ROYAL WORLD TRAVEL
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About Goa
Variously
known as
"Pearl of the Orient" and a
"Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa
is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples,
churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around
the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes
deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery
that India has to offer.
Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the
hinterland away from the coastal area.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu
with the creation of Goa.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas,
Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have
been rulers of Goa.
Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December
19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and
Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood
and
became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.
Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West
over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different
from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire
population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.
Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination
on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early
March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.
Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives
the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms.
However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful,
with greenery sprouting all around.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to
Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.
After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people
really know how to relax.
