|
|
|
|
Goa "A Pearl on Earth" |
|
|
|
Goa is located on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula
with the Western Ghats to the east and the Arabian Sea to the
west. Goa is a place worth visiting at any time of year but the
time Goa reveals itself best would be at the peak of monsoons
from mid July to late September and in winters from the end of
November to mid February. |
|
|
|
The world famous beaches of Goa are the highlights of travel
in this state, making Goa the premier beach vacation
destination. The long coastline gives an enthusiastic beach
lover an opportunity to discover new secluded beach sites
every day. Goa also known as The Jewel of India, is studded
with temples and churches, which remain as silent but forceful
witnesses to the intense religious history of the diverse
people who lived here. The Se Cathedral, the
Convent and Church of St. |
 |
|
|
|
Francis of Assisi, Professed House
and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St.
Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church
of St. Augustine are, probably, the most mentionable of the
lot. But the list of old buildings, all reflecting the
chapters of bygone times, doesn't end here. Hence a pilgrimage
to Goa is a unique experience. |
|
|
|
It is also blessed with wide and wonderful rivers. The waters
of the rivers are emerald green and a ferry up any one of them
will take you past fishermen with their nets spread out. On
the sides are palm trees with green
fields behind them. As you go past old Catholic churches, you
might just come across small white-sanded banks that are
popularly called "Coco" or "Sunny" beaches. If not for anything
else, stop to collect awesome, colourful and varied shells
which can be found just lying around. |
 |
|
|
|
Walk along the coast into the villages and drive through
plantations and long winding roads, lined with swaying coconut
palms, which look even more fresh and beautiful in the monsoon. |
|
|
|
|
The beaches are really stunning. Lying in their currents you can
forget all your cares and give yourself a mud bath (it’s very
good for the skin) or you could ride the waves of the ocean,
swim in the bays or do whatever the heart pleases. Now fully
developed as an international beach resort, Goa offers the best
holiday villages on its beaches.
Everything about Goa is
spellbinding from the landscape |
|
 |
|
dotted with Portuguese architecture, to the way of life that
exudes an irresistible old world charm. And when you head
back, besides taking with yourself all the cherished
memories, you will realize that there is much more still
undiscovered of the beautiful, unspoiled jewel in this part
of India. |
|
|
|
|
Goan Cuisine |
|
|
|
The long period of Portuguese rule, besides that of the Muslim
and Hindu kingdoms, has left an indelible influence on the
original style of Goan cooking and this has led to an exotic mix
of truly tasty and spicy cuisine.
From fried fish to exotic concoctions like ambot-tik, seafood is
usually a must on the menu, except for the occasional break
for some religious observance. Despite the two culinary
traditions influenced by Hinduism and Christianity
respectively, there are some meeting points that present an
interesting harmony.
With a wide variety ranging from prawns to sausages, chicken to
beef, and numerous vegetarian dishes, Goan cuisine is able to
satisfy even the most finicky gourmet appetites.
Goan food is simple but most, though not all of it, is chili
hot, spicy, and pungent.
Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish dishes are also
highly prized by Goans. You can even get all sorts of spaghetti,
German bread and Italian food.
|
|
|
|
