|
Author: Roozbegh Gazdar Article source: http://www.holidayjini.com/. Used with author's permission.
Sun, Sand and Surf - an apt description for Goa? But Goa is much more. Ancient temples and old churches? Yes. Portuguese Colony? Carnival City? The original refuge of the hippies? Yes again! Beach Paradise, India's tourism capital… the list goes on.
Goa, 'Pearl of the Orient', is located in South Western India on the coastal belt known as the Konkan. While naturally blessed with a fortuitous combination of vast expansive beaches, forested hills and fertile plains, Goa's tourism potential is the result of the potent intermingling of historical occurrences and the absorption capacity of its own compelling spirit.
Goa, Past and Present
Its creation divinely attributed to Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Goa's ancient rulers included the Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silahar, Chalukyas and the Bahamanis.
More recently,significant from the tourism point of view, Goa became a coveted colony of the Portuguese, liberation by the Indian Army granted it Union Terriotry status, later upgraded to State of the Indian Republic.
It is to this fact, perhaps more than any other, that Goa owes its special tourism appeal. For, had Goa been a British colony, history would have been written very differently. Under Portuguese domination, the Iberian culture found a ready crucible to amalgamate with the original sensuous, fun loving Goan spirit. The best of what both worlds had to offer was assimilated into one people, leading to a flowering of the aesthetic, musical, even culinary arts.
The spirit of Sucegado - carefree enjoyment and tranquil peace is probably Goa's most important, if intangible, tourism export. Also reflected in his 'happy' acceptance of the Portuguese cultural invasion is the Goan's inherent adaptability and willingness to mix, qualities that hold the tourism industry in good stead.
A melting pot of races and religions, the fusion of the Eastern and Western cultures into its own unique ethos of mirth and self-contentment is what attracts Indian and foreign tourists, choc-a-bloc, to Goa.
Such a thriving destination on the world tourism chart, Goa has many attractions to offer. Carefree beach bumming in the true spirit of Sucegado, adventure and watersports, high culture with the churches and an anachronistic way of life that still endures in Old Goa, wild party hopping and culinary adventures … Goa's tourist is charmingly eclectic in his calling.
Beaches in Goa
India's unchallenged beach capital, Goa's coastline is generously sprinkled with sand and surf: From popular tourist spots where one usually sees more skin than sand, to untouched havens that are worth taking that extra trouble to discover.
Starting from Calangute in North Goa , clustered around Panaji, the capital of Goa, and further down, Margao in South Goa, are the most popular beaches on the tourism circuit. These are thickly surrounded by the usual agencies of tourism - hotels and facilities offering modern day luxuries, restaurants, shops, resorts, entertainment centers, spas, resorts, the works.
Outside this ring, moving either North from Calangute or South of Margao the Goa's beaches become refreshingly more pristine and unpopulated. There, it's just the sea, surf washed sand, sparkling or alternatively shaded by abundant palms fronds, and you!
Some of Goa's Popular Tourist Beaches
Vagator: 22 km from Panaji, this crescent shaped beach on the Chapora River basin, in the shadow of the Chapora Fort, is a quiet place to unwind, but during the tourist season is a scene for all night parting.
Anjuna: 18 km from Panaji, nestled between the sea and hill, this is a scenic beach that dazzles tourists with its natural beauty.
Baga: One of Goa's northern beaches, it is comparatively emptier and surrounded by scenic beauty.
Calangute: Hot tourist favourite, Calangute in North Goa, 15 km from Panaji, is the 'Queen of Beaches'. The down side of tourism means that this stretch of sand is overcrowded at any time of the year.
Sinquerim: 13 km from Panaji, Sinquerim is popular with tourists for its water sports facilities offering water-skiing, para-sailing diving and surfing.
Miramar: Located just 3 kms from Panaji, it understandably sees the tourist rush and is dotted with houses of the rich and famous. However, lying along the mouth of the Mandovi River as it meets the sea, it is interesting for its view of the Aguada fort.
Aguada : Famous for the17th century Portuguese fort, this has now been converted into a Hotel. Though it's grounds occupy much of the area around, the beach is open to general tourists.
Agonda: Secluded, this beautiful long stretch of silvery sand is refreshing. Just the place to unwind, feel the sand and listen tom the stories of the sea. The nearby Cabo de Rama is historically interesting. Local legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here with Sita during his exile.
