Goa has always been a melting pot for pleasure-seekers and businessmen alike. The city has been able to maintain its composure and keep its charm intact. Surrounded by exotic sand beaches and end-less blue skies, Goa has caught the fascination of many travellers since its find.

With a rich Portuguese history, Goa has a number of historical structures and monuments that have elab-orate designs and magnificent architectures. From forts to churches, everything within the city looks affluent. The locals are as vibrant as the land they live in, humble to the bone, you’ll always find a face smiling back at you.

The fun-filled vibrant beaches of North Goa make way for the more secluded coconut fringed beaches of the south. It is a land where the bells of the his-torical cathedrals of Velha Goa can be heard from the courtyards of even older temples. The mountain streams that tumble down the Western Ghats to give rise to spectacular waterfalls, meander through the coastal plains and meet the sea in spectacular man-grove fringed estuaries. Goa is where Mother Nature has unleashed all her creative forces. It is truly a blessed land.

QUICK FACTSArea : 3,702 sq kms Temperature : Summer-Max: 330C Min:260C : Winter-Max: 31.60C Min:19.60C

Average annual Precipitation : Max 130-140 Inches

Best Season : October to May

STD Code (Panaji) : 0832

Language : Konkani, English, Hindi, Marathi

GETTING TO GOA

By AirDabolim International Airport is just 3 kms from Vasco, the biggest city of Goa. Dabolim is operated by the aviation arm of the Indian Navy, which allows commercial flights to land in daytime only. Daily flights connect Goa with Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Srinagar etc. There are also direct holi-day charter flights from the UK (Manchester and Gat-wick), Scandinavia, Holland and Germany. Pre-paid taxis can easily be booked from the counter in Air-port.

By RailThe state is serviced by South Central Railway and the Konkan Railway. The main railway stations in Goa are Vasco (on South Central Railway), Pernem, Thivim and Madgaon (on Konkan Railway). Tickets can be booked easily through the Indian Railways website (www.irctc.co.in) and reservation counters scattered all over the city.

By RoadGoa is served by NH 4A and 17 of India’s National Highways system.

Intra-state buses in Goa are run by Kadamba Trans-port Corporation (KTC), along with some private op-erators who supplement the KTC network. KTC bus-es can be identified by their cream and blue body, on which all destinations are displayed in English and Konkani.

GETTING AROUND There is no limit to the options available for trans-port in Goa. The most affordable mode of trav-elling is the local buses. It’s quite easy to rent a

car with or without a driver. The option of hiring a driver is usually a better choice if you don’t know the city that well. Another way of getting around is by ferries that conduct frequent service from dawn till late evening. For a backpacker the best method of travel-ling would be motorcycle taxis, as they are economical and hassle-free. Getting from point A to B is usually exciting and informative.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONSOld Goa (Map Grid C2)

Goa was the capital of Bahmani Sultan Adil Shah and was a pros-perous city even before the arrival of the Portuguese in 1510. It came to be known as ‘Rome of Orient’ for it had become a thriving center of trade during the height of the Portuguese rule. Our Lady of the Rosary, the first church, was built by the founder of Goa, Alfonso Albuquerque. Although most of the buildings except Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral and Church of St. Francis of Assissi were pulled down, Goa is still considered a World Heritage Site with its remaining monuments intact and is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Old GoaBasilica of Bom Jesus (Map Grid B2) (Old Goa; : Sunday 10.30am-6.30pm, weekdays 9am-6.30pm)

It is the most popular church in Goa and is dedicated to Bom Jesus (Good Jesus). It conceivably is the most admired and ar-chitecturally accomplished monument in the country. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are believed to be housed in the church. In 1964, it became the first church in South Asia to be promoted to a Minor Basilica, by order of Pope Pius XII.

Basilica of Bom JesusSe Cathedral (Map Grid B2) (Old Goa; : 7.30am-6pm)

Se Cathedral is one of the largest churches in the whole of Asia and is also bigger than any of the churches in Portugal. This 16th

century church took 57 years to build (1562-1619) and was con-secrated in 1640. It is one of the most ancient and celebrated churches and one of its two towers are still extant. This Portu-guese-Gothic style built church is dedicated to St. Catherine.

Church of St. Francis of Assisi (Map Grid B2) (Old Goa; : 6.30am-6 pm)

The church of St. Francis of Assissi was originally a small cathe-dral and is a testimony to the humble beginnings by Eight Fran-ciscon Friars in 1517. It was built in the Portuguese-Gothic style in 1521 and is situated to the west of Se Cathedral.

