Breath taking Goa

Goa is a state in India situated with in the coastal region known as Konkan. It was a Portugese territory until it was annexed by India in 1961. Goa is known for it's beautiful beaches, opulent cathedrals and world heritage architecture. It has a rich ecosystem, filled with diverse species of flora and fauna. Goa is one of te most visited places in India, by foreigners.

                                           Beaches

Beach in Goa

 With the Arabian sea forming it's western coast, Goa has 101km of coastline. Its beautiful beaches are a major attraction for tourists from around the world. Mandrem beach , which is situated to the North of Goa is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. It is a great place to relax and unwind. The beach is also home to several resorts that house tourists. Another beach situated in the south of Goa is the Agonda beach. There are several water sporting activities on this beach such as wind surfing, swimming, paragliding etc

                                                           Cavelossim beach, which is situated at the mouth of the Sal river. It witnesses less crowds. This beach houses many high end resorts that are home to foreigners. Photography is allowed, and it arranges several package tours for students visiting the researchers.

                                              Wildlife 

Tigers in Cotigao wildlife sanctuary

Goa has a rich bio-diversity. Goa's wildlife includes foxes, wild boars and migratory birds. The Dudhsagar falls, which is India's fifth largest waterfall is situated inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary at the Goa - Karnataka border.

                                      The Cotigao wild life sanctuary, which is situated at the goa - Karnataka border is home to panthers, sloth bears, porcupines and hyenas. This sanctuary has decks concealed on top of 25 tall trees to observe surrounding wildlife. Goa has also a rich marine life that includes turtles, dolphins and several species of fish such as the barracuda, tuna and the bat fish.

                                     Historic buildings  

Fort chopra

Due to it's history of being a Portugese territory, Goa has several gothic style buildings that are hundreds of years old. The Chopra fort which is situated in North Goa is a major tourist attraction. It is built with red laterite stones. There are no particular visiting hours to visit the fort, however, morning and evening times are the best.The Sé Catedral de Santa Catarina, known as Se Cathedral was built in 1619. It is a latin catholic church. In 1953, the cathedral was presented with the 'golden rose', by then Pope Pius XII.

                                         The Terekhol fort which lies on he Northern tip of Goa, naer the Terekhol river was built by Maharaja Khem Sawant Bhonsle of Sawantwadi in the 17th century.Today the fort has been refurbished as a hotel, The fort is a great place for foreigners, and has mesmerizing views from it's top.

                                                  Festivals 

Bonderam festival in Goa

 Festivals and carnivals are a great experience for the people who dwell in Goa as well as the visitors who come there. In December, there is the feast of St Francis which is celebrated in Old Goa at the Basilica of Bom Jesus.In February there is the Ghumot festival, which is held at Siridao beach. The day long festival also hosts many musical performances of religious origins. In August there is Patolleanchem festival, It is a festival that pays tribute to Goa's old culture and cuisines. It is celebrated on 15th August in Socorro village.

                                                                  In September, there is the Bonderam festival. This is the most happening festival celebrated on a grand scale on the Island of Divar. The festival is a memoir to the protest by the local villagers against the Portugues. It is a huge festival during the monsoon, and draws people from India and all over the world.

                                                    Museums

Inside the Goa state museum

Goa has a number of museums , that houses great artifacts from hundreds of years ago, that includes many European and Indian artifacts. The Goa state museum in Panaji has lot of historic artifacts that are of religious and cultural value. The museum is open on all weekends from 9 AM to 5:30 PM.  The Goa chitra museum in Benaulim. It is one of the very few museums that displays artifacts related to agriculture. The entrance to the museum is Rs 100 and photography is allowed inside the museum.

                                               Goa Science Center which is situated in Panaji. This museum displays artifacts related to science and astronomy. The museum is open on all days from 10AM to 6PM.
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