| The
131 km long coastline of Goa, is set on the golden Konkan coast, on the
Western Ghats, along the Arabian Sea. This small former Portuguese enclave
is one of India's most dazzling tourist mosaics. Goa deserves every bit
of the sobriquet 'The Pearl of the East'. The name Goa is derived from
the Konkani word 'Goyan', which means a patch of tall grass.
Once
a great Hindu stronghold, Goa was a part of the grand Mauryan empire,
around 3rd century B.C. The Satvahanas of Kolhapur and later the Chalukyas
of Badami, took over the goverance. Other dynasties followed, including
a short-lived Muslim invasion, until the Vijayanagar Empire established
itself for almost a century. This era, too, ended with the arrival of
the Sultans of Gulbarga, around 1469 AD, from whom the rule passed on
to the Adil Shah of Bijapur. Goa soon became the bone of contention
between the Dutch, English, French and Portugeuse, all vying for its
possession. Ultimately, in 1510, the Portugeuse conquered Goa, with
Alfonso de Albuquerque leading the invasion. After ruling for around
four centuries, in 1961, fourteen years after the country's independence,
the Portugeuse had to turn their backs on this fascinating 'Pearl'.
Goa
combines old Portuguese architecture, and a distinct Portuguese flavour
to the lifestyle, with a history that abounds with Indian mythology.
Its unending beaches, the pristine beauty of the seascape, its mystical
hills and groves, the rhythmic pounding of the sea, its swaying palms
- all make it a fairytale land for the traveller.
How
To Get There
By Air
You can fly to Goa from Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Cochin and Thiruvananthapuram.
For overseas travellers, Mumbai has the most well - connected airport.
By Rail
Getting to Goa, by train is fairly convenient from Mumbai (490 km),
Bangalore (430 km) and Delhi (1874 km).
By Road
Driving down by road from Mumbai (582 km) is smooth as well as picturesque,
as Goa is situated right on the highway.
By Ship:
Damania Shipping Corporation operates nonstop catamaran service between
Mumbai and Goa, from October to May.
Tourist
Offices
New
Delhi
Goa Tourism Development Corp.,
Goa Sadan, 18, Amrita Shergil Marg,
New Delhi - 110003
Tel : 4629967, 4629968 |
Goa
Goa Tourism Development Corp.,
Trionora Apartments, Dr. Alvares Costa Road,
Panaji, Goa - 403001
Tel : (91-0832) 226515, 226728, 224132
Fax : (91-0832) 223926 |
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