Capital : Panaji

Principal Language : Marathi and Konkani

Largest City : Vasco da Gama, Goa

Establishment : 1987-05-30

Districts : North Goa | South Goa

Major Cities :

Geography

Quietly resting on the Arabian Sea, the tiny state of Goa enjoys a serene and peaceful existence in southwest India. Bordered by Maharashtra on the north and Karnataka on the east and south, Goa contains sandy beaches across the Malabar Coast that rise up to the Western Ghats. The Mandavi and Zuari rivers create quite a site as their mouths help to create the island of Goa (Ilhas).

Important Cities - Towns and Religious - Tourist Place

Aguada, Anjuna and Miramar (loveliest beaches), Baga, Benaulim, Bondla, Calangute, Chapora and Cabo de Rama Forts, Chorao (Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary), Cotigao and Molen (wildlife santuaries), Colva, Dabolim, Dauna, Dudhsagar and Harvalem (waterfalls), Harmal, Kavalem, Mardol, Old Goa (Basilica of Bom Jesus and se Cathedral churches, Viceroy's Arch, Gate of Adil Shab's Palace), Mangusehi and Bandora temples, Margao, Marmugao, Mayem (lake resort), Panaji, Terekhol, Vasco da Gama, Vagator

Climate

In a state full of sub-tropical forests, the weather would most likely be warm; Goa is no exception. With January temperatures sitting between the mid 60s and the mid 80s (19°C - 29°C) and June seeing temperatures between the high 70s and low 90s (25°C - 33°C), warm could be an understatement. Goa's monsoon season occurs from June to September and brings about 80% of the state's yearly rainfall in that short period.

Location :

Goa is bounded on the north by Maharashtra and on the east and south by Karnataka and has a coastline of 105 km, opening upto Arabian Sea in the west.

Culture

Once a Portuguese colony, the state of Goa provides a culture that is a potent mixture of the East and the West. Though the large Christian population almost exclusively spoke Portuguese in the past, they now typically speak Konkani or English. This unity among peoples and religions in one land allows for fabulous public celebrations of Christian holidays like Easter and Christmas, as well as major Hindu festivals like Deepawali (Divali). The western presence is evident in more than just the religious scheme and public festivals of Goa. As a result of intermarriage, many native Goans bare Portuguese names. Portugal's 450 years of occupation also appear in the Latin architecture that dominates the state's buildings and structures. Moreover, the customary cuisine of Goa is rich in fish and meat, unlike most of India. Finally, alcohol has a much stronger presence here than the rest of the country. The small state is home to over 6,000 licensed bars (that's over 1.6 bars per square kilometer), and beer is very cheap. Other popular drinks include fennel and toddy, a derivative of palm sap.

History :

Goa was captured for Portugal by Afonso de. Albuquerque in 1510 to Which Daman and Diu were added later. It was liberated from Portuguese yoke on December 19,1961 and the territories incorporated into the Indian Union. For over 25 years, Goa, Daman and Diu were a Union Territory what it became the 25th State in the Country on May 30,1987. the overland districts of Daman and Diu were delinked from Goa and are now a Union Territory.

Economy :

Goa was captured for Portugal by Afonso de. Albuquerque in 1510 to Which Daman and Diu were added later. It was liberated from Portuguese yoke on December 19,1961 and the territories incorporated into the Indian Union. For over 25 years, Goa, Daman and Diu were a Union Territory what it became the 25th State in the Country on May 30,1987. the overland districts of Daman and Diu were delinked from Goa and are now a Union Territory.

Facts About Goa

* Goa is sometimes referred to as "The Pearl of the East."

* The state's luscious forests and beautiful landscape has inspired many natives to call it "the emerald land."

* The monsoon rains bring a special atmosphere to the sandy beaches of the Goan shore. Many consider this season to be the best time of year to visit.