Majorda: A local version of the 'Ramayana' has it that Ram was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later Jesuits discovered the best Goan toddy here and today the best bakers in Goa are from here
Colva: 39 km from Panaji and immensely popular with tourists, Colva offers hotels, discos, shops and restaurants. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, which has the statue of Menino Jesus.
Benaulim: Less than 2 kms from Colva, this thriving center of handicraft art is known for the traditional rosewood furniture. The Church of St. John the Baptist on a hill is quite famous as is the monsoon feast of Sao Joao celebrated as thanksgiving.
Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor: These beaches south of Benaulim are really inviting. Cleaner and less crowded than others, they are studded with some exclusive beach resorts in Goa and food shacks. Tourists may get an opportunity to watch wild dolphins.
Palolem: 70 km south of Panaji, this white sandy beach is some commercial activity, including restaurants and shops. Weekends especially tend to get crowded here.
CHURCHES IN GOA
Another contribution of Portuguese rule to Goa's Tourism is the occurrence of splendid churches, especially in Old Goa. Originally spread with passionate fervour by the former rulers, Goa, Rome of the East, sees the dominant influence of Christianity, both in the religious and cultural spheres. Visible expressions of this are the Churches of Old Goa. Historically, these can be classified into the following periods, reflecting changing architectural styles and iconography.
Early Period: Typified by Goa's oldest surviving church, Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo in the 'Manueline' style named after King Emmanuel of Portual. This is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance with the motifs featuring Portuguese seamanship. The construction being unsuited to Goa's weather, very few of these can be seen by tourists today.
Baroque Period: 'Golden Goa' time of hectic missionary activity including the arrival of St. Francis Xavier, saw many grand churches in the contemporary European style built. These include the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Augustine Church of Our Lady of Grace.
Indian Baroque Period: Reflecting local Goan influences in style and design, including the outer façade and inclusion of tropical motifs such as flowers and fruits. Outstanding amongst these are the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Church of Holy Spirit, Margao.
Rococo Period: Typified by the smaller size of construction but with excuisite ornate finishing with local motifs, it is also known by the use of Stucco on the exterior façade. St, Stephen at San Esteyan near Panaji is a notable example.
Modern Period: Starting from the nineteenth century onwards, this period saw the liberation of Goa's churches from the rigid norms of the past as different styles flowered. An example is the Nossa Senhora employing the gothic style.
Most churches in Goa continue to fulfill their spiritual purpose, revered by Hindus and Christians alike, while also serving as artistic and cultural attractions for tourists.
Goan Hindu Temples
Goan Hindu Temple architecture is another tourist attraction typified by the influence of local style over the rigid architecturally rigid structure. The maratha influence on Goa's religious architecture lies in the Deepmal or Lamptower which is from two to six stories high, decorated with oil lamps on festive occasions. Mughal influence seems to express itself in the dome that covers the central shrine in place of the traditional shikhara, as also the Naubat Khana - a small tower at the entrance of the courtyard. Portuguese Christian influence is visible in the curving roofs of the Mandapas.
Not many of Goa's earliest temples survived the Moghul and later the Portuguese invasions (exceptions are the "Pandava Caves" dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Aravelam and the Shiva Temple at Tambdi), which saw temples being razed and churches erected in their place. As a result most surviving temples that the tourist in Goa comes across are comparatively modern. The Mahalaxmi Temple in Panaji was the first temple allowed by the Portuguese, following much deliberation, in 1818.
Goan Cuisine
Food is another attraction for the tourist in Goa. Touring in Goa is a wonderful way to encounter Goa's inimitable cooking is as much a mélange of different cultural invasions as its art, music, culture and literature. The staple for Hindus and Christians alike is rice and fish curry. And while tourist's taste buds succumb to the temptations of Ambot Tik (Prawns/fish in a sour hot gravy), Sorpotel (fiery wet pork) and Xacuti (spicy meat dish), washed down with Feni (a pungent potent brew made from cashew nuts) it can be too much for the uninitiated palate to handle. Deserts in Goa come in the form of sinfully delicious Dodol (made from coconut and Goa jaggery) and Bebinca (a baked dish with coconut juice and egg yolk)
Truly, this amazing pot-pourri of beach, nature, food and drink, culture and kitsch, religious fervour and profanity and fun galore that represents tourism in Goa would be hard to find anywhere else in the world. Roozbegh Gazdar
Content Writer
http://www.traveljini.com
seo@traveljini.com
PublishAmerica - Publishing Parasites
I have to admit to being readily impressed by company names. Maybe it's an age thing. You see, I was around when we had nationalised industries here in Britai...
