Goa, India
Here is a quick history of Goa:
• Goa was originally ruled by the Kakatiya dynasty of the Deccan. In 1353, it came under the Muslim rulers of the Bahmani Sultanate.
• In 1510, Goa was conquered by the Portuguese and became a colony of Portugal for over 450 years. The Portuguese ruled Goa from 1510 to 1961.
• During Portuguese rule, Goa served as a trading post and port city for the Portuguese Empire. It developed into a wealthy and culturally influential state. Many grand churches and convents were built in this era.
• Goa played an important role in the Portuguese discovery and colonization of new sea routes to the East. It served as an important trading hub linking Portugal with Asia.
• Goa was annexed by India in 1961 after military action. It became a union territory of India in 1987. Since then, it has developed rapidly into a major tourist destination.
• Goa’s culture has been influenced by Portuguese, Indian, and Maratha cultures. It has a unique culture that is quite distinct from other Indian states. The economy has shifted from agriculture to tourism.
• Goa has a diverse population including Hindus, Catholics, Muslims, and descendants of Portuguese colonists. Konkani, Marathi, and Portuguese are the major languages spoken.
• Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with hot summers and mild winters. It features beaches, tropical forests, and wildlife sanctuaries. Tourism, especially beach tourism, plays a key role in the economy.
1. **Basilica of Bom Jesus** The Basilica of Bom Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Roman Catholic church that holds the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. It is one of the oldest churches in India and is known for its beautiful architecture. Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (Monday to Saturday), 10:30 AM – :30 PM (Sunday) Address: Old Goa Rd, Bainguinim, Goa 403402, India Phone: +91 832 228 5790 Website: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/destinations/all-you-need-to-know-about-the-basilica-of-bom-jesus-in-goa/articleshow/92691434.cms
2. **Fort Aguada** Fort Aguada is a 17th-century Portuguese fort overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort was built to protect the region from enemy attacks and has a lighthouse that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM Address: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515.
3. **Calangute Beach** Calangute Beach is the largest and most popular beach in North Goa. It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, water sports, and numerous shacks that offer delicious food and drinks. Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: Open 24 hours Address: Calangute, Goa 403516.
4. **Dudhsagar Falls** Dudhsagar Falls is a breathtaking four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River. It is one of the tallest waterfalls in India and is surrounded by lush green forests. Cost: Entry fee varies depending on the mode of transportation (jeep, train, or trekking) Hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Address: Sonaulim, Goa 403410.
5. **Se Cathedral** Se Cathedral is a magnificent 16th-century Roman Catholic church dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. It is one of the largest churches in Asia and is known for its beautiful architecture and the “Golden Bell.” Cost: Free entry of operation: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Address: Velha, Goa 403402. India Phone: +91 832 228 4710.
6. **Chap Fort** Chapora Fort is a 17th-century fort overlooking the Chapora River and the Arabian Sea. It offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM Address: Chapora Fort Rd, Chapora, Goa 403509.
7. **Anjuna Flea Market** Anjuna Flea Market is a popular weekly market held every Wednesday. It offers a wide range of items, including clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wednesdays only) Address: St. Michael‘s Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509.
8. **Mangueshi Temple** Mangueshi Temple is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Manguesh, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere. Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM Address: Dinanath Mangeshkar Rd, Mangeshi Village, Mardol, Goa 403401, India Phone: +91 832 234 3901.
9. **Naval Aviation Museum** The Naval Aviation Museum is a unique museum that showcases the history of Indian Naval Aviation. It features various aircraft, weapons, and other artifacts related to naval aviation. Cost: INR 30 for adults, INR 10 for children Hours of operation: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays) Address: Bogmalo Rd, Dabolim AP Vasco da Gama, Mormugao, Goa 403806, India. Phone: +91 832 258 5344.
10.**Casino Cruises** Goa is known for its casinos, and the Casino Cruise offers an exciting experience of gambling, entertainment, and dining on a luxury cruise ship. Cost: Entry fee varies depending on the casino. Hours of operation: Varies depending on the casino Address: Multiple locations. Phone: N/A
1.**Dudhsagar Falls** Dudhsagar Falls is a stunning four-tiered waterfall located on the Mandovi River in the Indian state of Goa. It‘s one of the tallest waterfalls in India, offering a breathtaking view and an opportunity to trek through the lush green forests. Distance from city center of Goa: 60 km Cost: Entry fee – INR 400 per person; Jeep safari – INR 1000–1500 per person Hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Address: Sonaulim, Goa 403410. India Phone: +91 832 222 5901.
Transportation: You can reach Dudhsagar Falls by hiring a taxi, which costs around INR 2000–3000 for a round trip. Alternatively, you can take a train to Kulem Railway Station and then hire a jeep or trek to the falls. Train tickets can be booked on [IRCT]https://www.irctc.co.in
2. **Fort Aguada** Fort Aguada is a well-preserved 17th-century Portuguese fort that stands on the Sinquerim Beach, overlooking the Arabian Sea. The fort houses a lighthouse and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Distance from city center of Goa: 15 km Cost: Free Hours of operation: 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM Address: Fort Aguada Rd, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515, India Phone: +91 832 222 5901.
