Goa is a fabulous place that you don't want to leave even for a short time. For more than a hundred kilometer, a coastline of indescribable beauty stretches here - a wide beach strip of the purest fine golden sand. Warm ocean waters, excellent service and rich excursions make Goa an ideal place for an unforgettable vacation.
Goa state of India
GOA - GENERAL INFORMATION
- Full name - Republic of India, State of Goa
- Capital of India - New Delhi
- Capital of Goa - Panaji
- Goa area - 3702 square meters
- Language - Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English
- Currency - Indian rupee
- Telephone code - +91
Goa is a tiny state of India on the shores of the Arabian Sea (Indian Ocean basin), covering an area of 3702 sq / km and consisting of two districts - North and South Goa. In the north, Goa borders on the state of Maharashtra, in the east and south - Karnataka. A distinctive feature of this state is the fact that in the recent past Goa was a Portuguese colonial territory, an enclave founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque. Only in 1961 did Goa become part of the Republic of India. It is not difficult to calculate that this Portuguese rule lasted more than 400 years and naturally left its mark on the culture and life of the local population, architecture, language and religion. Detailed information about the events of those times can be found on the History of Goa page.
Today, Goa, with its idyllic beaches, coconut groves, spice plantations and rice fields, incomparable snow-white churches and Catholic cathedrals, a relaxed free environment and friendly people, has rightfully earned the status of a popular resort in the world.
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Goa state name
It is generally accepted that the name Goa comes from the Sanskrit "go" - a cow. Like it or not, but in the ancient Indian epic (itihas) "Mahabharata", indeed, this land is mentioned as Goparashtra(or Govarashtra), which can be translated as "Country of cow herders".
Government and Emblem of Goa
Government:
The Government of Goa is represented by the Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister (Chif Minister). The official head is the Governor. In the Parliament of India, Goa is represented by 3 deputies: one from each district in the lower - People's (Lok Sabha) chamber and one deputy - in the Upper House of the Council of States (Rajya Sabha). In addition, Goa is subject to the Bombay High Court.
Emblem of Goa:
In the center of the emblem of Goa is a traditional Indian lamp in the form of a tree (Vriksha Deepa), enclosed in an eight-pointed star, symbolizing universal enlightenment through Knowledge. Above the star is an inscription in Sanskrit: "Let everyone prosper. Let no one experience pain!" Below - cupped palms, denoting support, creation and protection.
See also: The 18 best hotels in North Goa
Geography, climate and population of Goa
Geography:
The territory of Goa is 3702 km / sq., Goa is adjacent to the Arabian Sea, the length of the coastline is 106 km, the highest point is 1167 m, Mount Sonsogor in the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) chain, the main rivers- Zuari (63 km.), Mandovi (62 km.), Terekol, Chapora and Betul. Goa has 8 sea and more than 90 river islands. More than a third of the territory of Goa (1424 km / sq.) is covered with forests. The state of Goa has 31 cities and 383 rural settlements. Seaport - Mormugao, airport - Dabolim. The capital of the state of Goa is Panaji.
Climate:
The climate of Goa is tropical. The average annual temperature fluctuates between 20-30 C. The period of monsoon rains lasts from June to the end of September. The recommended form of clothing is light from natural fabrics (cotton, silk), a sweater will not be superfluous on winter evenings. The recommended time to visit Goa resorts is from November to March.
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| Temperature in Goa, India |
The humid climate of Goa allows the cultivation of rice and coconut palm, as well as a variety of vegetables and tropical fruits.
Population:
The population of Goa is 1.6 million people. Of these, 65% are Hindus, 30% are Catholics and 5% are Muslims. The population density is more than 400 people per 1 km/sq. The urban population is 50% of the total population. 82% of men and 76% of women are considered literate, this is a very high figure in relation to other states of India. The most populous city is Vasco de Gama.
Attractions in Goa
Goa is the birthplace of the so-called Indo-Portuguese style in architecture. The brightest examples of local colonial architecture can be seen in the state capital of Panaji. Ancient squares and ancient buildings, which are so close to each other that the narrow streets of the city are more like corridors, will not leave indifferent connoisseurs of antiquity and fans of medieval architecture.The historical part of Panaji is divided into Old Goa and Fontainhas (the oldest residential area of the city, chosen by the natives long before the arrival of the Portuguese). Local churches are examples of European architecture with unique Indian elements. In addition, the architecture of many temples shows the influence of the Baroque and the Italian Renaissance.
