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Goa City Information
Introduction
Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Also known as ‘the pearl of the east’, it is best known for its beautiful and long palm-fringed beaches, Gothic churches, age-old ruins, coconut groves, intoxicating Feni, and laid back way of life. It is situated on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, and is separated from Maharashtra by the Terekhol River in the north, Karnataka in the south, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the West.
Goa can be divided into four divisions-the Eastern Hills, the Central Valley Lands, the Flood and the Coastal Plains. There are several rivers and streams that flow through this delightful state and some of the famous lakes in the state are Mayem and Carambolim. Most of the rivers are navigable and of immense economic importance as ores are transported through these rivers to the Mormugao port for export.
Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in 1510 and had been a Portuguese colony for about four centuries. It was finally declared free of Portuguese rule in 1961, fourteen years after independence. Goa was conferred statehood and Daman and Diu was made a separate union territory in 1987.
History of Goa
Goa is one of those states of India to have a fascinating history. In fact, of all other things the rich history of Goa has made this smallest state of India famous and has interested historians through years. The history of Goa, which is popularly known as the beach capital of India, dates back to 3rd century BC. It was during this time Goa became a part of Mauryan Empire. Colonial rule, glorious culture, oppressive rulers make the rich history of Goa.
Facts and Figures
Goa Tourist Attractions
Goa Beaches
The most important part of Goan tourism and Goa Tourist attraction is Goan beaches which are world famous for its beauty. They are among the finest in the world and every year they attract hundreds and thousands of peoples from around the world and within India. It’s a perfect place to spend a vacation or enjoy the honeymoon. The beaches in the northern part are more famous as more events are held there and southern beaches are quite and are perfect destinations for those who seek the solitude of loneliness. The famous northern beaches are Anjuna, Arambol, Baga, Bambolim, Calangute, Candolim, Chapora, Dona Paula, Miramar, Morjim, Sinquerim and Vagator while the famous southern beaches are Agonda, Benaulim, Bogmalo, Canaguinim, Cavelossim, Colva, Majorda, Mobor, Palolem and Varca. Some popular beaches are as below -
Anjuna Beach in Goa
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa the hat is popularly known as the freak capital of the world. Its full-moon rave parties and the Wednesday flea market that takes one back to the hippie days have gained international fame.
Baga Beach
Under the shade of palm trees, bathes the Queen of Beaches Calangute. Calangute seems to be a distortion of the local vernacular word ‘Koli-gutti’, which means land of fishermen. Some people connect it with Kalyangutti (village of art) or Konvallo-ghott (strong pit of the coconut tree) because the village is full of coconut trees. With the advent of the Portuguese, the word probably got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today. In a green semi-circle, the villages of Arpora-Nagoa, Saligao and Candolim do their bit to enhance the divine beauty of Baga Beach Goa Calangute. There are picturesque agors (saltpans) at Agarvaddo, Maddavaddo is full of madd (coconut trees), Dongorpur skirts a bottle-green hillock and Tivaivaddo laces the beach. In Gauravaddo lived the gaudds or milkmen ran dairies.
Colva and Benaulim Beach in Goa
Colva and Benaulim are two famous beautiful beaches that are still somewhat untouched by the fast paced life.
Mapusa Beach in Goa
Mapusa must be visited for its weekly Friday market which is full of souvenirs and fascinating articles like wooden carvings, coir mats, wood furniture, straw hats and freshly baked bread. It is also more typically Goan, with fish, fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce sold alongside tourist goods.
Vagator and Chapora Beaches in Goa
Vagator and Chapora are quaint fishing villages where the sea turns from aquamarine to emerald green, and a 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each visitor amazed.
Goa Forts
Forts form a vital part in telling the history of the past and Goa as a whole. Majority of the forts lie in the region of Old Goa. Rulers of the past- the Portuguese, the Muslims and the Marathas all contributed their part in building these magnificent forts. Famous among them is the Aguada Fort-the largest fort built by the Portuguese. Equally famous are the Cabo da Rama Fort, Chapora Fort and Terekhol Fort. Other forts are Reis Magos Fort, Rachol Fort, Corjuem Fort, Mormugao Fort and Cabo Fort – now known as the Cabo Raj Bhavan.
Goa Churches and Temples
The Churches in Goa are world famous for the splendid art work on the altars. Among them the most famous is the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is kept in a silver casket, and the oldest one is the Church of Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo. Others are, The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Church of St. Cajetan, The Se Cathedral and The Augustine Church of Our Lady of Grace.
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, in an airtight glass coffin inside a silver casket.
Cathedrals of Saint Catherine and that of Saint Francis of Assisi in Goa
The Cathedral of Saint Catherine was completed in 1619 and is the largest Christian church in Asia. Bith the churches are splendid examples of Renaissance architecture.
Behind the gate of St. Paul's college is a Kuchcha road branching off the main road, leading to the chapel of St. Francis Xavier. It is built of laterite plastered with lime mortar; with tiled roof supported by wooden rafters is a plain chapel with only one altar - St Francis of Assis Church.Architecturally, it is of the Doric order. The Chapel was within the enclosure of the College of St. Paul and was dedicated either to St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier, it was re-dedicated to him after his canonization in 1622 - St Francis of Assis Church Goa.
The original chapel was in existence in 1545. With the outbreak of the epidemic and the consequent abandoning of the college of St. Paul in 1570, the chapel fell into ruins and the present chapel was built in 1884 - St Francis of Assis Church in Goa.
Se Cathedral Church in Goa
Se Cathedral Church in Goa nearby is dedicated to St. Catherine, as it was on her feast day, 25th November 1510 that Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. Believers are awe-struck to hear of the Cross of Miracles, which is placed in the cathedral, its earlier church having been destroyed. People have had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water while, today, the cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public - Se Cathedral Church Goa.
Church of St. Cajatan in Goa
Opposite the Se Cathedral, beyond the road is the large and beautiful church of St. Cajetan built of laterite blocks, which were lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in which are kept the statues of the apostles - St Cajetan Church.
The Church of St. Cajatan was built by an Italian architect in 1651, and was modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A theological college is housed here now.
