It’ time to soak up the sun as the lush green state of Goa beckons you to journey through its land of music, adventure and appetizing cuisines. Influenced by the Portuguese, who once ruled over them, Goans are a carefree lot known for their art of hospitality.
Once in Goa, be prepared to be enthralled by its picturesque view, meander into the ramparts of its forts and churches, guzzle its free flowing Feni (native cashew wine), make new friends and let your hair down as you celebrate with zeal, its colorful festivals and events. With numerous places to visit in Goa, it is non-stop fun as you explore the haven of the 1960’s.
From October to February the weather in Goa maintains a steady, relaxing course, with temperatures staying between 25°C (77°F) and 30°C (86°F). It’s the time to get that summer tan and challenge the roaring waves as you surf through to victory.
June through September brings the magical monsoon season. Our outdoor (covered) Jacuzzi is the perfect place to soak in the sounds and sights of the monsoon rain.
Goa is fun through all seasons!
No matter which time of the year you decide to visit Goa, you’re never going to miss out on the many vibrant festivals the state has to offer.
Besides celebrating all the important festivals of different religious order, the Temples & Churches of Goa are unique in their celebration of festivals through Jatras & Feasts, throughout celebrated on 6th January. Also the feast of St. Francis Xavier, at Old Goa held on 3 rd December every year are unique & elaborate.
The Kala Academy (Academy of Indian Culture and performing Arts), celebrates various cultural fairs and festivals throughout the year. Yet among the most lively and colorful is the Goan Carnival, celebrated throughout the State for 3 days during February and Shigmo (Holi) celebrated in March. Also the 5 days food festival in April is a fete of the local cuisine and cultural entertainment.
Panaji: The scenic capital of Goa, located on the river Mandovi, is noted for its fine buildings. The present Government Secretariat set along the river was once the palace of Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur. The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception dominating the city square, the old Latin quarter of Fontainhas, the little Chapel of Saint Sebastian, the Kala Academy, the focus of all cultural activities in Goa, a beautifully designed modern complex along the river and Miramar beach are the town’s attractions.
Margao: To the south of Panaji, Margao is a commercial centre. It also has some beautiful old houses and churches.
Vasco da Gama: Another town with fine buildings, it has the Mormugao Port close by.
Mapusa: A town with great charm comes alive each Friday when a local market springs up.
Old Goa: Velha Goa, the magnificent 16th century capital of the Portuguese, lying further upstream from Panaji, is practically an open air museum. Here, some of the imposing churches, convents and monasteries still remain. They have high vaulted roofs and lavishly baroque interiors with carved and gilded altar pieces and statues.
They include the majestic Se Cathedral, the Church of St. Francis of Assisi, the Basilica of Bom Jesus enshrining the miraculously preserved remains of St. Francis Xavier, the St. Cajetan Church modeled on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Convent of St. Monica and the majestic ruins of the St. Augustine’s Church up on a hill.
Ponda: Goa’s many charming temples are built in a unique style that incorporates Hindu, Islamic and Christian architectural elements. Many are located in the vicinity of Ponda. They include the Shri Manguesh Temple in Priol, the Shri Naguesh Temple, the temple of Shri
Mahalsa Narayani – a folk diety, the Shri Ramnathi Temple at Kavalem and the Shri Shanta Durga Temple – a shrine to Durga worshipped unusually in a peaceful avatar. Deep in the woods under the Molem Forest Division at Tamdi Surla (70 kms from Panaji) is a Shiva Temple. It was built out of basalt (talco-chlorite schist) by Queen Kamladevi in the 13 th Century. At Ponda also is the elegant Safa Mosque built in 1560, evidence of Goa’s Muslim past.
North Goa Beaches (North of Goa): Some of the finest beaches here are edged by tall laterite cliffs. They include Sinquerim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator and Chapora with an old fort overlooking the beach. The Arambol beach has a delightful fresh water pond at the base of a verdant slope. The Tiracol Fort at the northern most extremity of the territory, built on a tall promontory, has a splendid view over the sea.
South Goa Beaches: The southern beaches with their expanses of sparkling white sand and calm sea include Bogmalo, Utorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Cavelsossim and Mobor. The tiny bay at Palolem is especially beautiful.
Ancestral Goa: A model of a village of a hundered years ago, built on a verdant hill side close to Loutolim (10km from Margao). The village has a natural spring, a market place and residence ranging from Dona Maria s mansion to fisherman's hut. A guided trek takes the visitor through these natural surroundings.
The ‘Eat Out’ offers Goan meals and specialities. The ‘Big Foot’, a designer dance floor in the shape of a giant foot print is an ideal location for a spot of fun. ‘Natural Harmony’, an immense laterite sculpture (14m by 5m) has found a place in the Limca Book of Records.