ARUN GANGAN

GOA

Goa is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population.

Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.

Total Area : 3,702 km2

Population (2011) : 14,57,723

Goa is the smallest state of the Indian Union. It was part of

the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu.

It became the twenty fifth state in the Indian Union on

May 30th 1987 while Daman and Diu remained as union

Territory

ANIMAL : GAUR

TREE : CROCODILEBARK TREE

BIRD : BLACK CRESTEDBULBUL

LANGUAGES IN GOA

KONKANI 61%

MARATHI 19%

KANNADA

HINDI

URDU

OTHERS

7%

5%

4%

4%

GOA- ART FORMS Traditional Goan art forms are

Dekhnni

Fugdi

Corridinho

Mando

Dulpod

Fado

GOAN CUISINES

Goan cuisines

Rice with fish curry is the staple diet in Goa.

Goan cuisine is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes.

Coconut and coconut oil are widely used in Goancooking along with chili peppers, spices, and vinegar giving the food a unique flavour.

Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti, chorisa, and Sorpotel

Khatkhate is a very popular dish during the celebrations

The most popular alcoholic beverage in Goa is feni;

cashew feni is made from the fermentation of the fruit of the cashew tree, while coconut feni is made from the sap of toddy palms. Goa also has a rich wine culture

Sannas, Hitt, are variants of idli

Polle, Amboli, and Kailoleo are variants of dosa

A rich egg-based, multi-layered sweet dish known as bebinca

FESTIVALS

TRANSPORTATIONS

AIRPORTS

Goa International Airport , more commonly known as Dabolim Airport, is an international airport located in the city of Dabolim in Goa, India.

It is the only airport in the state and operates as a civil enclave in a military airbase named INS Hansa .

The airport caters to scheduled domestic and international air services.

Goa has scheduled international connections to Doha, Dubai, Sharjah and Kuwait in the Middle East by airlines like Air Arabia, Air India, GoAir, Indigo, SpiceJet, Jet Airways, JetKonnect and Qatar Airways.

# Code Station Name State Place

1 CNO Canacona GOA Canacona

2 PERN Pernem GOA Pernem

3 VSG Vasco da Gama GOA Vasco da Gama

4 THVM Thivim GOA Thivim

5 KRMI Karmali Railway Station GOA Karmali Railway Station

6 SVM Sanverdam Chuch GOA Sanverdam Chuch

7 QLM Kulem GOA Kulem

8 MAO Madgaon GOA Madgaon

RAILWAY STATIONS

TRANSPORTATION BY ROAD

Goa's public transport largely consists of privately

operated buses linking the major towns to rural areas.

Government-run buses, maintained by the Kadamba

Transport Corporation

Goa has four National Highways passing through it.

NH-66 runs along India's west coast and links Goa

to Mumbai in the north and Mangalore to the south.

NH-4A running across the state connects the capital

Panjim to Belgaum in east, linking Goa to cities in

the Deccan.

The NH-366 connects NH-66 to Mormugao Port from

Cortalim.

The new NH-566 is a four-lane highway connecting

Mormugao Port to NH-66 at Verna via Dabolim Airport,

Hired forms of transport include unmetered taxis andauto rickshaws.

Another form of transportation in Goa is the motorcycle taxi, operated by drivers who are locally called "pilots"

The Mormugao harbour near the city of Vasco

Panjim, which is on the banks of the Mandovi, has a

minor port, which used to handle

passenger steamers between Goa and Mumbai till the late

1980s.

There was also a short-lived catamaran service linking

Mumbai and Panaji operated by Damania Shipping in the

1990s.

SEA

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

WATER FALLS

The Kuskem waterfall is located in the Canacona taluka in

South Goa.

It is situated in idyllic Kuskem village at about 20 km

from the Cotigao wildlife sanctuary off NH 17.

It is best visited only during the rainy season as it dries

out during the summers. The water falls from a lofty

source leaving a clear leap of milky water.

KUSKEM WATER FALL

Dudhsagar Falls (literally Sea of Milk ) is a four-tiered

waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state

of Goa.

