What are the Key Facts of Goa?

Map of Goa
Map of Goa which lies on the southwestern coast of India
Map of Goa
Map of Goa which lies on the southwestern coast of India

Where is Goa?

Goa is located on the southwestern coast of India. Maharashtra surrounds Goa to the north and Karnataka on the east and south. It has the Arabian Sea on the west. The state is situated about 400 km south of Mumbai. Panaji is the capital of Goa. The formation of Goa as a state took place on May 30, 1987.

What is the Geography of Goa?

The Portuguese had ruled over Goa for more than 450 years. The Indian army annexed this state after a brief battle in 1961. At last, Goa became a part of India in 1962. The total area of Goa is 3,702 sq. km (1,429 sq. mi). Goa lies between the latitudes 14°53′54″ N and 15°40′00″ N and longitudes 73°40′33″ E and 74°20′13″ E.

Goa is a state on the western coast of India known as the Konkan, while the Western Ghats range of mountains separates it from the Deccan plateau. Sonsogor is the highest peak of the state, with an altitude of 1,167 meters (3,829 ft). The state has several hill stations that are worth visiting.

Goa has a coastline of 160 km. Seven major rivers that are: Zuari, Mandovi, Terekhol, Chapora, Galgibag, Kumbarjua canal, Talpona, and the Sal pass through the state. The two rivers Zuari and the Mandovi, with their interconnecting canal, are famous for forming significant estuaries in Goa. The state has above 40 estuarine, eight marines, and about 90 riverine islands.

Apart from these, more than 300 ancient water-tanks were built in Goa, during the rule of the Kadamba dynasty. The state is also replete with above 100 medicinal springs. The Mormugao harbour, which is situated on the mouth of River Zuari, is known as one of the most famous natural harbours in South Asia.

Goa has different types of soil, such as coastal alluvial soil, mixed red and black soil, laterite soil, and red sandy soil. The land of the state is rich in minerals and humus that are beneficial for agriculture.

Another important geographical feature of this state is the oldest rocks of the subcontinent, which are found between Molem and Anmod on Goa’s border with Karnataka. These rocks are 3,600 million years old.

Goa is known for its beaches. The state also has several noted National Parks like Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary, Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.

National Parks of the state are home to wildlife- Leopard, Panther, Sambar Deer, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Mouse Deer, Wild Boar, Porcupines, Black Panther and many more.

Varieties of Eagle, Drongo, Kingfisher, Egret, Heron, Kite, etc. can be found in Salim Ali National Park in this state, which is the only bird sanctuary in the state.

It is estimated that 30 percent of the land in Goa is forest. Forests of the state are lush green and a treat to watch. Tourists love these forests and like to visit them again and again.

Gaur is the official state animal of Goa, while Yellow-throated Bulbul is the state bird. Terminalia Elliptica and Red Jasmine have been declared as the state tree and rose, respectively.

The principal crops of Goa are paddy, ragi, maize, jowar, and bajra. Apart from this, several cash crops like coconut, cashew-nut, banana, jackfruit, and so on are also grown extensively in Goa.

What is the Climate of Goa?

The climate of Goa is tropical. The weather of the state remains warm and humid for most of the year. May is the hottest month in this state. The daytime temperature in this month touches above 35°C.

The state is known for three seasons- South-west monsoon, which starts from June and ends in September, while the time of the post-monsoon period is from October to June. February to May is known as the fair weather of the state.

The coastal part of Goa receives rainfalls of about 2,900 mm per year. During the dry seasons, ample sunshine could be seen, while in the rainy season (July and August), the sky remains cloudy most of the time.

What is the Economy of Goa?

The tiny state Goa has been growing rapidly in India. The net state domestic product of the state was INR 641.50 billion in 2017-18. The immense economic growth of the state is based on the strong performance of its industrial sectors like mining, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.

Power generation capacity in Goa is immense, which has reached 574.96 MW in the early year of 2020. Goa has achieved 100 percent electrification in rural areas. FDI inflows into this state, from April 2000 to December 2019, were US$ 1,041 million.

The government of Goa has made a blueprint of a new export policy for the state to promote exports of manufactured goods and agriculture produce. The state has done well in merchandise exports in recent years.

Goa has seven approved, and three notified special economic zones (SEZs) as of November 2019.

What is the Transportation System of Goa?

Goa is well-connected with roads. Private bus services are being operated in the state, which connects the major towns and rural regions of the state. Dabolim Airport is the only international airport in the state. Somewhat train services are also available in the state.

What are the Popular Tourist Attractions in Goa?

Tourism plays a crucial role in Goa’s economy. Tourism is the primary industry of the state. The focus of tourism is on the coastal areas of Goa. Most of the European tourists arrive Goa in winter. While in summer and other seasons, a large number of Indian tourists visit this state.

Beaches of Goa attract tourists a lot. The state has several beaches which are famous across the world. Some of the important beaches are- Arambol, Colva, Vagator, Anjuna (known for its flea market), Baga Calangute, Palolem, and many more. In such beaches, tourists can relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the local cuisine. This state is the right place for other activities for tourists like trekking, paragliding, dolphin sighting, boating, go-carting, and mountain climbing.

There are several churches in Goa, which are the major tourist attraction. Some of the famous churches in the state are- St Cajetan church, St Francis of Assisi Church and Convent, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, the ruins of the Church and Monastery of St Augustine, The Chapel of St Catherine, the Viceroy’s Arch, Chapel of St Anthony (opposite the ruins of the Church of St Augustine) Convent of Santa Monica. Apart from this, there are several other churches in the state.

Some of the famous temples of Goa are Mangueshi and Mardol temples, and Saptakoteshwar temples at Narve. Sangodd is a boat festival in Goa that attracts enormous tourists.

Tourists enjoy the traditional cultural songs and dances of the state, such as Mandos, Fugddies, Goff, and so on. The old Portuguese houses and forts like Chapora, Teracol, and Alorna are the big attractive points for the tourists.

There are 11 famous forts in Goa, which are the cynosure of tourists’ eyes. The name of such forts are Chapora Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Corjuem Fort, Terekhol Fort, Aguada Fort, Sinquerim Fort, Nanuz Fort, Cabo de Rama Fort, Rachol Fort, Mormugao Fort, and Anjdiv Fort. Tourists will get many things to enjoy the trip of Goa.

Related Maps:

Map of India Depicting Location of Goa
Location of Goa
District Map of Goa
Goa District Map