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary (Map Grid D3) (Sanguem Taluka; : 8.30am-5.30pm; Entry fee: Adult/ Child : `20/ 5, Student: `5 Camera/ Video: `30/ 150; : +91-832-2612211)

The blossoming green forest of the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary stretches over an area of 240 sq kms. The legendary Dudhsagar Waterfall and the Devil’s Canyon are also present within the boundaries of the sanctuary. It is principally renowned for leopards and its host of reptile species. The famed and beau-tiful Mahadev Temple, which dates back to the 12th century, lies within the premises of the sanctuary as well.

Cabo de Rama (Map Grid C4) (Canacona)

This fort acquired its name from Lord Rama and is also known as Cabo Rama. According to the myth, it is believed that Lord Rama along with his wife Sita took refuge here during his exile from Ayodhya. The fortress was seized by other rulers before being captured by the Portuguese in 1763. Amidst the crumbled ruins, the only remaining structures are the main gate, a dry moat and a small church within the walls of the fort. The tranquil top of the fort boasts a magnificent view of the cliff and the sea beyond. Today the fort is under the National Institute of Oceanography.

Chapora Fort (Map Grid A2) (Vagator Beach)

The fortress was built out of red-laterite as a border watch-post in 1616 by the Portuguese. Though the fort has been withered by time, the spectacle of the unreserved sea, coconut roofed hills, rice fields and view of nearby beaches- Anjuna and Vagator are a pure bliss.

Fort Aguada (Map Grid B2) (Candolim Chogm Road; : 8.30pm-5.30pm)

This splendor of a fort was built during 1609-12 to defend old Goa from the invasions of the Dutch and the Marathas. The fort’s name is drawn from the Portuguese word ’Agua’ meaning wa-ter, which is in reference to the numerous natural springs on the hill on which the fort was built. It probably is the biggest and best preserved Portuguese fort in Goa and is the only fort that remained unconquered during the 450-year-old rule of the Portu-guese. The 4-storeyed lighthouse adjacent to the fort that stands 12m high is believed to be the first of its kind in Asia.

Fort AguadaDona Paula (Map Grid B2)

The beach is situated in the suburbs of Panaji. It is believed that it was named after Goa’s Former Viceroy’s daughter, Dona Paula de Menzes. According to folklore, she jumped to her death from the cliff flanking the beach when she was refused permission to marry her lover, a local fisherman. Till this day, Dona Paula beach is referred as ‘Lover’s Paradise’. A sculpture, named ‘Im-age of India’ was installed near the ferry jetty in 1969. It depicts the figure of Mother India and Young India, one looking to the East and the other West. The beach is also famous for its water sports and other fun activities.

Shri Manguesh Temple (Map Grid C2) (Ponda)

One of the most important shrines in Goa, this temple is a dedi-cation to Lord Shiva and is also known as Manguesh Devasthan. The marvelous temple is built in a typical Goan style with some noticeable Christian and Islamic influences. The courtyard of the temple complex is dominated by a seven-storey Deepasthamba, or ‘lamp tower’, which is undoubtedly the most impressive in Goa. The annual Jatra festival is held in the last week of January or first week of February.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception (Map Grid B2) (Panaji)

The church dates back to 1541 and is probably the first to be built in Goa. Though the interiors of the church are fairly simple, the two altars never cease to attract the eyes of the visitors. The church with its present appearance was rebuilt from its founda-tion in 1619.

Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

BEACHES OF GOA Calangute Beach (Map Grid A2) (North Goa)

This beach is also known as ‘Queen of Beaches’ for its unrivaled beauty. The name ‘Calangute’ is an alteration of the local ver-nacular word ‘koli-gutti’, meaning ‘Land of fishermen’. It was dis-covered by the hippies in the late 60s.

Calangute BeachCandolim Beach (Map Grid A2) (Candolim Chogm Road)

This beach is mostly acquired by the Fort Aguda Beach Resort and other package tourist companies. It can be approached from Panaji and apart from the resort, a few hotels with restaurants are available. Parasailing, water skiing facilities and other water sports attract tourists here.

Colva Beach (Map Grid B3) (Colva)

Palolem Beach (Map Grid C5)

Palolem is a cosy beach of white sand facing a blue bay between two headlands. There are quite a few shacks selling seafood, souvenirs etc. In recent times, Palolem has also become famous for its ‘Silent Noise’ parties, a unique concept which does away with loud blaring live music after the 10pm ban. With your own set of earphones, you can dance away to different genres of mu-sic played by versatile DJs.

Benaulim Beach (Map Grid C4) (Benaulim)

The beach is situated in a close proximity to Colva Beach and is known for the handicrafts sold there. It is believed to be the site where the arrow of the legendary sage Parashuram, the sixth in-carnation of Lord Vishnu, landed. The myth has it that this arrow was what created Goa.