The main body of the church is Greek cross on plan internally and oblong externally, with a nave ending in an apse and aisles marked by four massive piers faced by Corinthian pilasters. These piers also form the base for supporting, at the crossing, a circular dome that rests on a drum and was crowned by a lantern. The ribbed vaults of the nave and aisles are of varying height and are coffered with different floral designs. The two-ocatgonal room having domical roofs on either side of the main altar serves as the sacristy - St Cajetan Church in Goa.
The Carmelites Church in Goa
The Carmelites Church Goa - The church was built in 1621. The Carmelites, on their refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the king, were expelled from Goa in 1707. The church fell into disuse and ruins soon after - The Carmelites Church in Goa.
Nothing remains of the The Carmelites Church of the Carmelites excepting the façade and a raised pavement, which served as an altar. Its location is to the southeast of the Church of St. Cajetan and is on a hill more or less contiguous to the hill on which the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount stands.
St Francis Xavier Church – Goa
Opposite the Se Cathedral, beyond the road is the large and beautiful church of St. Cajetan built of laterite blocks, which were lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in which are kept the statues of the apostles - St Francis Xavier Church.
The main body of the St Francis Xavier Church in Goa is Greek cross on plan internally and oblong externally, with a nave ending in an apse and aisles marked by four massive piers faced by Corinthian pilasters. These piers also form the base for supporting, at the crossing, a circular dome that rests on a drum and was crowned by a lantern. The ribbed vaults of the nave and aisles are of varying height and are coffered with different floral designs. The two-ocatgonal room having domical roofs on either side of the main altar serves as the sacristy - St Francis Xavier Church Goa.
Temples in Goa
Most of the temples in Goa have deities brought from Mithila region in Bihar to which the Saraswat Brahmins of this region are believed to belong. The temples of Shri Mangesh, Shri Shanta Durga and Shri Ramnath are all instances of beautiful temple architecture.
The Brahma Temple in the village of Brahma Carambolim and Shri Gomanteshwar Temple at Brahmapuri, in old Goa both of which date back to the 5th century, can be counted as the oldest among the temples in Goa. The Shanta Durga and Shri Manguesh, part of the complex of temples that surround Ponda, The Shri Bhagavati Temple in Pernem, Shri Datta Mandir at Sanquelim, Shri Damodar Temple, The Shri Chandreshwar Temple atop the Chandranath Hill the Devaki-Krishna Temple at Marchel are also famous temples and are visited by a large number of devotees.
Goa Wildlife
Goa is not just beaches and churches. There are some beautiful Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks that can take you to another world of life. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao is a paradise to bird-watchers. Other attractions are the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary which includes the Molem National Park, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa
The wildlife sanctuaries of the state of Goa do not have as much variety of flora and fauna, and are smaller than many of the other Indian sanctuaries, but a more peaceful atmosphere and better tourist facilities more than make up for that. Bondla is renouwned for its gardens, mini zoo, and deer park, and is a real treat for the children. The Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest of three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Dandeli is another place worth visiting that is located on the Goa-Karnataka border and known for its beautiful landscape, apart from the rich flora and fauna.
Mayem Lake
The Mayem Lake is the favourite escape of the local Goans who pack their picnic baskets and set off to this delightful haunt.
Temple of Tambdi Surla
The Temple of Tambdi Surla is one of the few religious structures in the state that survived Portuguese onslaught.
Goa Fairs and Festivals
Ratha-Saptami festival in February, Maruti-Zatra at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Chariot Festival (Vijayarathotsav) at Mahalsa Temple, Shigmotsav in March, festival of Gade at Mahadev Bhumika temple, Kalas Utsav which is celebrated every alternate year at Sri Morjaee Temple, Janamashtami which marks harvest festival, Ganesh Chaturthi - which can be said the number one festival of Goa, Dussehra are the main Hindu festivals.
Goinchea Saibache Fest or better known as the Feast of St. Francis Xavier is the biggest of all Christian festivals in Goa. It is celebrated on the first week of December and millions of visitors from all over the world attend it. Other Christian festivals are the Three Kings Feast and The Procession of Saints as well as Easter and Christmas.The biggest social festival apart from the religious festivals is the three-day Goan Carnival and is also famous internationally. It is celebrated before the 40 day Lent before Easter. It concludes with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panjim.
Goa Museums
Adding to the attractions that Goa puts forward to the visitors are the Museum and Art Galleries of the State. The State Archaeology Museum in Panaji, Archaeological Museum in Velha, Museum of Goa Daman and Diu in Panaji, Museum of Christian Art within the convent of Santa Monica in old Goa, Naval Aviation Museum which is just six kilometres from the port of Vasco-da-Gama, Kerkar Art Complex and The Art Chamber near Calangute beach are the other places which show cases the history and life.
Other Tourist Attractions in Goa
The Dudhsagar Waterfall located in the Goa and Karnataka border where water falls from very high and thus forming a splendid view is a famous tourist spot. It’s a place frequented by nature lovers, trekkers and hikers. The best season to visit this place is in the monsoons as water will be flowing in plenty. Another attraction is the Mayem Lake near Mapusa, which is an ideal place for boating and bird watching.
Goa Adventure Sports
For thrill seekers Goa offers a wide range of adventure sports like Parasailing, Jet-skiing, Water Skiing, Knee and Wake-Boarding, Windsurfing, Speedboat Rides, Catamaran Sailing, Scuba-diving and Snorkeling, Hiking and Trekking, Microlite Flying, Microlite Flying, Go-Karting etc. Most of the water sports facilities are available in a number of beaches.
Goa Cuisines / Foods
The Portuguese Delicacies
Goa Cuisines - Not unnaturally, after 450 years of colonization, Goan cooking has absorbed a strong Portuguese influence. Palm vinegar, copious amounts of Coconut, Garlic, Tangy Tamarind and fierce local chillies all play their part - Cuisines of Goa.
Goa Food -
Goa is the home of the famous Vindaloo, originally an extra-hot and sour pork curry, but now made with a variety of meat and fish. Other Pork specialties include Chourico red Sausages, Sarpotel, a hot curry made from pickled pig's liver and heart; Leitao, suckling pig; and Balchao, pork in a rich brown sauce. Delicious alternatives include vinegar chicken, spicy chicken or Mutton Xacutti, made with a sauce of lemon juice, Peanuts, Coconut, chillies and spices - Goa Food Guide.
