Tourist Attractions In Goa

ABOUT GOA

Goa is popularly known as the Pearl of the orient and tourist paradise. It is located in India’s coastal belt on the western called the Konkan coast. It has an alarming scenic beauty. The architectural work done Goan Temples, Churches and old houses has brought great laurels to Goa. Some of these characteristics make Goa to be occupied by tourists. It is the most preferred option by the people who are planning their holidays.

Goa as compared to other states is not greatly populated but compared in terms of tourists it is the most populated place in India. Apart from attracting tourists from all over India, it also attracts tourists of foreign background. During the months of November, December and January Goa is heavily crowded. The real essence of Goa lies in its rich history, unique culture and the original natural beauty. Peaceful Goan lifestyle and adventure sports also draw the attention of the travelers within and outside India. All kinds of tourists are expected to visit Goa.

REASONS WHY TOURISTS VISIT GOA

Beaches

There are more than 36 beaches in Goa, each one is known for its own distinctiveness. North Goa beaches are most popular amongst the tourists while South Goa beaches are now gaining popularity because of its peacefulness.

Sun

Tourist visit Goa for loads of vitamin D which can be obtained and that really goes well with a drink on any beach. They also visit Goa for relaxation for body.

Massage

Tourist visit Goan beaches for massage centers. Not just that, but to get some immunity and treat body with pure minerals.

Natural views

When you travel around Goa on a bike, you realize how much more there is to Goa than just beaches. The pristine blue water, the white sandy beaches, swaying coconut palms lining the coastline, majestic waterfalls and cliffs add to the natural scenic beauty of Goa. But other than that, there are long lanes through the jungles or fields that run in kms on both sides of the road, little bridges that rest on planks of wood and iron beneath which there is a train track. On the corner of a long road is a local bar. You are driving under the sun with rice fields on both sides and suddenly you realize there are trees towering over the road and no sun. Cool breeze swaying your hair.

Architecture & Culture

Goa is rich in its heritage. Its architecture is a mix of Portuguese and Goa. There are hundreds of churches and villas and Goan houses that are built in old Portuguese style mixed with Goan taste that offers them a uniqueness.

Water Sports

Tourist also enjoy water sports like banana rides, water scooter, surfing, para-sailing etc. People looking for an adrenaline rush get thrilled by all the various kinds of available water sports on almost every beach.

Sea food

Tourist enjoy the Goan food like Tiger prawns, Lobsters, Fish steaks. The food is definitely delicious.

Party Destination

The young are attracted towards Goa as it is a party destination. Hippie culture is still prevalent in Goa. Now also known as rave parties, these are generally hosted during Christmas and New year time when the sound of techno music echoes on the beaches from midnight to 8 in the morning.

Liberal

Female tourist visit Goa as they find it to be most liberal compared to other places in India. Goa is one place where you can be really free. Dress up just the way you like.

Economical

Goa is affordable for everyone. That’s the reason why tourist find it most attractive as compared to other places in India.

Fairs and festivals

Goa Carnival that is held in February for three days. It’s a huge attraction and many tourists would generally plan their travel around this period.

Casinos

People visit Goa for Casinos. People who enjoy gambling with chilled drinks and music find Goa to be a perfect place.

The Main Attractions

BEACHES

Goa has a coastline of 125 kms, and hosts as much as 50 beaches. The elegant curves of the beaches attract tourists from all over the world. Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach, Vagator Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor and Cavelossim beaches are famous and an increasing number of tourists visit these beaches every year. Calangute Beach - Queen of Goa beaches, Colva Beach- Pride of Salcete

Dona Paula- Fine view of the Zuari River and Mormugao Harbour, Miramar(Gaspar Dias)- A lovely golden beach of soft and girdled with palm trees facing the blue Arabian Sea and Anjuna beach are some of the famous beaches in Goa.