Crockpot Cooking - Advantages and Disadvantages
Although the crockpot / slow cooker
is one of the most convenient and easy to use appliances
in any kitchen, there are some minor drawback.
A Look In The Mirror
That's all it takes to change the world. Take a long hard look in the mirror and really notice who you are. We're all screaming for peace right now - not just ...
Brain Diet : Right Diet prevents Memory Loss
These days, when people have become so conscious about what they eat and how it affects their body, they don't realize that eating same food helps their brain t...
Knowing the difference between Cell Phones and Cell Phone Plans Will Save You Time and Money
Many people go looking for cell phones without too much emphasis being put on the cell phone plans. Many new users who sign up to the different networks have be...
Russia and Her Allies Will Attack Israel
Israel will have no chance to win against this large army that will attempt to come against her. However, as you will see in the Scripture verse listed below, G...
Your Best Defense Against Aging: Your Attitude To Life
Research has shown that positive attributes such as optimism, laughter, love, dependability, trust, agreeableness and open-mindedness and other positive emotion...
Calculating Your Investment IQ
Investing is as fascinating as it is frantic, as scary as it is exciting, and as intimidating as it is satisfying. But perhaps the most interesting thing about ...
3 Easy Tips to Keep Your Skin Healthy
This article explains 3 easy tips for keeping healthy skin.
Series 3 Exam
Become a Futures and Commodities Broker by passing the Series 3 Exam. This license can open the door to a career trading futures contracts.
Futon Slip Covers Protect While Adding A Decorative Designers Touch!
Today's futon slip covers come in a wide variety of colors materials and designs. From beautiful jacquards to rugged jean fabrics, there is something out there ...
Sales Leads - How to Generate Quality Sales Leads Through Public Speaking
Delivering properly designed speeches, seminars, and webinars (online seminars) is a terrific way to generate large quantities of quality sales leads. If you fo...
What Do You Believe?
Are the beliefs that you have serving you or causing you distress? Have you actually thought about where they come from and if they are true? Is it time to exa...
Urban Water Lilies
The allure of water lilies: Seeking solace from the relentless chaos of city life, more homeowners are enjoying the simple pleasures of a water garden in their ...
A Before and After Look at Tummy Tucks
If you have a protruding abdomen, loose skin as a result of weight loss or childbirth, if despite your best efforts at diet and exercise, you just can't seem to...
Is your Dog Malnourished?
Americans are more concerned about health than ever before, so we should also have an equal amount of concern for our pets ... particularly with regard to the i...
Free to Succeed: Effective Sales Leadership Using A Coach Approach
Learn three powerful secrets to effective sales management
How To Indulge and Win The Battle of The Bulge During The Holidays: Get Yourself a Buddy
If you are trying to lose weight, the holidays literally are the heaviest time of the year. So how do you eat, drink and be merry while you're counting every s...
Pennsylvania Real Estate – The Keystone State
Known as the Keystone State, Pennsylvania is a hard working state. Depending on where you live, Pennsylvania real estate can be reasonable or pricey.
Who Else Wants to Keep Failing?
Failure is such an ugly, negative word. No one should want to be a failure, so what alternative is there when things don't go right?
In Three Notes, Can You Name That Band?
Okay, y'all...remember that old TV show called "Name That
Tune?" Well, I couldn't wait a full week to get this one out because, not only is it so important, b...
Squeezing the Blood Out of that Old Turnip
Let's face it- the days of finding those easy cost savings and service level improvements are gone. Succeding as an executive or business consultant requires a ...
Self-care Isnt Being Selfish
When was the last time you truly relaxed? Do you often find that another exhausting week ends and you glance at a book you bought six months ago and realise yo...
How To Lose More Weight And Reach Your Goal With A Weight Loss Journal
The diary is an essential help in reaching your weight loss goal. Writing down your goals and progress will motivate your in a way nothing else can, thus helpin...
|
Print this page