Sea Food - Eating Out Places of Goa
Cafes & Shacks - Goa Food RecipeEating & Drinking Ked in frGoant masalas is excellent - Clams, Mussels, Crab, Lobster, Giant Prawns - while Fish, depending on the type, is either cooked in wet curries, grilled or baked in Tandoor clay ovens. Try Ape de Camarao, a spicy prawn pie with a rice and Semolina crust. Sannam, like the south Indian iddli, is a steamed cake of fermented rice flour, but here fermented with palm Toddy (also spelt as Todi). Sweet tooths will adore Bebinca, a rich, delicious solid Egg Custard with coconut.
Fruits
When it comes to fruits Goa have the Pineapple, the Melon, the Banana, the Pawpaw, the Custard Apple etc., but surpassing them all is the MANGO. One can find a huge variety of them but the sweetest, the most luscious and the most ravishing in taste, are the "Alphonso", the "Fernandina" and the "Malcorada", and without exaggeration, the best in the world.
Serving or Eating Style / Traditions.
Eating Patterns
Food is usually served in bowls and placed on long tables surrounded by several chairs, where the whole family can sit together for a meal. A meat or fish dish is a must in every meal, but vegetables are also essential. The vegetables are usually cooked without any spices or masalas unlike the northern cuisine. There is no special style as such in eating food in Goa. All the dishes are eaten together as usual in plate.
Popular Dishes
Pastries
- Pastries are almost a part of every common meals as well as occasion and feast in Goa. Christmas and the Ganesh Festival are occasions when they are prepared in all their varieties. Being the land where coconut is abundant it is not surprising that in quite a good number of these sweets coconut milk is used. However, the queen of the delicacies is the "Bebinca". It is made of eggs, pure ghee, flour, coconut milk and sugar. Other Goan pastries would include "Doce", "Cokad", "Dodol", "Bolinhas" and "Jia de Aronhas".
Rice Dishes
- Rice is an important item of Goan diet. One will find it at every table and almost at every meal. Rice is eaten with delicious fish or meat curry, or in the form of "Pulao", and many other ways. A leavened and steamed bread called "Sana", another around pastry called "Oddo", the steamed South Indian "Dossa" and "Iddli", a great number of sweet dishes made with rice and jaggery etc. are some of the regional preparations of Goa.
Beverages/ Drinks
Goan Food and Drink Goa has few of the dietary restrictions or taboos that apply in their regions of India, both Hindu and Muslim. Here the idea of vegetarianism is probably more equated with poverty than purity, and drinking alcohol is not the shameful activity as it is elsewhere. The Goan Palate relishes meat, especially pork, and all kinds of fresh seafood.
Feni - Goa's "National" Drink:
Gently swaying coconut palms and bright red or yellow cashew apples can be found occupying Goa's half landmass under crops and their sap or juice is the source of Goa's popular "national" drink, Feni.
Making Of Feni
- Palm Feni is pure but a strong drink ranking with the strongest spirits. It comes from Toddy, which is produced by tapping the sap from the base of the young palm shoots. Growers have to choose between producing Feni or coconuts because once tapped, the young shoots cannot go on to produce nuts, but the decision can be reversed with the next growth of shoots according to market demand.
Unfermented, the Toddy makes a nourishing and refreshing drink and when strained and boiled down to crystallizing point, it produces palm jaggery, the coarse brown slabs of sugar used in Goan sweet dishes. Within hours of tapping, the Toddy ferments to about 4% of alcohol. Often, it is drunk soon afterwards, but when distilled, the first gives the more potent Urrack, a favourite drink sold in the local bars.
Types of Feni:
The famous palm Feni is the result of the second distillation. Its name in Goa's local language 'Konkani' means 'froth', a name attributed to its reaction during processing.
A second type of Feni that is even more popular is 'Caju' Feni derived from the cashew apple. The Cashew is the legacy from Portuguese who introduced it to Goa from Brazil. Cashew Feni is usually drunk after the first distillation, but one can also find it double-distilled, flavoured with Ginger, Cumin or Sasparilla to produce a smooth liqueur.
Goa Dances
Dashavatara
The Origin
Dances in Goa - Dashavatara term refers to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu ('Das' means ten, 'Avatar' means incarnations). Scholars are divided into two groups as far as the origin of the dance is concerned. One group believes it to have evolved from "Yakshagana"; another group considers it to have emerged from "Kuchipudi" - Christmas Dances in Goa.
Goa Dance - Many actors believe that Dashavatara is originally a dance form from Kerala, and they worship a deity of the Walaval region of Kerala. Whatever the source maybe, the form was introduced to the Konkan region in the 16th century - Goa Folk Dances.
Theme & the Enactment:
Folk Dances of Goa - The subject of the theft of the 'Vedas' is discussed by the "Sutradhar" (stage manager), 'Brahmin' figures, women actors representing the rivers, actors playing Lord Brahma (the Creator) and Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning), and the demon Shankhasur.
The overture continues for about two hours, and the proper drama known as "Akhyana" begins after this. The play, concerning itself with stories from the epics and mythology, concludes at sunrise. The red and white makeup of Dashavatara actors distinguishes them from the spectators who arrive shortly before 11.00 pm for the performance. The evening commences with prayers to Ganapati or Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), sung by the Sutradhar (stage manager).Performed By Both Male And Female Actors.
Folk Dance of Goa:
Goan folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and castes of Goan society. The prominent ones include Corredinho Dance, Dekhni Dance, Dhalo Dance, Dhangar Dance, Fugdi Dance, Ghode Modni, Goff Dance, Kunbi Dance, Lamp Dance, Mussal dance and Romal Dance.
Dance Style
Goff Dance
It is a folk dance with cords, manifesting joy and happiness of Goan peasants after the harvest. It is performed during the Shigmo Festival in Phalgun (March) month. Each dancer holds a colorful cord hanging at the centre point of the 'Mand' - the place of performance - and starts dancing intricately with the others, forming a beautiful, colourful, intricate braid at the end of the first movement.
