Goa Map

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Situated in the Konkan region, Goa is the smallest state in India. Synonymous with tourism in India, Goa remains one of the favorite tourist destination for millions across the globe. Bordered by the Arabian Sea on its west, Goa is blessed in terms of topographical beauty. The state of Goa is divided into two districts North Goa and South Goa The state of Goa is divided into two districts North Goa and South Goa .This tiny state is situated on the western coastal region of the Indian Peninsula. Geographically Goa bears a striking resemblance to its neighbouring states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. The state of Goa lies between 15°48'00" north to 14°53'54" north latitudes and 74° 20'13" east to 73° 40'33" east longitudes. The one unique feature about the geography of Goa is that it is a seamless concoction of Mountainous, Plateau Regions and coastal plains.

Goa is also flooded with numerous historical monuments and eye catching sights. For the historically inclined Goa is just ethereal. There are several Churches in Goa which testify the rich historical past of the city. Some of the popular Churches in Goa are; Mary Immaculate Conception, Reis Magos Church, St. Anne Church, Church of St. Augustine, St. Paul Church etc. Goa is also home to numerous forts and museums that offer glimpses of a culturally rich state.

Goa is situated on the South Western part of India. It is the smallest state in India spreading over an area of 3,702 sq km. A perfect blend of the colonial and modern charm Goa simply manages to take your heart away. Reputed for its infrastructure, cuisine, historical monuments and unique culture Goa has become a one stop tourist spot for millions of foreign and domestic travelers. Blessed in terms of natural beauty the beaches in Goa cover almost 83 percent of its total coastline. Goa is just not restricted to fun and enjoyment it is also a one stop pilgrimage center for millions of Christians across the globe.

The weather in Goa is summed up in one word can be termed as moderate. Since Goa lies in the tropical zone and is also bordered by the Arabian Sea on the West it experiences hot and humid weather throughout the year. Although the climate is hot and humid the one good thing about the state is that the temperature in Goa is always under control. Neither do the summers get very hot nor do the winters get extremely cold. Apart from the winter months when most tourists flock Goa, another good timeto visit Goa would be during the Monsoons. Goa should be avoided in May as this is the hottest month with the mercury shooting up to 35 °C.

Goa is one of the Indian states that remained under colonial rule for a period of 451 years. The history of Goa traces back to the 3rd century. According to history Goa was first ruled by the Mauryas, then the Satvahanas, Chalukyas and finally the Shilharas and Kadambas. Goa passed into the hands of the Mughals in 1312 and then lastly the Portuguese captured Goa in 1510. It was in 1962 that Goa attained freedom from the Portuguese and in 1987 it was pronounced an independent state in India.

Goa by far is among the most frequented tourist's destinations in India. Considered as the hottest tourist destination in the country this beach island witnesses huge influx of travelers from Indian and abroad alike. In order to facilitate proper lodging Goa has numerous hotels that range from the luxury to the budget. The Goa hotels have managed to establish an unmatched reputation for themselves over the years. Most of the Goa hotels are situated close to the major beaches that offer panoramic views of the city. Some of the well known Goa hotels are; Park Hyatt Goa Resort and Spa Dona Alcina Resort Hotel Park Plaza, The Majestic Hotels Goa, Coconut Grove Hotel Goa etc.

Goa is connected by a broad network of roads. Traveling to Goa is extremely easy as it is connected with a number of National and state highways. The roads in Goa are pretty decent which make traveling a lot easier. The best way to travel to Goa is by bus from Mumbai or Pune. The journey is very smooth and offers some of the most enthralling visual sights.

In India Goa has become synonymous with beaches. Goa is home to some of the finest beaches in the world. One of the major reasons behind the charm of the city is its sun kissed beaches. The Goa beaches are just not restricted to clear waters and shimmering sands but flea markets, open shacks that sell mouthwatering Goan cuisine and a whole lot of music and dance. Since Goa is divided into North and South the beaches are also divided accordingly. The beaches in North Goa are meant for the party lovers whereas the South Goa beaches are more serene and tranquil and act as ideal spots for couples in search of privacy. Some of the most stunning beaches in Goa are Candolim Beach, Baga, Arambol, Vagator, Benaulim Beach and Palolem Beach.

Panaji literally means Land that never floods. It is the capital and most popular city in Goa. Spanning across an area of 36 km sq Panaji is located on the Mandovi estuary of North Goa. It is the third largest city in Goa which is home to a population of about 65,000 people. A quaint little city that is built perfectly in Latin style Panaji City in Goa is for all those who enjoy an English charm and feel.

Named after the famous explorer Vasco da Gama, Vasco is the largest city in Goa Lying on the western edge of the Mormugao peninsula, the Vasco da Gama City dates back to 1543. It is located in South Goa at a distance of almost 30 km from Panaji. It is a major port in the state that serves as an important commercial point for numerous vessels to and from Goa.

Goa is excellently connected to the other parts of the country by rail. Cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Pune share a strong railway network with Goa. There are numerous trains that travel to Goa almost daily from these cities. Some of the trains that travel frequently to Goa include; the Mas Vasco Express, Cstm Karwar Express, Cstm Karwar Spl and the Eranakulam Express. Trains from Mumbai generally take about 9 hours to Goa. Goa has two major railway stations situated at Margao and Vasco-da-gama.

The best way to travel to Goa is by flight. Almost all the important cities in India share a good air network with Goa.

Most of the domestic and international flights fly to and fro Goa. Some of the popular flights to Goa include; Kingfisher, Air India, Spicejet, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines, Indigo, Air Deccan, and GO Air.

Last Updated on: 24/04/2013