The way these religious edifices are maintained by the local populace speaks volumes of the devotion they have to their divine master. In “100 Goan Experiences”, I have made an attempt to offer a pictorial glance of Goa. When in Goa, do try and enjoy the amazing diversity of this tiny state. This book has seen the light of day due to the encouragement and support of many kind souls. First and foremost, I thank our Honorable Deputy Chief Minister, Dr. Wilfred D’Souza, from the bottom of my heart for extending his full support and patronage to this project. I also thank Mr. Sandip Jacques, Director of tourism and Mrs. Pamela Mascarenhas, Dy. Director for their help and support. I am grateful to Mr. Percival Noronha for writing the foreword in spite of a busy schedule and to Mr. M. S. Deshpande, Assistant Superintending Archaeologist, Govt. of Goa, for providing historical information. I am forever indebted to José Lourenço who has enriched this book by way of valuable suggestions Lucian Costa, Francisco Rodrigues, Mr. Leo Mesquita, Kamlakar Chitari, Felix Mascarenhas, Rony Pereira and Tito Fernandes have helped me in their own little ways and deserve special thanks. Sharleen, Brian and Savio Caldeira and Nadia Fernandes are the lively models who feature in some photographs. Thanks to Govind Poteker of Association Of Friends Of Astronomy (Goa) for his photographs of the night sky and to Venkatesh Charloo of Barracuda Diving India, for the underwater photographs. And finally my deepest gratitude to my wife Melinda for standing by me through the period of two years that it took to produce this book. Dev Borem Korum. About the Author
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