The music starts again and the dancers reverse the pattern of dancing so skillfully that the braid gets unraveled and at the end of the second movement, all the cords are loose and single once again. There are 4 different braids of Goff. The songs sung are devoted to Lord Krishna. "Ghumat", "Samael" and "Surta Shansi" or melodic instruments accompany the dance. Goff has an affinity with tribal dance forms of Gujarat.
Kunbi Dance:
Kunbis, the earliest settlers of Goa, are a sturdy tribal community mostly settled in Salcete Taluka, who though converted to Christianity, still retains the most ancient folk tradition of the land. Their songs and dance belonging to the pre-Portuguese era are uniquely social and not religious. The fast and elegant dance by a group of Kunbi women dancers, wearing traditional yet very simple dresses, lends a colourful touch to this ethnic art form.
Lamp Dance:
This dance derives its name from brass lamps used in the dance during the Shigmo festival. The accompanying instruments include Ghumat, Samael, Cymbal and Harmonium. The performers indulge in a slow dancing movement, balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on the head and the hands. The balancing act controlled by tremendous self-discipline and exquisite footwork matching with the rhythms of the traditional folksongs are eye-catching. This group dance is popular in the southern and central Goa.
Mussal Dance:
The Kshatriyas, the warrior class of 'Chandor' (erstwhile Chandrapur, the capital of the "Kadamba" rulers) perform this dance-cum-song to celebrate the victory of Harihar, the Hindu King of Vijaynagar over the Cholas in the early 14th century. They hold and brandish pestles ('Mussals') - a favourite war instrument with the Yadavas - during the victory parade and dance as the original one held centuries ago. The march comprises 4 couplets while the main dance uses 22 couplets. Originally the Gaonkars did the performance on the full-moon night of the Falguna. The Kshatriyas, though converted to Christianity, still retains the cultural heritage and perform it now on the second day of the carnival.
Romat Dance:
This thanks-giving ceremonial dance-cum-procession performed during the Shigmo festival is known as Romat in the northern Goa and Mell in the central Goa. It is an extremely crowded, noisy and colourful affair. Teams of dancers drawn from different sections of the village dance and March martially with huge banners, ceremonial umbrellas, festooned sticks and batons towards the temple of the presiding deity or to the house of the landlord.
The cacophony emanating from deafening beats of huge 'Dhols' and 'Tashas' and a prolonged, vigourous dancing procession displaying colourful dresses leave the spectators spell-bound.
Jagar & Tiatr:
Performing Arts: Jagar & Tiatr
Drama:
Goa is highly rich in folk drama forms that narrate, often with songs and music, the stories of great epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also project relevant, contemporary issues the society or the community is concerned with.
Jagar:
This earliest form of drama in Goa is suppo.comsed to be the precursor of modern Marathi theatre. There are two forms performed by two different communities.
The Two Forms:
One form, the "Perani Jagar" is performed exclusively by the Hindu Perani community. The theme tackles philosophical questions like the origin of the universe in the background of mythology.
The other form known as "Gawda Jagar" is enacted by the Christian Gawda community in different villages in Goa in different styles. The theme is derived from the contemporary village life.
Tiatr:
A Tiatr is a form of entertainment unique to Goa. Not exactly a drama or a musical drama, it consists of 6 or 7 acts, each of roughly 15 minutes' duration, called Podd'dde, which are interspersed by 2 or 3 songs, solo, duo or duet, trio, quarter or group song.
Theme Songs:
The songs are unrelated to the play but based on social, political or religious themes. This mix of songs and plays makes Tiatr popular among the masses. The character of Tiatr changed after the independence. While family quarrels, heavily laced with Portuguese language and influence, formed the story of Tiatr in the pre-liberation era, social, religious and political themes crept in the post-liberation period.
Khell Tiatr, a derivative of Tiatr, performed in villages during the Carnival, Intruz and Easter in the open ground, differs from Tiatr in that its songs are relevant to the main play.Some of the other popular folk drama forms are "Dashavatari", "Goulankala", "Kala", "Lalit, Kalo", "Ranmale", and "Rathkala".
Performed By Kala Academy Festivals
Throughout the year, the Kala Academy conducts a number of festivals in different fields of arts, which draw famous artists from all over India besides providing local artists unique opportunities to share the stage and perform. These include:
Besides, an Indian classical music festival, "Annual Sangeet Sammelan" in memory of Master Dinanath Mangeshkar is held every year at his native village temple, Shri Shantadurga Devasthan in December at
How to Reach
Goa by Air
Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa.
Goa by Rail
It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening of the Konakan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably. From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach the desired destinations.
Goa by Road
Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji.
Moving around in Goa is quite easy. One can find bus as well as car rental services. A unique experience is that of the motorcycle taxi. Several ferry services are also available.
Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Also known as ‘the pearl of the east’, it is best known for its beautiful and long palm-fringed beaches, Gothic churches, age-old ruins, coconut groves, intoxicating Feni, and laid back way of life. It is situated on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, and is separated from Maharashtra by the Terekhol River in the north, Karnataka in the south, the Western Ghats in the east, and the Arabian Sea in the West.
Goa can be divided into four divisions-the Eastern Hills, the Central Valley Lands, the Flood and the Coastal Plains. There are several rivers and streams that flow through this delightful state and some of the famous lakes in the state are Mayem and Carambolim. Most of the rivers are navigable and of immense economic importance as ores are transported through these rivers to the Mormugao port for export.
Goa was conquered by the Portuguese in 1510 and had been a Portuguese colony for about four centuries. It was finally declared free of Portuguese rule in 1961, fourteen years after independence. Goa was conferred statehood and Daman and Diu was made a separate union territory in 1987.
History of Goa
Goa is one of those states of India to have a fascinating history. In fact, of all other things the rich history of Goa has made this smallest state of India famous and has interested historians through years. The history of Goa, which is popularly known as the beach capital of India, dates back to 3rd century BC. It was during this time Goa became a part of Mauryan Empire. Colonial rule, glorious culture, oppressive rulers make the rich history of Goa.
