OhmeGaaawd !! Another One On Goa !!
I can imagine the serial readers of mouthshut screwing up their noses and proclaiming, “Not another one on Goa, phuuuuulease!”
Honestly speaking, this review on Goa has a very selfish reason. This is my tribute to the place. I was fortunate enough to have stayed in Goa for two long years during my Post Grad in Management. And the memories that I have of the resplendent sunshine and marvellous beaches in Goa, dotted with the coconut trees, not to speak of the magnificent churches are things, which I will carry with me to my grave.
So besotted am I with the place that I have spent my honeymoon (Feb 2002) there and am planning to go again in February next year (2003).
If you are looking for dazzling coastline, basking in the sun kissed and drenched beach, then Goa, located on the slopes of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri Ranges) is a perfect choice.
Goa : The Past
Goa was a part of the Mauryan Empire, around 3rd century BC. Later, the Satvahanas of Kolhapur, and the Chalukyas of Badami took over. Then the Vijaynagar Empire established itself for almost a century. This era ended with the arrival of the Sultans of Gulbarga, from whom Adil Shah of Bijapur took over. The Dutch, English, French and Portuguese, all began struggling for its possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portuguese conquered Goa, under Alfonso de Albuquerque. After ruling for around four centuries, in 1961, the Portuguese had to leave.
Goa : What To Visit
Goa is referred to as “Goa Dourada”, meaning ‘Golden Goa’ because of its beaches, forts, churches, waterfalls and seminaries. If one visits the place at leisure, one will be able to realise the justification of the name.
Beaches
The chief attraction of Goa is the numerous beaches. Herein lies the catch. My advice is, avoid all the major beaches because of the crowd and visit the remotely located tiny beaches that dot the coastline, for an awesome experience. You will feel as if you have been transported a few centuries back and that you would suddenly find a wooden ship breaking water and cruising along with the Bo Sun perched on the highest mast. Given below are the brief details of some of the popular beaches that you can visit.
Calangute: Sixteen kilometers from the capital city of Panaji, this is one of the world's loveliest beaches. Stretching several hundred meters, this is one the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign holidayers in Goa.
Vagator: It is difficult to find another spot as mesmerising as the Vagator Beach which is just a little over 20 kilometers from Panaji. On the one side you have the vast and seemingly endless expanse of water and on the other, the historic Chapora fort.
Anjuna: Be prepared for a dazzling display of rocky beauty at Anjuna which lies within half an hour’s drive from Panaji. Explore the sand filled coastline and the legendary village of Anjuna that is boasts the magnificent Albuquerque mansion.
Colva: A popular destination in south Goa. Few can rival its scenic splendour. The beach is dotted with restaurants with a range of exotic cuisine.
Palolem: With the imposing, lush green Western Ghats as the backdrop, the Palolem Beach in deep south is a very enchanting beach. Relatively less frequented, it is the ideal locale for tourists seeking a close tie with nature and privacy. It is less than 40 kms from the commercial centre of Margao.
Temples And Churches
I have travelled to quite a few places. But rarely have I found a place that boasts so diverse a geographical and cultural distribution. Given below are the churches and temples that you must visit in Goa during your stay there.
Basilica of Bom Jesus: One of the most revered churches by Christians worldwide, is the Bom Basilica, located in Old Goa, 10 kms east of Panaji. A World Heritage Monument. This houses the mortal remains of St Francis Xavier, kept in a silver casket.
Se Cathedral: The most imposing of all churches, the Se Cathedral overwhelms the visitor with its grandeur and awesome presence. Dedicated to St Catherine, it has five bells, one of which is the Golden Bell, among the best in any church in the world.
Shri Mahalasa Temple: Located about 22 kms from Panaji at Mardol is the 400 year old temple of Mahalasa Narayani. Deity Mahalasa is considered to be the Mohini avatar of Lord Vishnu and unusually for a goddess wears a holy thread or ''Yadnyopavitra.''
Shri Mangeshi Temple: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this beautiful temple is located on a hillock surrounded by lush green hills, 22 kilometers from Panaji. The lofty white tower at the entrance is one of the most important landmarks in Goa.
Shri Mahadev Temple: Situated in Tambdi Surla at the Foot of the Ghats, 66 kms from Panaji, this temple is the only existing specimen in Goa of the Kadamba Yadava (14th century) architecture in basalt stone.
Shri Vithal Mandir: This impressive temple situated at Vithalwadi at Sanquelim about 41 kms from Panaji is dedicated to the ancestral God of 'Ranes' who put up a prolonged memorable resistance to the Portuguese rule.
Goa : Festivals & Carnivals
Feast days, thanksgiving, and monsoon celebrations, processions-all mark the Goanese calendar. Shigmo, the Goanese version of Holi, is celebrated in the month of February and March. The Feast of Our Lady of Miracles, celebrated 16 days after the Easter, is celebrated with grandeur by both Hindus and Christians. Igitun Chalne, held at Sirigao temple in Bicholim during May, is one of Goa's most distinctive festivals. The main attraction of the festival comes when devotees of Goddess Lairaya walk across burning coals to prove their devotion.
Goa : Where To Stay And What To Eat
In Goa, the accommodation rates are season specific. Prices may reach sky-high limits during Christmas. One can obtain specific details from the information bulletin of GTDC.
Goanese cuisine is world famous, especially the popular pork vindaloo. Other pork delicacies include chourisso and sarpotel. Xacuti is a meat/chicken specialty and bangra is Goanese mackerel. Sanna are rice cupcakes soaked in toddy before cooking; dodol and bebinca are special Christmas sweets. Feni is the widely known liquor made from cashews and coconuts.
Goa : Is It Ever Enough ?
Frankly speaking, I can never have enough of Goa. No matter how long you stay there, each and every time you leave the place you are filled with that million-dollar question in your mind, as to when you will be able to come back again ! This may be universalizing a personal opinion. But then I had claimed at the very beginning that this article has stemmed from a selfish reason.