Vagator Beach (Map Grid A2) (North Goa)

Vagator Beach

FEW WORDS FROM INDIAN LEXICON English to Hindi/ Konkani Address : Pata/ Potto

Answer : Jawab/ Zabab

Arrival : Pahunchna/ Yeta

Baggage : Saaman/ Samon

Directions : Dishayen/ Vatt

Festival : Tyohar/ Parab

Food : Khana/ Jevonn

Friend : Dost / Ixtt

Fruit : Phal/ Foll

Gift : Uphar/ Bhett

Hungry : Bhukha/ Bhuko

Hurry up : Jaldi Karo/ Bhagein

Water : Pani/ Udok

Price : Mulya/ Moll

Purchase : Kharidna/ Viktem gheunk

Question : Sawal/ Prashnn

Safe : Surakshit/ Surakshit

Shop : Dukaan/ Dukon

Thank You : Dhanyavad/ Dev bhorum korum

Toilet : Jan Suvidha/ Kumav

Vegetable : Sabzi/ Bhaji

Your : Tumhara/ Tujo

CONVERSATIONAL PHRASES English to Konkani At the Airport : Airportar

Where is the exit? : Phattle dhar khoi asa?

How far is the hotel? : Hotel kitle pois asa?

What is the rent? : Bhade kitlem ?

Please call Taxi : Taxik appai

Please stop here : Hanga tamb

Place worth visiting : Povopa sarko zago

Want city guide map : Mhaka citiche map zai

Show me the way : Mhaka vatt dakhai

Please do booking : Mhaje booking kar

Which is the main : Mukhel bazaar khoi? shopping centre?

I want to send an e-mail : Mhaka email dhaddunk zai

It is hot/ cold today : Aiz hanga gorom/ thond asa

ACCOMMODATION

Wide range of hotels in all categories are available. Contact nearest tourist office or www.incredibleindia.org

FAIRS & FESTIVALS Goa Heritage Festival (January-February)

This festival aims to preserve and promote the heritage of Goa. The festival is marked by performances of various artists and exhibitions by local artisans at Panaji.

Basant Panchami (February)

Basant Panchami in Goa is best celebrated at Shantadurga Tem-ple in Queula, Manguesh Temple at Priol, Mahalsa Temple at Mardol, Ajoba Temple at Querim and Mahalaxmi Temple at Amone.

The Grape Escapade Wine Festival (February)

This festival is an effort to promote best and varied offerings of tourism. The fiesta is organised at the huge courtyard of Inox Theatre in Panaji. International wine makers and local clientele, hoteliers, restaurants and professionals from the entertainment, food and beverage and lifestyle come under one roof at the time of festival.

Goa Carnival (February-March)

The Goa carnival is synonymous with the state of Goa and is the manifestation of the quintessential fun-loving spirit of Goa at its sublime best. The Goa carnival is held for 3 days engulfing the state in a riot of colours and merriment. The festival is mainly celebrated in Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.

Goa CarnivalShigmotsav (March)

Popularly known as Shigmo, this is a 5 day festival celebrated as Goa’s answer to Holi, a festival of colours. Huge dance troupes perform intricate movements of folk dances on the road all through the length of the parade. Though the grand celebrations take place on 18th June Road in Panaji, the festival is celebrated on a lesser scale at Ponda, Vasco, Margao and Mapusa.

Sao Joao Festival (June)

The feast of St. John the Baptist is celebrated by young men all over Goa by jumping into wells to retrieve gifts thrown in by villagers. The Sao Joao festival is mostly celebrated by the Catholic community.

Ganesh Chaturthi (August -September)

The birthday of the elephant headed God Ganesha is also known as Chaturthi. The festival is celebrated for 11 days. On the eve

of the Chovoth day, a clay idol of Ganesh is installed in a small pandal called matov, which is immersed in a water body with colourful processions on the last day of the festival. The immer-sion ceremony is known as Visarjan.

Ganesh ChaturthiDussehra (September-October)

Dussehra, also called ‘Dasro’ in Konkani and is celebrated with great fervour. The grand event begins with religious measures early in the morning and at dusk a procession of the deity seated in a paalkhi, or palanquin is carried out.

Kesarbai Kerkar Music Festival (November)

Formally known as the Surashree Kesarbai Kerkar Smriti San-geet Samaroha, this festival is being organised for the past 23 years. The festival is attended by a host of well known musicians. This festival held at the Kala Academy complex at Panaji also has dance performances.