Facts and Figures
Area |
3702 sq km |
Population |
1,343,998 (2001) |
Religion |
Hinduism (64.62%), Christianity (29.85%), Others (5.53%) |
Annual Rainfall |
2,800 - 3,500 mm |
Maximum Temperature |
34°C |
Minimum Temperature |
20°C |
Capital |
Panaji |
Languages |
Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English |
Literacy Rate |
82.32% (2001) |
Per Capita Income |
23482 (at current prices in 1997-98) |
Urbanization Ratio |
41.00% |
Best Time To Visit |
October to February |
Goa Tourist Attractions
Goa Beaches
The most important part of Goan tourism and Goa Tourist attraction is Goan beaches which are world famous for its beauty. They are among the finest in the world and every year they attract hundreds and thousands of peoples from around the world and within India. It’s a perfect place to spend a vacation or enjoy the honeymoon. The beaches in the northern part are more famous as more events are held there and southern beaches are quite and are perfect destinations for those who seek the solitude of loneliness. The famous northern beaches are Anjuna, Arambol, Baga, Bambolim, Calangute, Candolim, Chapora, Dona Paula, Miramar, Morjim, Sinquerim and Vagator while the famous southern beaches are Agonda, Benaulim, Bogmalo, Canaguinim, Cavelossim, Colva, Majorda, Mobor, Palolem and Varca. Some popular beaches are as below -
Anjuna Beach in Goa
Anjuna is a small village in north Goa the hat is popularly known as the freak capital of the world. Its full-moon rave parties and the Wednesday flea market that takes one back to the hippie days have gained international fame.
Baga Beach
Under the shade of palm trees, bathes the Queen of Beaches Calangute. Calangute seems to be a distortion of the local vernacular word ‘Koli-gutti’, which means land of fishermen. Some people connect it with Kalyangutti (village of art) or Konvallo-ghott (strong pit of the coconut tree) because the village is full of coconut trees. With the advent of the Portuguese, the word probably got distorted to Calangute, and has stuck till today. In a green semi-circle, the villages of Arpora-Nagoa, Saligao and Candolim do their bit to enhance the divine beauty of Baga Beach Goa Calangute. There are picturesque agors (saltpans) at Agarvaddo, Maddavaddo is full of madd (coconut trees), Dongorpur skirts a bottle-green hillock and Tivaivaddo laces the beach. In Gauravaddo lived the gaudds or milkmen ran dairies.
Colva and Benaulim Beach in Goa
Colva and Benaulim are two famous beautiful beaches that are still somewhat untouched by the fast paced life.
Mapusa Beach in Goa
Mapusa must be visited for its weekly Friday market which is full of souvenirs and fascinating articles like wooden carvings, coir mats, wood furniture, straw hats and freshly baked bread. It is also more typically Goan, with fish, fruit, vegetables and other fresh produce sold alongside tourist goods.
Vagator and Chapora Beaches in Goa
Vagator and Chapora are quaint fishing villages where the sea turns from aquamarine to emerald green, and a 500-year-old Portuguese fort, leave each visitor amazed.
Goa Forts
Forts form a vital part in telling the history of the past and Goa as a whole. Majority of the forts lie in the region of Old Goa. Rulers of the past- the Portuguese, the Muslims and the Marathas all contributed their part in building these magnificent forts. Famous among them is the Aguada Fort-the largest fort built by the Portuguese. Equally famous are the Cabo da Rama Fort, Chapora Fort and Terekhol Fort. Other forts are Reis Magos Fort, Rachol Fort, Corjuem Fort, Mormugao Fort and Cabo Fort – now known as the Cabo Raj Bhavan.
Goa Churches and Temples
The Churches in Goa are world famous for the splendid art work on the altars. Among them the most famous is the Basilica of Bom Jesus where the mummified body of St. Francis Xavier is kept in a silver casket, and the oldest one is the Church of Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo. Others are, The Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Church of St. Francis of Assisi, The Church of St. Cajetan, The Se Cathedral and The Augustine Church of Our Lady of Grace.
Basilica of Bom Jesus in Goa
The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a World Heritage Monument and houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, patron saint of Goa, in an airtight glass coffin inside a silver casket.
Cathedrals of Saint Catherine and that of Saint Francis of Assisi in Goa
The Cathedral of Saint Catherine was completed in 1619 and is the largest Christian church in Asia. Bith the churches are splendid examples of Renaissance architecture.
Behind the gate of St. Paul's college is a Kuchcha road branching off the main road, leading to the chapel of St. Francis Xavier. It is built of laterite plastered with lime mortar; with tiled roof supported by wooden rafters is a plain chapel with only one altar - St Francis of Assis Church.Architecturally, it is of the Doric order. The Chapel was within the enclosure of the College of St. Paul and was dedicated either to St. Anthony or to St. Jerome. As the chapel was used by St. Francis Xavier, it was re-dedicated to him after his canonization in 1622 - St Francis of Assis Church Goa.
The original chapel was in existence in 1545. With the outbreak of the epidemic and the consequent abandoning of the college of St. Paul in 1570, the chapel fell into ruins and the present chapel was built in 1884 - St Francis of Assis Church in Goa.
Se Cathedral Church in Goa
Se Cathedral Church in Goa nearby is dedicated to St. Catherine, as it was on her feast day, 25th November 1510 that Alfonso de Albuquerque conquered Goa. Believers are awe-struck to hear of the Cross of Miracles, which is placed in the cathedral, its earlier church having been destroyed. People have had a vision of Christ on this cross and the rock on which it was found was said to spout water while, today, the cross is slowly growing. Earlier, it was at Se Cathedral that the sacred relics of St. Francis Xavier were shown to the public - Se Cathedral Church Goa.
Church of St. Cajatan in Goa
Opposite the Se Cathedral, beyond the road is the large and beautiful church of St. Cajetan built of laterite blocks, which were lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in which are kept the statues of the apostles - St Cajetan Church.
The Church of St. Cajatan was built by an Italian architect in 1651, and was modeled on St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. A theological college is housed here now.
The main body of the church is Greek cross on plan internally and oblong externally, with a nave ending in an apse and aisles marked by four massive piers faced by Corinthian pilasters. These piers also form the base for supporting, at the crossing, a circular dome that rests on a drum and was crowned by a lantern. The ribbed vaults of the nave and aisles are of varying height and are coffered with different floral designs. The two-ocatgonal room having domical roofs on either side of the main altar serves as the sacristy - St Cajetan Church in Goa.