Scenic beauty

Goa is such that it also offers a number of other scenic options. Waterfall in Goa is one such attraction. Goa is set amidst Sahyadri hills and Arabian Sea. The small and green hills of Goa are full of beautiful springs, fountains, small lakes, and a couple of waterfalls. One gets to see the true beauty of Goa while travelling to these spots. Dudhsagar Water Falls, Kesarval Springs, Mayem Lake, Arvalem Waterfall, Kuskem Waterfall are some of the famous water falls in Goa.

CHURCHES

Goa is well known for its Churches. Churches in goa well known for its architecture. During the Portuguese regime there were many churches built and now have become world heritage site. Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Church of The Carmelites, Church of St.Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St.Catherine, Reis Magos Church, Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Goa

Se Cathedral, to name few of them.

TEMPLE

Goa was a cluster of small villages in old days when Portuegse came to settle here. Every small fishing village had their own clan God that they used to worship. Most of the present temples in Goa are basically devoted to these clan Gods. For example, Mangeshi Temple is the clan temple of Mangeshi village. Most of the Hindu Temples in old days existed in Ponda. The architecture of Goa temples is not typically Hindu but rather a mix of Portugal and Maratha influence. For example, the curvilinear Mandapa of Goa temples is a result of Portugal way of construction. Mangeshi Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple, Sri Vithal Temple, Sri Shantadurga Temple in Kavlem are some of the famous temples in Goa.

MOSQUES

Jama Masjid and Safa Masjid at Ponda are the famous mosques in Goa.

Wild life centuries

Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mollem National Park are some of the famous wild life centuries.

Monuments & Forts 

Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada, Teracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Mormugao Fort, Rachol Fort, Naroa Fort, Corjuem Fort,Cabo De Rama Fort in Goa

Other attractions

There are plantations like Savoi Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farm, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascol Spice Village which attracts tourist.

There are caves and other natural beauties of Goa that attracts whole lot of domestic and foreign tourist. Tourist also visit the heritage homes like Sarah Fernandes. Adventure sports in Goa attracts a number of tourists as it is the only place in India that is known for conducting adventure sports activities on its beaches. Goa is famous for beach side water sports activities and other extreme sports. People also visit Goa for medical purpose.

Impact of tourism in Goa

It helps in the preservation of National Heritage and Environment.

Helps in developing Infrastructure.

It helps in creating job opportunities and in the development of economy.

Most of the rich and famous metropolises are investing in Goa which has pushed up land prices and has created overcrowding.

Garbage and litter has become major problem in Goa and there is no proper infrastructure to deal with it. Tourist places are piled up with garbage because of the increased number of tourist in Goa. As a result Goa is facing a major problem of solid waste management.

Most of the tourist prefers to visit places in the North which has resulted in the exceeding carrying capacity. Goa’s tourism belt is getting overcrowded.

Overexploitation of the beaches for tourism related activities has severely degraded the sand dune habitats.

Suggestions:

Provide Information Centre to the inbound tourists

Promote Real Goa and not the commercialized version of Goa

The protection of the environment can be achieved by proper planning and management of various spatial entities viz. Water resources, land, settlements, forests etc. in the most effective manner.

Strengthen the basic infrastructure at beaches, temples, churches, monuments and other tourist spots, including parking and changing rooms/toilets and proper illumination from safety and security point of view, besides regular and timely disposal of garbage generated by hotels, shacks and others

Scope to develop ecotourism along the Ghats, hills and wildlife sanctuaries, and adventure tourism

Encourage agro-eco-tourism

Souvenirs and mementos prepared by village artisans and craftsmen, offer tremendous scope for branding the local products, help the rural economy to grow

There is ample opportunity for eco-tourism

There are overly crowded beaches in north goa but down south there are more beautiful beaches down south so can focus to arrange tours and travels for the less crowded beaches for eg Keri Beach Velsao Beach, palolem beach and so on.

Tour guides should properly be trained to accompany touristto the places of special significance. Should be trained to explain signicance of religious places also inform them about religious services which are being offered there.