WELCOME TO GOA EVENING

WELCOME TO GOA
Land of Sunny Beaches, Warm Smiles, Breathtaking Sunsets, Dazzling Greenery, A Symphony of Cultures, A Journey through History The Smallest State with the Largest Heart.

GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Goa, with a coastline of 105 km is home to the most stunning beaches. To the North lies the state of Maharashtra and to the south and East lies Karnataka. Spread over an area of 3702 sq. km, Goa is also rich in forest lands.

WEATHER BULLETIN
Goa enjoys a tropical climate with pleasant weather the year round. MONSOONS Months: June to mid September Features: Heavy rainfall with lush greenery. Climate: Goa gets 250 cm to 300 cm of rain during the monsoons WINTER Months: November to February Features: Mild, pleasant weather Climate: Min. 15 C - Max. 25 C SUMMER Months: March to May Features: Warm, humid weather Climate: Min. 25 C - Max. 39

Tourists Statistics
Year 2011 2012 2013 Domestic 22,25,002 23,37,499 11,07,490 (P) Foreign 4,45,935 4,50,530 2,34,898

(As of June 2013) Charter Flights 2011-12 910 Flights 2012-13 996 Passengers 1,69,006 2,15,304

Best International Tourists Contributors Russia U.K Germany Finland France

CORRIDORS OF HISTORY
The history of Goa dates back to the 3rd century BC when Goa was part of the Mauryan Empire. In later years it was ruled by several Hindu and Muslim rulers until the Portuguese took over in 1510. They stayed on for 450 years during which time Goa became known as the Rome of the East. Goa was finally liberated in 1961 and attained Statehood in 1987.

FESTIVAL FIESTA
Cutting across communities, people of all religions wholeheartedly celebrate various feasts and festivals throughout the year

FEAST OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

The feast of St Francis Xavier, the Patron Saint of Goa, is held on December 3rd every year at the Basilica of Bom Jesu in Old Goa. His body has been preserved for over four centuries and the feast attracts thousands of devotees from all faiths in quest of the saints blessings and healing powers.

VIVA CARNAVAL

A colourful parade of floats and dancing troupes in all major towns precedes the 40 day fasting period of Lent. King Momo is crowned amidst much revelry.

SAO JAO

The feast of St John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24 by people all over Goa by jumping into wells, lakes and ponds in villages all over. Sao Joao, like any other Goan feast, is marked by merriment, colour and tradition.

SHIGMO

The festival of colours celebrating the arrival of Spring has colorful floats depicting Hindu mythology accompanied by folk dancers.

GOA TOURISM OPTIONS

Goa Tourism offers & promotes various exciting tourism options that cover, Beach Tourism Adventure Tourism Pilgrim Tourism Eco-Tourism Hinterland Tourism Heritage Tourism Wellness Tourism MICE

BEACH TOURISM
Goas 105 km long coastline is blessed with the most inviting beaches lined with swaying palms and traditional shacks offering exotic cuisine

Kerim Beach, North Goa

Arambol Beach, North Goa

Baga Beach, North Goa

Pallolem Beach, South Goa

BEACH SAFETY
Goa is the pioneer state in India to get an ISO 9001 certificate for its beach safety programme. There are trained lifeguards along with the latest rescue equipment on all frequented beaches. Beach Safety Rules are posted on all beaches for the benefit of tourists.

ADVENTURE TOURISM
An exhilarating mix of beaches, rivers, lakes and hills all combine to make Goa a hub for adventure activities

Banana Boat Rides

Kayaking

HIKING & TREKKING

Goas hinterland and the hilly Western Ghats are full of exiting trails for hiking and trekking.

PILGRIM TOURISM
Numerous churches, temples and other places of worship dot the countryside attracting pilgrims from all over the world

OLD GOA- ROME OF THE EAST

The former administrative capital of the Portuguese Empire , Old Goa is dotted with churches, chapels and convents of outstanding architectural beauty.

Basilica of Bom Jesus The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are enshrined here.

SE CATHEDRAL

Houses the famous Golden Bell, the biggest in Goa and one of the best in the world.

CHURCH OF ST. CAJETAN

Built along the lines of the Basilica of St. Peters in Rome, it is one of the most appealing structures in Old Goa.

Ponda is the temple town of Goa, and is a pilgrimage centre, attracting devouts throughout the year.

MANGUESHI TEMPLE, devoted to Lord Shiva is blessed with superb architecture and bestows blessings on thousands of devotees every year.

RELIC OF TAMBDI SURLA

This 12th century temple of Mahadeva located in a remote forest is Goas oldest surviving temple.

SAFA MASJID

Among Goas 26 mosques scattered all over, the Safa Masjid is the most famous.

ECO-TOURISM
Nature lovers are drawn to the dense forests, deep rivers and hilly terrain which have a diverse range of wildlife and offer a feel of hinterland Goa.