The Carmelites Church in Goa
The Carmelites Church Goa - The church was built in 1621. The Carmelites, on their refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the king, were expelled from Goa in 1707. The church fell into disuse and ruins soon after - The Carmelites Church in Goa.
Nothing remains of the The Carmelites Church of the Carmelites excepting the façade and a raised pavement, which served as an altar. Its location is to the southeast of the Church of St. Cajetan and is on a hill more or less contiguous to the hill on which the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount stands.
St Francis Xavier Church – Goa
Opposite the Se Cathedral, beyond the road is the large and beautiful church of St. Cajetan built of laterite blocks, which were lime plastered. The façade, having two towers on either side to serve as belfry, has Corinthian columns and pilasters supporting a pediment, and four niches in which are kept the statues of the apostles - St Francis Xavier Church.
The main body of the St Francis Xavier Church in Goa is Greek cross on plan internally and oblong externally, with a nave ending in an apse and aisles marked by four massive piers faced by Corinthian pilasters. These piers also form the base for supporting, at the crossing, a circular dome that rests on a drum and was crowned by a lantern. The ribbed vaults of the nave and aisles are of varying height and are coffered with different floral designs. The two-ocatgonal room having domical roofs on either side of the main altar serves as the sacristy - St Francis Xavier Church Goa.
Temples in Goa
Most of the temples in Goa have deities brought from Mithila region in Bihar to which the Saraswat Brahmins of this region are believed to belong. The temples of Shri Mangesh, Shri Shanta Durga and Shri Ramnath are all instances of beautiful temple architecture.
The Brahma Temple in the village of Brahma Carambolim and Shri Gomanteshwar Temple at Brahmapuri, in old Goa both of which date back to the 5th century, can be counted as the oldest among the temples in Goa. The Shanta Durga and Shri Manguesh, part of the complex of temples that surround Ponda, The Shri Bhagavati Temple in Pernem, Shri Datta Mandir at Sanquelim, Shri Damodar Temple, The Shri Chandreshwar Temple atop the Chandranath Hill the Devaki-Krishna Temple at Marchel are also famous temples and are visited by a large number of devotees.
Goa Wildlife
Goa is not just beaches and churches. There are some beautiful Wildlife Sanctuaries and Parks that can take you to another world of life. The Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary in Chorao is a paradise to bird-watchers. Other attractions are the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary which includes the Molem National Park, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary.
Wildlife Sanctuaries in Goa
The wildlife sanctuaries of the state of Goa do not have as much variety of flora and fauna, and are smaller than many of the other Indian sanctuaries, but a more peaceful atmosphere and better tourist facilities more than make up for that. Bondla is renouwned for its gardens, mini zoo, and deer park, and is a real treat for the children. The Molem Wildlife Sanctuary is the biggest of three wildlife sanctuaries in Goa. Dandeli is another place worth visiting that is located on the Goa-Karnataka border and known for its beautiful landscape, apart from the rich flora and fauna.
Mayem Lake
The Mayem Lake is the favourite escape of the local Goans who pack their picnic baskets and set off to this delightful haunt.
Temple of Tambdi Surla
The Temple of Tambdi Surla is one of the few religious structures in the state that survived Portuguese onslaught.
Goa Fairs and Festivals
Ratha-Saptami festival in February, Maruti-Zatra at Sri Mahalakshmi Temple, Chariot Festival (Vijayarathotsav) at Mahalsa Temple, Shigmotsav in March, festival of Gade at Mahadev Bhumika temple, Kalas Utsav which is celebrated every alternate year at Sri Morjaee Temple, Janamashtami which marks harvest festival, Ganesh Chaturthi - which can be said the number one festival of Goa, Dussehra are the main Hindu festivals.
Goinchea Saibache Fest or better known as the Feast of St. Francis Xavier is the biggest of all Christian festivals in Goa. It is celebrated on the first week of December and millions of visitors from all over the world attend it. Other Christian festivals are the Three Kings Feast and The Procession of Saints as well as Easter and Christmas.The biggest social festival apart from the religious festivals is the three-day Goan Carnival and is also famous internationally. It is celebrated before the 40 day Lent before Easter. It concludes with the famous Red-and-Black dance held by the Clube Nacional in Panjim.
Goa Museums
Adding to the attractions that Goa puts forward to the visitors are the Museum and Art Galleries of the State. The State Archaeology Museum in Panaji, Archaeological Museum in Velha, Museum of Goa Daman and Diu in Panaji, Museum of Christian Art within the convent of Santa Monica in old Goa, Naval Aviation Museum which is just six kilometres from the port of Vasco-da-Gama, Kerkar Art Complex and The Art Chamber near Calangute beach are the other places which show cases the history and life.
Other Tourist Attractions in Goa
The Dudhsagar Waterfall located in the Goa and Karnataka border where water falls from very high and thus forming a splendid view is a famous tourist spot. It’s a place frequented by nature lovers, trekkers and hikers. The best season to visit this place is in the monsoons as water will be flowing in plenty. Another attraction is the Mayem Lake near Mapusa, which is an ideal place for boating and bird watching.
Goa Adventure Sports
For thrill seekers Goa offers a wide range of adventure sports like Parasailing, Jet-skiing, Water Skiing, Knee and Wake-Boarding, Windsurfing, Speedboat Rides, Catamaran Sailing, Scuba-diving and Snorkeling, Hiking and Trekking, Microlite Flying, Microlite Flying, Go-Karting etc. Most of the water sports facilities are available in a number of beaches.
Goa Cuisines / Foods
The Portuguese Delicacies
Goa Cuisines - Not unnaturally, after 450 years of colonization, Goan cooking has absorbed a strong Portuguese influence. Palm vinegar, copious amounts of Coconut, Garlic, Tangy Tamarind and fierce local chillies all play their part - Cuisines of Goa.