One of the main attractions of Goa is the chapel of St. Catherine. This is the first Portuguese church that was built here in 1510-1511. It is also worth visiting the Central Cathedral, the church of St. Francis of Assisi (a bizarre combination of Indian motifs with elements of baroque architecture), the church of St. Cajetan of Tien (an exact copy of one of the Roman temples of the same name) and the churches of Divar Island.
Divar Island, located 10 km east of Panaji on the Mandovi River, regularly organized excursion by ferry and boat. Divar Island is a sacred place for Hindus. Before the arrival of the Portuguese colonialists, the island was simply littered with various Hindu temples, most of which were ruthlessly destroyed by the colonists during the forced conversion of local residents to Christianity. Fortunately, some of the temples have survived. The most famous of them is the temple of the elephant-headed god of wisdom and prosperity Ganesha.
Part of the island of Divar is occupied by the small village of Piedade, famous for its villas, which are still inhabited by wealthy descendants of the Portuguese colonialists. Some of them accept tourists, so visiting Divar Island is a great opportunity to combine a vacation in India (Goa) with getting to know the daily life of wealthy Goans at home.
Excursion tours to India are diverse, including due to the abundance of various museums in Goa. The most significant of them are the Goa State Museum and the Naval Aviation Museum. It is worth mentioning the very young Wax Museum, the exposition of which is entirely devoted to the history and culture of India. The building of the Wax Museum maintains a unique microclimate that allows wax images to retain their shape despite the unbearable heat outside the building.
In the Goan capital city of Panaji, the restoration of medieval city gardens and parks is in full swing - chic fountains with night illumination, antique-styled benches, huge trees with a spreading crown, in the shade of which you can hide from the heat of the day, all this creates comfortable conditions for relaxing after a walk around town.
Language and currency of Goa
Language:
The official languages of the Republic of India are Hindi and (as an auxiliary) English, but Goa stands apart here too. The Goa, Daman and Diu Official Languages Act of 1987 declared Konkani the only official language of Goa, native to more than 60% of the state's population. Therefore, on the streets, in shops and cafes, you will be addressed in a wild mixture of Konkani, English and Portuguese. Although the staff of five-star hotels and other reputable high-level establishments speaks English and many other foreign languages very well.Currency:
In Goa, the Indian rupee, which is divided into 100 pise, is in circulation. On price tags, they usually write Rs (short for Indian rupee) in front of the number.The only foreign currency that can be easily exchanged almost everywhere is US dollars (approximate rate is half an Indian rupee per dollar). Not even all banks accept other currencies, and if you are lucky enough to find such a bank, then be prepared that the exchange will be made at an extremely unfavorable rate for you. Moreover, the farther from Panaji, the less favorable the exchange rate (this also applies to the dollar). Therefore, when purchasing a ticket to India, it is also better to exchange Russian rubles for dollars or rupees at once.
When exchanging currency at a Goa bank, you must have a passport with you. The cashier has the right to check whether your visa has expired.
Numismatists and bonists should keep in mind that the import to Goa, and even more so the export of rupees from there, is prohibited, and foreign currency can be exported, provided that its amount does not exceed the amount imported. As for electronic plastic cards, only major international payment cards are accepted here and only in expensive hotels, shops and restaurants, mainly in South Goa.
Visa for Goa, India
To travel to India and Goa in particular, an Indian visa is required. It can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of India in Washington, DC, or from the Consulates General of India located in 2536 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20008.There is, however, an option to travel to Goa without a visa - at the Goa airport, a person who arrives without a visa is issued a temporary residence permit, called the three letters TLP (Temporary Landing Permit). But, firstly, a visa-free tourist is prohibited from leaving the state of Goa, secondly, TLP is issued only to those who arrive with a group of at least four people, and thirdly (and most importantly), the Indian side must be notified in advance, and, as a rule, only tour operators are authorized to do this. Therefore, if you do not want to spoil your vacation, it is better to just get an Indian visa in advance.
Customs:
It is allowed to import 0.95 liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars, a minimum number of personal items such as a camera, video equipment, binoculars, a tape recorder, etc. into India without duties. Expensive items must be indicated in the declaration.
It is forbidden to export bird feathers, skins of wild animals, reptile skin and various products from it, gold and silver bars, antiquities and antiques, living plants from the country.
