Beautiful Goa ! Trip Guide and Islands of Goa (Updated List 2018)
Goa is a state in India within the coastal region known as the Konkan in Western India. It is bounded by Maharashtra to the north and to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea forming its western coast. It is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture.
It has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, a biodiversity hotspot. Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan.Goa's seven major rivers are the Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona and the Sal. The Zuari and the Mandovi are the most important rivers, interspaced by the Kumbarjua canal. These rivers are some of the busiest in India. Goa has more than 40 estuarine, eight marine, and about 90 riverine islands. The total navigable length of Goa's rivers is 253 km. Goa has more than 300 ancient water-tanks built during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty and over 100 medicinal springs. Goa also stands 6th in the Top 10 Nightlife Cities in the World in a National Geographic Book.
One of the biggest tourist attractions in Goa is water sports. Beaches like Baga and Calangute offer jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, water scooter rides and more. The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples. The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism destinations. The Goan Carnival and Christmas-new year celebrations are well known to attract a large number of tourists. 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.
Top Places Must Visit in Goa;
- Deltin Royale Casino: Try Your Luck,
- Chapora Fort: Discover Bollywood’s favourite fort,
- Mangeshi temple: Oldest Lord Shiva Temple of Goa
- Tambdi Surla Temple: 1300 Year Old Hindu Temple
- Basilica of Bom Jesus: Explore Goa’s religious legacy,
- Pandava Caves and Arvalem Waterfall: Witness the Beauty of Nature,
August in Goa. The monsoon clouds roll around in majestic abundance with the sun peeking through occasionally to light up heavenly vistas of rural existence. A rice field lush and full, swaying coconut trees or are they palm fronds, I know not.
Islands in Goa
Look at the list of Goa's Amazing Islands.
Divar Island
Diwar is an island in the middle of Mandovi river and it is not too far away from the capital city of Panjim. The island has a limited population and there is no bridge to connect it. Ferries criss cross the river at several places. The local population does not want a bridge or for that matter any commercial exploitation.
Grand Island Goa
Ilha grande popularly known as the Grande island is one of the most popular island and tourist spot in Goa. Coming to Goa and not going for the half day trip to Grande Island in Goa is simply an incomplete journey to pearl of the orient. More information can be read on Grand Island Tour Website
Butterfly Island (Palolem)
A small beach, isolated. But nature at its best. U need to take a boat ride from Palolem beach to reach here. Don't fall prey to dolphin sight seeing as there are none but the location itself is breathtaking. A must visit for those who wish to relax in insolation.
Chorao Island
Known for its bird sanctuary, Only way to go this island - From Ribandar which is just 5kms away from Panjim, you easily get ferry from the ferry point which takes you to Chorao.
Sao jacinto Island
The name of the island is derived from the name of the St. Jacinto’s Church.
Conco Island (Cancona)
Conco island is very different and amazing island i ever had. Travel time was nearly 3 hours, but we enjoyed a lot. This island is also named as "Monkey's island" as there are more monkey climbing here and there. Amazing and worth place to visit.
For complete details of Goa's Island List Visit Grand Island Website