Goa Food -
Goa is the home of the famous Vindaloo, originally an extra-hot and sour pork curry, but now made with a variety of meat and fish. Other Pork specialties include Chourico red Sausages, Sarpotel, a hot curry made from pickled pig's liver and heart; Leitao, suckling pig; and Balchao, pork in a rich brown sauce. Delicious alternatives include vinegar chicken, spicy chicken or Mutton Xacutti, made with a sauce of lemon juice, Peanuts, Coconut, chillies and spices - Goa Food Guide.
Sea Food - Eating Out Places of Goa
Cafes & Shacks - Goa Food RecipeEating & Drinking Ked in frGoant masalas is excellent - Clams, Mussels, Crab, Lobster, Giant Prawns - while Fish, depending on the type, is either cooked in wet curries, grilled or baked in Tandoor clay ovens. Try Ape de Camarao, a spicy prawn pie with a rice and Semolina crust. Sannam, like the south Indian iddli, is a steamed cake of fermented rice flour, but here fermented with palm Toddy (also spelt as Todi). Sweet tooths will adore Bebinca, a rich, delicious solid Egg Custard with coconut.
Fruits
When it comes to fruits Goa have the Pineapple, the Melon, the Banana, the Pawpaw, the Custard Apple etc., but surpassing them all is the MANGO. One can find a huge variety of them but the sweetest, the most luscious and the most ravishing in taste, are the "Alphonso", the "Fernandina" and the "Malcorada", and without exaggeration, the best in the world.
Serving or Eating Style / Traditions.
Eating Patterns
Food is usually served in bowls and placed on long tables surrounded by several chairs, where the whole family can sit together for a meal. A meat or fish dish is a must in every meal, but vegetables are also essential. The vegetables are usually cooked without any spices or masalas unlike the northern cuisine. There is no special style as such in eating food in Goa. All the dishes are eaten together as usual in plate.
Popular Dishes
Pastries
- Pastries are almost a part of every common meals as well as occasion and feast in Goa. Christmas and the Ganesh Festival are occasions when they are prepared in all their varieties. Being the land where coconut is abundant it is not surprising that in quite a good number of these sweets coconut milk is used. However, the queen of the delicacies is the "Bebinca". It is made of eggs, pure ghee, flour, coconut milk and sugar. Other Goan pastries would include "Doce", "Cokad", "Dodol", "Bolinhas" and "Jia de Aronhas".
Rice Dishes
- Rice is an important item of Goan diet. One will find it at every table and almost at every meal. Rice is eaten with delicious fish or meat curry, or in the form of "Pulao", and many other ways. A leavened and steamed bread called "Sana", another around pastry called "Oddo", the steamed South Indian "Dossa" and "Iddli", a great number of sweet dishes made with rice and jaggery etc. are some of the regional preparations of Goa.
Beverages/ Drinks
Goan Food and Drink Goa has few of the dietary restrictions or taboos that apply in their regions of India, both Hindu and Muslim. Here the idea of vegetarianism is probably more equated with poverty than purity, and drinking alcohol is not the shameful activity as it is elsewhere. The Goan Palate relishes meat, especially pork, and all kinds of fresh seafood.
Feni - Goa's "National" Drink:
Gently swaying coconut palms and bright red or yellow cashew apples can be found occupying Goa's half landmass under crops and their sap or juice is the source of Goa's popular "national" drink, Feni.
Making Of Feni
- Palm Feni is pure but a strong drink ranking with the strongest spirits. It comes from Toddy, which is produced by tapping the sap from the base of the young palm shoots. Growers have to choose between producing Feni or coconuts because once tapped, the young shoots cannot go on to produce nuts, but the decision can be reversed with the next growth of shoots according to market demand.
Unfermented, the Toddy makes a nourishing and refreshing drink and when strained and boiled down to crystallizing point, it produces palm jaggery, the coarse brown slabs of sugar used in Goan sweet dishes. Within hours of tapping, the Toddy ferments to about 4% of alcohol. Often, it is drunk soon afterwards, but when distilled, the first gives the more potent Urrack, a favourite drink sold in the local bars.
Types of Feni:
The famous palm Feni is the result of the second distillation. Its name in Goa's local language 'Konkani' means 'froth', a name attributed to its reaction during processing.
A second type of Feni that is even more popular is 'Caju' Feni derived from the cashew apple. The Cashew is the legacy from Portuguese who introduced it to Goa from Brazil. Cashew Feni is usually drunk after the first distillation, but one can also find it double-distilled, flavoured with Ginger, Cumin or Sasparilla to produce a smooth liqueur.
Goa Dances
Dashavatara
The Origin
Dances in Goa - Dashavatara term refers to the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu ('Das' means ten, 'Avatar' means incarnations). Scholars are divided into two groups as far as the origin of the dance is concerned. One group believes it to have evolved from "Yakshagana"; another group considers it to have emerged from "Kuchipudi" - Christmas Dances in Goa.
Goa Dance - Many actors believe that Dashavatara is originally a dance form from Kerala, and they worship a deity of the Walaval region of Kerala. Whatever the source maybe, the form was introduced to the Konkan region in the 16th century - Goa Folk Dances.
Theme & the Enactment:
Folk Dances of Goa - The subject of the theft of the 'Vedas' is discussed by the "Sutradhar" (stage manager), 'Brahmin' figures, women actors representing the rivers, actors playing Lord Brahma (the Creator) and Goddess Saraswati (the goddess of learning), and the demon Shankhasur.
The overture continues for about two hours, and the proper drama known as "Akhyana" begins after this. The play, concerning itself with stories from the epics and mythology, concludes at sunrise. The red and white makeup of Dashavatara actors distinguishes them from the spectators who arrive shortly before 11.00 pm for the performance. The evening commences with prayers to Ganapati or Ganesha (the elephant-headed god), sung by the Sutradhar (stage manager).Performed By Both Male And Female Actors.
Folk Dance of Goa:
Goan folk dances bear a tradition of thousands of years, characterized by innumerable forms performed by and reflecting lifestyles, cultures and aspirations of different strata, religions and castes of Goan society. The prominent ones include Corredinho Dance, Dekhni Dance, Dhalo Dance, Dhangar Dance, Fugdi Dance, Ghode Modni, Goff Dance, Kunbi Dance, Lamp Dance, Mussal dance and Romal Dance.