It is 60 km from Panaji by road and is located on

the Madgaon-Belgaum rail route about 46 km south

of Madgaon and 60 km north of Belgaum.

DUDHSAGAR WATER FALL

The falls is located in the Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park amongst the Western ghats.

The falls are not particularly spectacular during the dry season but during the monsoon season however, the falls are fed by rains

Dudhsagar Falls is amongst India's tallest waterfalls with

a height of 310 m(1017 feet) and an average width of 30

metres (100 feet).

A thunderous spurt of water beautifully cascading down a

rocky terrain of a mountain!

it is located at Arvalem, around 9 km from Bicholim, North

Goa.

With water falling headlong from a height of 70 meters, it

makes up for an absolutely breathtaking view.

ARVALEM WATER FALLS

Trekking through the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Santurar

will reach you to the Tambdi Surla falls.

There is a sacred temple which is there from the 15th

century of Lord Shiva and one must not forget to visit

that when they are at the foots of waterfalls.

The water flows from the hills and are a spectacular view

with green all around due to the bushes and trees

TAMBDI SURLA FALLS

ISLANDS

The Pequeno or Bat Island of Goa is a very popular destination for many holiday makers around the world.

The Pequeno Island is a great place for tourists to visit, especially those who are looking for some adventure while they are holidaying in Goa.

The Pequeno Island has mostly rocky beaches, but they are strikingly beautiful. There is also a small stretch of greenery on the island

BAT ISLAND

The Island forms a great surprise for those seeking adventures

and comprises of a small rocky beach and a small stretch of green.

The Bat Island is famous for snorkeling and is considered a

perfect destination for the snorkelers.

The island provides a very interesting stopover along the Goan

coast and can be reached by a 30 minute ride into the sea

The famous Bonderam festival is celebrated in Divar, during the

monsoon with great fanfare and attended by thousands of tourists

and locals

The island of Divar can be reached by a ferry ride on both sides:

the ferry on the north side of the island is at Old Goa about 7 kms

from Panaji and the ferry on the south side is from Narwe

ISLAND OF DIVAR

CAVES

A beautiful example of the historical monuments present in Goa is

the Arvalem Caves or the “Pandava Caves”.

Located in the Bicholim town of North Goa

These caves are ancient rock cut caves that give us a chance to

steep into the mythological tales.

The origin of these caves dates back to the 6th century.

ARVALEM CAVES

Lamgau Caves : These man - made caves are famous tourist spot

which cannot be missed out when on a trip to Goa.

They can be approached by a tough trek from the Lamgau

Village itself or by driving through Bicholim on the road towards

Mapusa.

The Lamgua caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva. There is a stone

Linga installed with a Tulsi Vrindavan and a small Nandi Bull

image in the simple courtyard.

LAMGAU CAVES

FORT

Fort Tiracol, sometimes known as Terekhol Fort, is a fort

in Goa, India.

Located on the northern tip of Goa at the mouth of the Tiracol

River

Fort Tiracol is reached by a ferry from Querim, 42 km North

of Panaji.

The site chosen was a hillock on the Northern (right) bank of the

river, which gave a commanding view of the Arabian sea.

FORT - TIRACOL

The Fort Aguada is one of the oldest among the various forts of

Goa.

The Fort Aguada in Goa is situated at the estuary of River

Mandovi, in Bardez Taluka, North Goa.

It is just 18 km from Panjim, the capital city of Goa.

FORT - AGUADA

The fort was built in the 17th century.

The Church of St Lawrence situated nearby is another reason

for visiting this place.

Chapora Fort, located in Bardez, Goa, rises high above

the Chapora River.

Chapora Fort was constructed in about 1617 but fell twice

This fort is situated near the Anjuna beach and the Vagator beach

of North Goa

CHAPORA FORT

The popular Goan beach fort Cabo de Rama is named after Lord Rama

Also known as Cape Rama Fort, this ancient fortress is located in the Canacona district of Goa

CABO DE RAMA FORT

Inside the Cabo de Rama Fort, there is the church of Santo

Antonio which is in excellent condition and is still used by

devotees.

