India Tourism » States » Goa Travel

Goa which was liberated on 19th December, 1961 alongwhh Daman and Diu from 451 years Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the 25th State of the Indian Union when it was conferred Statehood on 30th May, 1987. The State of Goa has a Legislative Assembly with a strength of 40 elected members. Besides, Goa has three elected representatives in the Central Parliament. The Governor is the Head of the State and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister. However, for administrative purposes, the State has been divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively, and six divisions comprising 11 Talukas.

Goa Travel Guide: Ensconced on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges) Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian Sea. More

Places of Interest in Goa: Mapusa: It is 13 Kms. from Panaji. The capital of Bardez Taluka, on the national highway, is the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of Northern Goa. More

Beaches in Goa: Calangute Beach, Colva Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Miramar Beach, Anjuna Beach, Vagator Beach , Arambol Beach , Agonda Beach , Palolem Beach. More

Fairs & Festivals in Goa: Mahashivratri: A celebration in the honour of Lord Shiva held at all the principal Shiva templeIs, it is celebrated in Harvalem, Ramnathi, Kavlem, Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Shiroda, Brahmapuri. Shirgao, Kasarpal, Fatorpa and Panaji. More

Places of Worship in Goa: East of Panaji, lies the site of city of Old Goa, founded by Adil Shah in the first decade of 16th century. It was being developed by them with a view to shifting their capital from Bijapur. However, Afonso de Albuquerque made a short work of it when he stormed and took it over to house the centre of power of the Portuguese colonies. More

Goa Cultural Heritage: A traditional folk dance performed by the womenfolk of the scheduled tribe community who were the earliest settlers of Goa, in the second half of the Hindu month Bhadrapada. More

Museums & Art Gallery in Goa: Archaeological Museum Goa, Museum of Goa Daman & Diu, Institute Menezes Braganza Goa. More

Goa Wildlife & Sanctuaries: Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary Goa, Bondla Forest Goa, Catigao Wildlife Sanctuary Goa, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary Goa. More

General Information
Area: 3,702 sq. kms.
Population: 11,69,793 (1991 Census)
Altitude: Sea level to 1,022 metres.
Location: Between latitude 15 degree 48'00 "N & 14 degree 54' "N and Longitudes 74 degree 20' 13 "E & 73 degree 40' 33 "E
Clothing: Tropical clothing throughout the year. Light woolen can be during December and January.
Languages Spoken: Konkani, Matrathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese.
Tourist Season: Throughout the year (November to February is pleasant while June to September is rainy season).