Monte Music Festival (November)

Monte Music Festival harmonises the strings of music and binds different cultures together on one platform. The venues for the festival are the amphitheatre, courtyard and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount in Old Goa. The Festival is usually spread over 4 days with performances starting at 5pm.

Diwali (November)

Diwali is four day festival that includes Lakshmi Pujan, Narak Chaturdasi or Chhoti Diwali (minor Diwali), Diwali and Bhau Beej. On the Diwali day, a paper made Narkasur (demon) filled with crackers is taken out and to the accompaniment of taunts and insults, burnt and cremated.

Christmas (December)

The market places during Christmas are all embellished with tinsel and buntings and Santas distributing sweets to children. Decorated and glittering Christmas trees are all over the place.

SHOPPER’S PARADISE Anjuna Market (Map Grid A2) (Anjuna Beach)

The famous Wednesday Market at the Anjuna Beach dons a fren-zied look and is characterized by a flurry of activities. This is a flea market with goods from all over India and around.

Anjuna MarketBaga Beach Market (Map Grid A2) (10 kms west from Mapusa)

Another flea market, it was primarily started to counter the im-portance of the Anjuna Market. This market is held every Sat-urday evening and has live bands creating a festive ambience. It has almost anything and everything available for the visitors.

Big G Shopping Mall (Map Grid C3) (Panaji; : +91-832-2434723/ 2702995)

Calangute Market Square (Map Grid A2) (Calangute Beach)

This market panning the beach stretch has shacks and stalls sell-ing a huge variety of things ranging from fried prawns and beer to trinkets made of seashells. Sarong selling hawkers and as-trologers are common here.

Mall de Goa (Map Grid B2) (Alto Porvorim; : +91-832-2413513)

Mapusa Market (Map Grid B2) (Mapusa)

One of the most famous traditional markets in Goa is the Fri-day Market at Mapusa which sells everything from dried fish and spices to curios and old coins.

Panaji Market (Map Grid B2)

This is one of the shopping spots in Goa where tourists fre-quent, because of its central location.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRESIndia Tourism, Goa Communidade Building, Church Square, Panaji-403001 : +91-832-2223412 (f) : +91-832-2420529 @ : indiatourismgoa@bsnl.in (w) : www.incredibleindia.org

Goa Tourism Development Corporati on LtdTrionora Apartments, Dr Alvares Costa Road, Panaji-403001 : +91-832-2424001/ 02/ 03, 2436666 (f) : +91-832-2423926@ : reservations@goa-tourism.com(w) : www.goa-tourism.com

LIST OF MUSEUMSArchaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery (Map Grid C2)Convent of St Francis of Assisi, Old Goa, Goa : +91-832-2285333 Timings: 9am-12.30pm, 3pm-6.30pm Closed: Fridays

Archaeological MuseumGalleria de Icons (Map Grid B2)Seva Samiti Building, Aga Khan Street, Margao, Goa: +91-832-730835 Timings: 9am-1.30pm, 2.30pm–6pm Closed: Sunday

Goa State Museum ((Map Grid B2)EDC Complex, Pato, Panaji, Goa: +91-832-2438006 Timings: 9.30am–5.30pm

Museum of Christian Art (Map Grid B2)Annex Convent of Santa Monica, Ella, Old Goa, Goa:+91-832-2285299 Timings: 9.30am–5pm Entry fee: Adult/ Student: `30/ 10

Naval Aviation Museum (Map Grid B3)Bogmalo Road, Dabolim, Goa:+91-832-2585119 Timings: 10am–5pm Closed: Monday Entry fee: Adult/ Child: `20/ 10

IMPORTANT NUMBERSAmbulance 108

Police 100

Fire Brigade 101/ 108

Traffic/ Accidents +91-832-2426580

DG’s Office +91-832-2428360

SP Foreigner’s Helpline +91-832-2428623

Konkan Railway Station

Enquiry General/ Reservations 139

Dabolim Airport Enquiry +91-832-2540806

Goa Medical College, Bambolim +91-832-2458700

Apollo Hospital (Margao) +91-832-2728888

Manipal Hospital (Dona Paula) +91-832-3048800

Vintage Hospital (Panaji) +91-832-6711462

Remanso Hospital (Mapusa) +91-832-2262466

Bosio Hospital (Candolim) +91-832-2489034

JMJ Hospital (Porvorim) +91-832-2412130

Cottage Hospital (Vasco) +91-832-2540864

Foreigners Regional

Registration Office +91-832-2426545

Note: Due to space constraint, all places of interest could not be included here. For more up-to-date information, contact

nearest India Tourism office. Or visit www.incredibleindia.org

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