Dance Style
Goff Dance
It is a folk dance with cords, manifesting joy and happiness of Goan peasants after the harvest. It is performed during the Shigmo Festival in Phalgun (March) month. Each dancer holds a colorful cord hanging at the centre point of the 'Mand' - the place of performance - and starts dancing intricately with the others, forming a beautiful, colourful, intricate braid at the end of the first movement.
The music starts again and the dancers reverse the pattern of dancing so skillfully that the braid gets unraveled and at the end of the second movement, all the cords are loose and single once again. There are 4 different braids of Goff. The songs sung are devoted to Lord Krishna. "Ghumat", "Samael" and "Surta Shansi" or melodic instruments accompany the dance. Goff has an affinity with tribal dance forms of Gujarat.
Kunbi Dance:
Kunbis, the earliest settlers of Goa, are a sturdy tribal community mostly settled in Salcete Taluka, who though converted to Christianity, still retains the most ancient folk tradition of the land. Their songs and dance belonging to the pre-Portuguese era are uniquely social and not religious. The fast and elegant dance by a group of Kunbi women dancers, wearing traditional yet very simple dresses, lends a colourful touch to this ethnic art form.
Lamp Dance:
This dance derives its name from brass lamps used in the dance during the Shigmo festival. The accompanying instruments include Ghumat, Samael, Cymbal and Harmonium. The performers indulge in a slow dancing movement, balancing brass lamps with burning wicks on the head and the hands. The balancing act controlled by tremendous self-discipline and exquisite footwork matching with the rhythms of the traditional folksongs are eye-catching. This group dance is popular in the southern and central Goa.
Mussal Dance:
The Kshatriyas, the warrior class of 'Chandor' (erstwhile Chandrapur, the capital of the "Kadamba" rulers) perform this dance-cum-song to celebrate the victory of Harihar, the Hindu King of Vijaynagar over the Cholas in the early 14th century. They hold and brandish pestles ('Mussals') - a favourite war instrument with the Yadavas - during the victory parade and dance as the original one held centuries ago. The march comprises 4 couplets while the main dance uses 22 couplets. Originally the Gaonkars did the performance on the full-moon night of the Falguna. The Kshatriyas, though converted to Christianity, still retains the cultural heritage and perform it now on the second day of the carnival.
Romat Dance:
This thanks-giving ceremonial dance-cum-procession performed during the Shigmo festival is known as Romat in the northern Goa and Mell in the central Goa. It is an extremely crowded, noisy and colourful affair. Teams of dancers drawn from different sections of the village dance and March martially with huge banners, ceremonial umbrellas, festooned sticks and batons towards the temple of the presiding deity or to the house of the landlord.
The cacophony emanating from deafening beats of huge 'Dhols' and 'Tashas' and a prolonged, vigourous dancing procession displaying colourful dresses leave the spectators spell-bound.
Jagar & Tiatr:
Performing Arts: Jagar & Tiatr
Drama:
Goa is highly rich in folk drama forms that narrate, often with songs and music, the stories of great epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, and also project relevant, contemporary issues the society or the community is concerned with.
Jagar:
This earliest form of drama in Goa is suppo.comsed to be the precursor of modern Marathi theatre. There are two forms performed by two different communities.
The Two Forms:
One form, the "Perani Jagar" is performed exclusively by the Hindu Perani community. The theme tackles philosophical questions like the origin of the universe in the background of mythology.
The other form known as "Gawda Jagar" is enacted by the Christian Gawda community in different villages in Goa in different styles. The theme is derived from the contemporary village life.
Tiatr:
A Tiatr is a form of entertainment unique to Goa. Not exactly a drama or a musical drama, it consists of 6 or 7 acts, each of roughly 15 minutes' duration, called Podd'dde, which are interspersed by 2 or 3 songs, solo, duo or duet, trio, quarter or group song.
Theme Songs:
The songs are unrelated to the play but based on social, political or religious themes. This mix of songs and plays makes Tiatr popular among the masses. The character of Tiatr changed after the independence. While family quarrels, heavily laced with Portuguese language and influence, formed the story of Tiatr in the pre-liberation era, social, religious and political themes crept in the post-liberation period.
Khell Tiatr, a derivative of Tiatr, performed in villages during the Carnival, Intruz and Easter in the open ground, differs from Tiatr in that its songs are relevant to the main play.Some of the other popular folk drama forms are "Dashavatari", "Goulankala", "Kala", "Lalit, Kalo", "Ranmale", and "Rathkala".
Performed By Kala Academy Festivals
Throughout the year, the Kala Academy conducts a number of festivals in different fields of arts, which draw famous artists from all over India besides providing local artists unique opportunities to share the stage and perform. These include:
- Artists Camp January
- Bhajan Competition August
- Christmas Carol Singing December
- Kirtan Mahotsav September At Quepem
- Konkani Drama Festival November/December
- Marathi Drama Festival November/December
- Pop, Beat & Jazz Music Festival May
- State Art Exhibition December
- Surashree Kesarbai Smriti Sangeet Samaroha November
- Tiatr Festival November
Besides, an Indian classical music festival, "Annual Sangeet Sammelan" in memory of Master Dinanath Mangeshkar is held every year at his native village temple, Shri Shantadurga Devasthan in December at
How to Reach
Goa by Air
Dabolim is the main entry point for Goa situated at a distance of around 29 km from Panaji on the coast near Vasco da Gama. Most domestic airlines operate in Goa apart from chartered private airlines operating from UK and Germany. Indian Airlines has direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai daily. Air India also flies to Goa.
Goa by Rail
It is not difficult to reach Goa by trains, especially after opening of the Konakan Railway that connects Margao and Vasco da Gama to major cities in India. You can take trains from Delhi 1,874 km), Mumbai (490km), and Bangalore (430 km) to reach Goa comfortably. From the railway stations, you can hire taxis and motorcycle taxis to reach the desired destinations.
Goa by Road
Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka state transport corporations operate from the Kadamba bus stand at Panaji. Frank Shipping operates a boat service between Mumbai and Panaji.
Moving around in Goa is quite easy. One can find bus as well as car rental services. A unique experience is that of the motorcycle taxi. Several ferry services are also available.
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