Cliffs drop steeply to the sea provide a panoramic outlook of the

surrounding areas, at the western side of the fortress.

The fort provides majestic views of the entire length of Colva

beach and the Canacona stretch.

The Alorna fort is situated in the village of Alorna which is about

30 km from Mapusa and 10 km east off NH 17 from Malpem in

Pernem.

It was built by the Bhonsles of Sawantwadi in the 17th century

The fort is presently in a dilapidated condition. It is however a

beautiful site to explore as it is perched on the banks of the river

Chapora as it flows peacefully towards Colvale

ALORNA FORT

CHURCHES

BOM JESUS BASILICA

The Bom Jesus Basilica, perhaps Goa's most famous church and

among the most revered by Christians worldwide, is partially in

ruins but still a model of simplicity and elegance, and a fine

example of Jesuit architecture

Located at Old Goa, 10 kilometres east of Panaji

The Bom Jesus Basilica is a World Heritage Monument.

The foundation stone of this remarkably large church was laid on

24 November 1594

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi was built in 1661 by

the Portuguese in the Portuguese Viceroyalty of India

The three tier facade have octagonal towers on each side and in

the central niche there is a statue of St. Michael.

The main entrance is decorated with circular pilasters and rosette

band.

The central nave is barrel-vaulted while the crossing is rib-vaulted

which supports the choir.

ST.FRANSIS ASSISI

The internal buttress walls, separating the chapels and supporting

the gallery on top, have frescoes showing floral designs.

Above the tabernacle in the main altar is a large statue of St.

Francis of Assisi and Jesus on the cross, statues of St.

Peter and St. Paul are seen below.

The adjoining walls of nave retain painted panels depicting scenes

from the life of St Francis of Assisi.

Not far to the west of the Basilica of the Bom Jesus is the Holy Hill

at the extremity of which is the Church of Our Lady of the

Rosary.

Built of laterite and plastered with lime mortar, it has a two-

storeyed portico.

The portico as well as the façade of the church has rounded

towers on either side with the cross on top. The roof of the church

is tiled, supported by wooden rafters.

CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF ROSARY

The church has three alters and two chapels.

The main alter is dedicated to the Lady of Rosary.

The church has the look of a fortress as it has rounded towers and

windows near the roof.

The design of the church suggest unmistakable Gothic inf

Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia and is known for its

giant bells and exquisite architecture.

Se Cathedral is a well known cathedral and the main altar is

dedicated to Catherine of Alexandria

The church is fringed with Tuscan exteriors and is 250 feet in

length and 181 feet in width.

SE CATHEDRAL

The Portuguese during their susspremacy built this impressive

structure in the 16th century.

The Cathedral stands tall towards the west of the great square

called Terreiro de Sabaio and has its porch facing the east

BEACH

AGUADA BEACH

Aguada beach is almost synonymous with the top-notch Fort

Aguada Hotel complex, a superb hotel that is built on the cliff,

around the remnants of the early 17th century Portuguese fort.

Although access to the beach is not possible through the hotel

grounds, which are private, you can walk along Aguada beach, for

in India private beaches do not exist

ANJUNA BEACH

Located about 18kms from Panaji and situated in Bardez taluka,

the Anjuna Beach is the part of a 30 km extended beach coastline

along the west coast of Goa by the Arabian sea

The beach is famous for its stunning natural beauty with swaying

palms trees and soft powered white sands

Arambol Beach is a traditional fisherman village, located

approximately a one hour drive from the Dabolim Airport (GOI)

within the Pernem administrative region of northern Goa, India.

The beach attracts many international tourists, mainly during the

winter season between November and March.

ARAMBOL BEACH

Arambol has a distinct bohemian feel which is no longer found in

other areas, such as Calangute and this inevitably attracts many

alternative travellers.

It borders North on Keri Beach and South on Mandrem Beach.

Dolphin watching boat trips and paragliding are amongst the fun

activities on this beach along with Wind and Kite surfing, Body-

boarding, and Sailing.

BAGA BEACH

The sunset and sunrise of Baga Beach are also very mesmerizing

and is a treat for a nature lovers eyes.

