Get to know Goa

Goa – Going Ga Ga!!!

• Hector Dsouza

Goa is... because Goa has, this simply implies that a lot you see today has been in existence since time immemorial. Shimmering crystal clear waters, golden sands, palm fringed beaches, lush forests in the hinterland coupled with casual lifestyles and easy living makes Goa a favourite destination for modern day travellers. Whitewashed symmetrical churches stand amidst paddy fields and manors built `a la Portuguese style' have gracefully stood the test of time. Coconut groves line fields, narrow paths pass through them in a land where lighthouses and bridges abound. The horizon boasts of unsurpassed greenery and endless sheets of ocean. Sitting high on hills, crumpled, old and unused forts stand in forlorn splendour overlooking the humungous ocean. Siesta and fiestas go hand in hand in romantic Goa where local delicacies have a touch of fondness in their names.

The land that exults in the celebration of saints with its numerous churches making it to the World Heritage Site list, actually had the good the good fortune of sitting back and listening to one, St. Francis Xavier of Assisi. His embalmed well preserved remains lie in a glass casket at the Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa. For lovers of history, Goa is a delight. As far back as 3rd century B.C, Goa formed part of the Mauryan Empire. The succession struggle gathered momentum from the 15th century, when the Moslems took over the reins from the Vijaynagar rulers. In the early part of the 15th century the Bijapur kings gave way to the Portuguese who ruled up to 1961. With the influence of the Portuguese began the era of Catholicism. Not for nothing is Goa called the `Lisbon of the East.'

Geographically Goa lies on the west coast of India and forms a 120-kilometre-long coastline running parallel to the Arabian Sea. Though a small speck when seen from the sky, Goa has a treasure trove of attractions and is a delight for backpackers, weekenders, middle-class as well upper-class travellers. By virtue of being in the shadow of the Western Ghats (now a world heritage site), fun filled Goa is abound with spectacular national parks like Dandeli and Bondla – a favourite for naturalists in search of rare and natural species of flora & fauna. During the monsoons and post monsoons waterfalls slope downhill on verdant slopes. Rivers crisscross across the state where many rivers like Mandovi and Moborare the lifeline of transportation for barges & ships. Moving closer towards the sea for which Goa is renowned, there is no doubt there are favourites for different travellers.

Once the favourite for backpackers, and foreign visitors, Calangute of today is filled to the brim with local visitors on most days, except during the monsoons. The northern end of Calangute which transforms into Baga has a variety of water sport activities, making many beach goers indulge in easy to navigate water rides, water scooters, parasailing, to name a few. Candolim beach on the southern end completes the stretch of Goa's most well travelled beaches. Further north of Baga, there is Anjuna is an inviting experience for good views, scenic spots, party hopping- hills on both sides of the beach provide adequate privacy.

Moving further north, Vagator is a long flat beach ideally liked by those keen on swimming; for a dash of variety, voila there's Chapora. Boasting of the ruins of a Portuguese fort, the sight of Chapora river bisecting and entering the Arabian Sea is awesome and humbling. Morjem and Ashvem remain off the beaten track, have calm waters, breathtaking scenic beauty and a big draw for beach lovers, day packers and foreign tourists. There's no denying the farther one steps from renowned beaches, the quieter it gets.

Palalolem lies on the extreme southern end of Goa and is one of Goa's finest beaches known for its quiet, pleasant opportunities for swimming, a long beach stretching for kilometres and non intrusive locals. Currently Palolem brings in plenty of day visitors, though it is ideal for a long stay. Penning down thoughts, doing the narrative and writing a book are some achievable wishes on lost and forlorn Palolem. Moving closer to Central Goa, Varca, Benaualim&Colva see a steady stream of visitors all round the season.Colva having an appealing look is the gateway to the beaches in South Goa while Benaulim is the twin sister to Colva, a secluded beach, 2 kms south of Colva. Benaulim consists of a small fishing village, and has houses built in the style reminiscent of the Portuguese.

For those in search of heritage and Goa of old, there's majestic Fontainhas in the heart of Panjim with cobblestoned pathways and ancient homes. Loutolim in South Goa has an astounding array of Portuguese homes, the church by itself is an architectural wonder and comparable to the cathedral in Saligao. The icing on the cake is however a visit to Miranda-Braganza House in Chandor, South Goa and is by far among the hundred best heritage homes of India.

One of India's foremost states in promoting tourism, Goa has seen visitors from across the oceans from the early sixties. Many overseas visitors backpacked and fell in love with the breathtaking ocean, laidback lifestyle; by word of mouth more visitors arrived. In the late seventies charters began descending in Goa and continue to this day. Charter tours predominantly arrive from United Kingdom, Scandinavia, and Western and Eastern Europe. It was during the early nineties that Goa projected itself as an all-season destination with star category hotels promoting all-inclusive packages at unbeatable rates and discounted air tickets. Indian visitors made their presence in droves during the early nineties and have been visiting magical Goa on an annual basis to savour the sea and its surrounding beauty. Off late Goa has become a global village of sorts. Why wouldn't it?

So there it is, Goa in a coconut shell. Sights and sounds, spirits & Sorpotel, spires and sport. Yes, Goa is what Goa has. And more.

• Text & Pictures, Hector Dsouza