BIRDWATCHING

Goa has 423 bird species. Goa is becoming increasingly popular for its Avian flora & fauna. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Goa is the best place to catch a variety of local as well as migratory birds in action.

WILD-LIFE SANCTUARIES

1) BHAGVAN MAHAVIR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND MOLLEM NATIONAL PARK It is the biggest sanctuary in Goa with a wide variety of flora and fauna

2) BONDLA FOREST It is an ideal jungle resort, a major attraction, for school going children and nature lovers with its mini zoological park, deer safari park, botanical gardens, nature education centre, wildlife and nature trails, and archaeological exhibits.

3) COTIGAO WILDLIFE SANCTUARY It is covered with dense forest and varied wildlife.

TURTLE NESTING SITES

The Morjim, Galgibag and Agonda beaches are the largest nesting places of the giant Olive Ridley turtle. An amazing phenomenon of nature, this is a regular annual occurrence.

CROCODILE SIGHTINGS

Gaze at crocodiles sunning themselves on the muddy banks of the Cumbarjua Canal

DOLPHIN SPOTTING

From October to May dolphin spotting trips are conducted off certain beaches.

RAINDROP TOURISM

Monsoons In Goa (June September) Most Beautiful Season (Carpet of Green) Activities Trekking, Waterfalls, River Rafting, Kayaking Life As Usual, Without the Sun And Shacks On Beaches

HINTERLAND TOURISM
The interiors of Goa with spice farms, waterfalls springs and caves hold a special allure for tourists.

SPICE FARMS

SPICES OF GOA

CAVES

The celebrated Arvalem Caves, are of great archaeological interest.

WATERFALLS
Goa has majestic cascading waterfalls that hold a magical allure for tourists.

DUDHSAGAR WATERFALLS Water plummets hundreds of feet in a milky foam in one of Goas most spectacular sights.

Natural Springs

The spring emerges from hard and compact rocks and people bathe in its waters that are believed to have medicinal properties.

FORTS
The forts of Goa are a true testimony to its historical legacy. In their ruins and ramparts one can sense a feeling of battles lost and won.

FORT AGUADA

This fort was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to command entry into the river in order protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. The fort, at present, houses the Central Jail.

CHAPORA FORT

Adil Shah of Bijapur built this fort on the southern headland of the Chapora River. Used for shoots by various production houses

TIRACOL FORT

This fort was built by Hindu rulers and later taken over by the Portuguese. Its imposing height offers a breathtaking view. The rooms of the fort have been converted into a heritage hotel.

HERITAGE TOURISM
Several museums, art & cultural centers in Goa preserve and exhibit facets of Goas rich cultural heritage.

GOA CHITRA ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM

Housed in Mondo-Waddo, Benaulim, this museum exhibits agrarian Goa, with predominantly old agricultural and farming tools and equipment on display. A must-see for visitors.

ANCESTRAL GOA

This open air village in Loutulim near Margao showcases Goas traditional past, along with Big Foot, a giant sized dance floor.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

BOAT CRUISES

GTDC offers a number of exciting boat cruises like Day Cruise, Sunset Cruise, Sundown Cruise, Dinner Cruise and Backwater Thrills. Each is unique and celebrates Goa in its romantic glory.

FLEA MARKETS

From designer wear and world-famous brands to street shopping and local handicrafts there's enough action for the shopaholic looking for great bargains in Goa. Dont miss the Friday market at Mapusa, the Flea Market at Anjuna and Ingos Saturday night bazaar at Arpora.

SEAFOOD

Goa is justly famous for its gourmet seafood. Goa also offers a variety of native, national and world cuisine to suit every palate and pocket. Its restaurants offer an ambience unmatched in the rest of India.

NIGHTLIFE AND PARTIES

In Goa, the party never stops. It only moves on. There are plenty of nightclubs and beach parties to get you shaking a leg right into the wee hours.

CASINOS

Goa is home to some of the finest casinos in India and offers the best of casino gaming, both on land and off shore. Apart from the various games, most of the casinos also offer a variety of entertainment by way of international performers, exquisite cocktails, mocktails and imported spirits.

IFFI AND MOVIES

Goa has been declared to be permanent venue for the International Film Festival of India which is held every year from 23rd November to 2nd December. Goa is a favourite destination for filmmakers, both National and International.

ACCOMMODATION

Accommodation in Goa is plentiful with a variety of hotels, resorts and guest houses to suit every taste and budget.

TOURIST SECURITY
CCTVs on all major tourist spots Friendly Tourist Police Cell

Prompt Ambulance Service for Emergencies

CONTACT US
mdgtdc@gmail.Com For Travel Agents And Other Enquiries gavindias@goa-tourism.Com www.goa-tourism.Com www.goatourism.Gov.In Join Us On Facebook At www.facebook.com/Officialgoatourism And Twitter for latest updates.

So what are you waiting for...

COME TO GOA
The Land of pleasant surprises and great memories.

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