Baga Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Goa. This

beach is basically an extension of Calangute Beach Holydays and

is a part of 30 kms coastline along the west coast of Goa.

The beach offers excellent swimming, surfing and snorkeling

facilities

CALANGUTE BEACH

Calangute is the beach to which everyone heads for the moment

they land in Goa.

So it is natural that it is overcrowded in both in peak and off

seasons.

This huge seven-kilometre sweep of sand located 15 kms from

Panaji, is called the 'Queen of Beaches'.

All the travel agencies and tour operators have a base here from

where bookings are done for most of all the other beaches

Candolim beach offers various water-sports activities-right from

parasailing to water-skiing, wind surfing and so on.

Located 14 kms north of Panaji in the state of Goa, the Candolim

Beach is a part of a long extension of beach coastline along the

Arabian Sea that begins at Fort Aguada and ends at Chapora

Beach.

CANDOLIM BEACH

Fishing is an activity for those who love peaceful and quiet

environment.

Yoga & meditation has also gained popularity here because of the

idyllic atmosphere.

The Colva Beach lies about 6 Kms to the west of Margao and is

the oldest, largest and the most spectacular beaches of South Goa

other main attraction for the tourists is the "Menino Jesus" statue

at the local church of Igreja de Nossa Senhora de Piedade ( Our

Lady of Mercy)

COLVA BEACH

Although the Colva Beach has never been a hilarious destination

for rave parties, Colva's nightlife is livelier and vibrant than

anywhere else in south Goa.

The two most happening nightspots are down in the dunes south

of the beachfront area: splash boasts a big MTV satellite screen

and music to match, and a late bar and disco energize and rock

crowds around 10.00 pm

PALOLEM BEACH

The Palolem Beach is located about 2-km West of Chaudi,

Canacona District of South Goa and is also known as the

"Paradise Beach

It is the place of glorious sunsets and stunning sunrises with

backdrop of Western Ghats situated in Southern Taluka of

Canacona.

Miramar Beach is situated 1 kilometer ahead of the confluence of

Mandovi River and the Arabian Sea.

It is situated on the way towards Dona Paula, about 3 kilometers

from Panjim, the capital city of Goa.

Miramar Beach of Goa is also known as 'Gasper Dias'

MIRAMAR BEACH

It is a golden beach fringed with palm trees. The soft sands of the

beach makes it the best site for evening walks

The silver sand beds of the beach are said to sparkle in the

moonlight

Mobor Beach is an ideal location for the adventure tourists.

It is one of the most popular beaches in Goa.

which enables the tourists to indulge in adventure sports such as

water skiing, water surfing, jet ski, banana and bump rides and

parasailing

MOBOR BEACH

Varca Beach is one most popular tourist sites in Goa.

It is one of the most beautiful and exotic beaches of Goaand is

situated about 2 kilometers from Benaulim.

The beach is marked by a number of wooden boats, belonging to

the fishermen of the city.

VARCA BEACH

The Varca Beach in Goa is known to its soft white sands and its

cleanliness. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Goa

The tourists can spend their time watching dolphins or enjoying

boat trips on the river Sal.

The Sinquerim Beach of Goa is located some 13 km away from

Panaji and is stunningly beautiful and quieter than the other

beaches of Goa.

This long, extended sandy terrain that runs incessantly along the

coast is ideal for taking a walk.

The feel of the glistening sands and the cool water caressing the

feet gives you out of the feeling

SINQUERIM BEACH

VAGATOR BEACH

The Vagator beach located near Mapusa Road, North Goa and 22

km far from the state capital Panaji is less crowded and isolated

compared to other Goan beaches

It boasts of pure white sand, doted with black lava rocks and

swaying coconut and palm trees

TEMPLES

BRAHMA TEMPLE

The Brahma temple is situated 7 kms from Valpoi and 60 kms

from Panaji in the village of Brahma Carambolim in the Satari

taluka.

It is the only temple in Goa that is dedicated to Lord Brahma and

is also one of the few important temples found in India that is

dedicated to Lord Brahma.