Transportation: You can reach Fort Aguada by hiring a taxi or renting a scooter/bike, which costs around INR 300–500 per day. You can rent a scooter/bike from [Royal Brothers] https://www.royalbrothers.com/goa/bike-rentals
3.** Old Goa** Old Goa, also known as Velha Goa, is a historical city that once served as the capital of Portuguese India. The city is famous for its well-preserved churches, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Distance from city center of Goa: 10 km Cost: Free Hours of operation: Most churches are open from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM Address: Velha Goa, Goa 403110, India Phone: +91 832 222 5901.
Transportation: You can reach Old Goa by hiring a taxi, which costs around INR 1000–1500 for a round trip. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter/bike, which costs around INR 300–500 per day. You can rent a scooter/bike from [Royal Brothers] https://www.royalbrothers.com/goa/bike-rentals
**4. Anjuna Flea Market** Anjuna Flea Market is a popular weekly market held every Wednesday in Anjuna, Goa. The market offers a wide range of items, including clothes, jewelry, handicrafts, and souvenirs, as well as food stalls serving delicious local and international cuisine. Distance from city center of Goa: 18 km Cost: Free entry Hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Wednesdays only) Address: Anjuna Beach, Anjuna, Goa 403509.
Here are the major types of transportation available in Goa along with approximate costs and website links:
Bus: Goa has an extensive bus network connecting it to various parts of India. Bus fares start around ₹300–₹500 for AC buses and ₹200-₹400 for non-AC buses for journeys within Goa and to nearby cities.
Taxi: Taxis are available for hire at stands as well as can be booked in advance. Expect to pay around ₹10-₹15 per km for an AC taxi and ₹8-₹12 per km for a non-AC taxi.
Train: Goa has a broad gauge rail connection extending from Mumbai to Margao and further branch lines to Pune and Delhi. Fares start around ₹300-₹1500 per ticket for 3AC and 2AC classes. https://www.indianrail.gov.in/
Ferry: Goa has ferry services connecting it to nearby ports like Mangalore, Vasco etc. Fares range from ₹300 to ₹2000 depending on the route and class.
Car Rental: Cars and motorcycles can be rented in Goa from local agencies as well as international brands. Prices start around ₹10,000 for a Economy car and go up to ₹70,000 for an SUV per day.
Bicycle: Cycling is a popular way to explore Goa, especially coastal areas and beaches. Bicycle rentals start around ₹200-₹500 per day.
Rickshaw: Rickshaws are available for short point to point rides costing around ₹50-200 depending on the distance. However, rickshaws are not allowed on highways and main roads. No dedicated website for Goa Rickshaw services.
**Dabolim Airport (GOI)** Description: Dabolim Airport, also known as Goa International Airport, is the sole airport in the state of Goa, India. It is a civil enclave in a military airbase named INS Hansa and serves both domestic and international flights. Address: Airport Road, Dabolim, Goa 403801. India Phone: +91 832 254 0796. Website: https://www.aai.aero/en/airports/goa
Types of transportation to/from the airport:
1. **Taxi**: Pre-paid taxis are available at the airport. The cost varies depending on the destination, with rates starting from INR 500.
2. **Airport Shuttle**: Goa Tourism operates an airport shuttle service called “Goa Miles“ that connects the airport to various parts of Goa. The cost depends on the destination and can be booked through their app. More information can be found at https://goamiles.com
3. **Public Bus**: The Kadamba Transport Corporation (KTC) operates public buses that connect the airport to various parts of Goa. The fare starts from INR 10 and varies depending on the distance.
4. **Car Rental**: Several car rental companies operate at the airport, including Avis, Hertz, and local providers. Rates vary depending on the type of car and duration of the rental.
The currency of Goa is Indian Rupee (₹). Goa does not have its own separate currency. Some facts about Indian Rupee (INR):
Paper bills:
• ₹10
• ₹20
• ₹50
• ₹100
• ₹200
• ₹500
• ₹1000
• ₹2000
• ₹5000
• ₹10,000
Coin denominations:
• ₹1
• ₹2
• ₹5
• ₹10
• ₹20
Goa has a tropical monsoon climate. Some key facts about Goa’s climate:
• The monsoon season in Goa is from June to September. During these months, Goa receives heavy rainfall and the humidity is high. The coastal areas receive more rain than the inland regions.
• From October to February, Goa has a dry season with little rainfall and low humidity. The weather is pleasant during these months, making it a popular tourist season.
• Goa’s average daytime temperatures remain warm throughout the year, ranging from 77-88 F or 25-31 C. The nighttime temperatures are slightly cooler, around 77 F or 25 C.
• The coastal areas of Goa have a maritime tropical climate with saline breezes. They tend to be more humid than the inland regions.
• The hilly and inland areas of Goa tend to be hotter during the summer months and receive more rainfall in the monsoon. Places like Panaji city also remain warm all year round.