Shri Datta Mandir at Sanquelim is well known all over Goa for

the miraculous cure for mental troubles which the deity, the

Hindu Trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar, is said of offer.

The temple is situated 37 kms at Dattawadi, Sanquelim, and 40

kms. from Margao

DATTA MANDIR

SHREE DEVAKI KRISHNA

TEMPLE

The unique feature of this temple is that this is the only temple in

India where Lord Krishna is worshipped alongside mother

Devaki as Devakikrishna.

Located 17 km from state capital Panaji, Marcel in Ponda taluka

SHREE CHANDRESHWAR TEMPLE

The ancient Chandreshwar Temple also known as the

Chandranath Temple is situated on the road to Quepem, about 14

km from Margao.

It is located on the Chandranath parvat, a heavily wooded hill

about 350 mt high and is dedicated to an incarnation of Shiva, the

Lord of the Moon

SHREE DAMODAR TEMPLE

The Shri Damodar Temple is one of the most beautiful and

famous architecture constructions in Goa.

It stands on the bank of Kushawati River near the Zambaulim

Village, just 22 km from the City of Margao on the border of

Quepem region (Quepem taluk) and Sanguem region (Sanguem

taluk), in Soth Goa

MAHA LAXMI TEMPLE

The Mahalaxmi temple is located in Bandora, 4 kms from Ponda.

The temple was built to honor Mahalaxmi, the goddess of peace.

The temple has a silver arched doorway with a pillared hall.

The main temple of Mahalaxmi is located in Kolhapur,

Maharashtra.

MARUTHI TEMPLE

The Maruti Temple lies at the center of Mapusa city.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Maruti, the monkey God.

In the year 1843 Ramdasibuva came Mapusa with a silver idol of

Maruti and the temple was built and idol was placed.

WILD LIFE

BONDLA WILD LIFE SANCTUARY

Its mini zoo, sprawling deer park in natural habitat, botanical and

rose gardens attract people throughout the year.

The Bondla wildlife sanctuary is about 50 Kms from Panaji and 38

Kms from Margao and 20 Kms east of Ponda. It is more of a

jungle resort with tourist cottages available on site run by the

Forest Departmen

The common animals that inhabit the sanctuary are the Gaur and

the Sambhar deer. It is a popular destination for school picnics. It

is closed on Thursdays

Gaur the state animal is frequently seen.

The Panther is the largest carnivora and the Jungle Cat, Leopard

Cat, Toddy Cat are others.

Herbivorous consist of Deers (Sambar, Spotted, Hog, Barking

and Mouse) Wild Boar, Porcupines Scaly Ant Eater, and Malabar

Giant Squirrel.

The diminutive Flying lizard (Draco) is fairly common.

Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a

sanctuary that covers 240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad slopes of the

Western Ghats that is rich in wildlife and a paradise for bird

watchers

Animals that are sheltered in the sanctuary, including Gaur,

Sambar, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Slender Toris, Jungle Cats,

Malayan Giant Squirrels, Pythons and Cobras.

Jeeps on private arrangements go to the interior of the forest

It is more convenient to view wild animals from the Devil's

Canion View Point. Bird lovers may also find their best time over

here

Contains within it The Molem National Park

COTIGAO WILD LIFE

SANCTUARY

It is situated in Canacona Taluka, in the south of Goa. It lies at

about 2 km from Poinguinim , which is 10 km away from Chaudi,

the main town of Cancacona on NH17

The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, was established in 1969 to

protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa-

Karnataka border

The sanctuary is known for its dense forest of tall trees, some of

which reach 30 metres in height. The forest supports moist

deciduous trees, semi-evergreen trees, and evergreen trees.

A special feature of the sanctuary is a treetop watchtower

positioned 25 metres above a watering hole where animals go to

drink. The best times to visit the watchtower are dawn and dusk

when animals are most likely to be visiting.

Animals in the sanctuary include :

flying squirrel

slender loris

Indian pangolin

mouse deer

four-horned antelope

Malabar pit viper

hump-nosed pit viper

white-bellied woodpecker

Malabar trogon,velvet-fronted nuthatch

heart-spotted woodpecker

speckled piculet

Malayan bittern

draco or flying lizard

golden-back gliding snake

Malabar tree toad

Several tribal groups live in and around the sanctuary including

the Velip and the Kunbil.

Visitors can interact with these communities to learn about their

culture and lifestyle.

GAMBLING IN GOA

Goa is one of the few states in India where gambling is

legal.

MOST FAMOUS CASINOS IN GOA

Deltin Royale

Casino Pride

Deltin Jaqk

Casino Paradise

Casino Royale

HOTELS

3 4

5

3 STAR HOTELS IN GOA

TAMARIND HOTEL

Baggage Storage on Request Beauty Services Restaurant Spa/Massage/Wellness Backup Generator Gym Swimming Pool Recreation Wi-fi (charges apply) Free Parking

5,800

GOAN CLOVE HOTEL

Health Club Swimming pool Restaurant, Banquet Facilities Gym Elevator/Lift Safe Deposit Locker Facility

Beauty servicesDoctor on callBarWi-fi (charges apply)Free parkingComputer on RequestLaundry Facilities

4,500

HAATHI MAHAL HOTEL

Doctor on Call Banquet Facilities Gardens Gym Swimming pool Spa/Massage/Wellness, Backup Generator Health Club Child care

Beauty servicesSafe Deposit Locker FacilityBarWi-fi (charges apply)Free parkingComputer on RequestLaundry FacilitiesChildren park

4 STAR HOTELS

IN GOA

HERITAGE VILLAGE CLUB

Catering Backup Generator Jacuzzi Secretarial Services Banquet facilities Beauty Services

Swimming Pool Doctor on Call Doorman Conference Hall

Safe Deposit Locker Facility Massage-Available in Room Free Parking Bottled Water in Room Climate Control Smoking Rooms Child Care Kitchenette. Wi-Fi (charges apply) Currency Exchange

11,500

LEMON TREE RESORT

Gym Doctor on Call Bar Catering Laundry Facilities Restaurant Health Club Business Facilities Currency Exchange Jacuzzi.

Minibar H/C Water Conference Hall Swimming Pool Air Conditioning Room Attached Bathroom Smoking Rooms. Banquet Facilities Beauty Services Wi-Fi (charges apply)

11,800

AGUADA ANCHORAGE HOTEL

Gym Doctor on Call Bar Catering Laundry Facilities Restaurant Health Club Business Facilities Currency Exchange Jacuzzi. Express check in/check out

Minibar H/C Water Conference Hall Swimming Pool Air Conditioning Room Attached Bathroom Smoking Rooms. Banquet Facilities Beauty Services Wi-Fi (charges apply) Limousine Service

14,550

5 STAR HOTELS IN GOA

VIVANTA BY TAJ HOLIDAY

VILLAGE

Luxury Bliss Villa 1 Bedroom : 58,200

Deluxe Room Allure Villa 1 Bedroom : 31,700

Premium Indulgence Cottage : 21,200

Superior Charm Cottage : 17,800

TAJ EXOTICA HOTEL GOA

Presidential Villa 2 Bedrooms : 140,940

Villa Room/ Sunset View : 30,600

Villa Room/ Garden View : 22,500

Deluxe Room : 18,000

Villa Room Bedroom : 16,000

ALILA DIWA HOTEL GOA

Diwa Suit : 30,750

Diwa Room : 22,700

Family Terrace : 19,200

Terrace Room : 14,200

Loft Room : 12,500

SHOPING

MAPUSA MARKET

Antiques

Textiles

Traditional Handicrafts

Goan pottery

Spices

Fruits

Home made pickles

ANJUNA FLEA MARKET

Local handicrafts

Spices

Clothes

Footwear

Beach wear

Artificial jewellery

& Accessories

CALANGUTE MARKET SQUARE

Buy sarongs and trinkets made of sea shells as souvenirs from a perfect beach holiday or treat yourself to fried prawns and beer at one of these stalls. Also, look out for metal, leather and clay items, accessories, textiles and carpets at the Calangute Market Square

SUPER GOAAA!!!