A Tour Guide to Goa free essay sample

The people of here are strong, prudent and very hardworking †¦It is civilized, having famous orchards and water. ‘The forgeiners make a practice of going to the kingdom of Goa to enjoy the shade and the groves of trees and to savour the sweet betel. ’ During the These remarks on Goa come from the hippies or ‘flower power’ generation of the sixties and early seventies who thronged the beaches of Anjuna, Vagator and Arambol in search of salvation and ‘peace’. These remarks were made over five centuries ago by the Portuguese Ambassador to China who visited Goa around the year 1511. They serve as a vivid precursor to the generations that followed in our times to the fabled land of Goa. In those tumultuous and rebellious times in the sixties, it was then not the ‘sweet betel’ that was the prime attraction but a different kind of ‘weed’. But Goa, since those days of the angry generation, has moved on to attract a multitudinous, peaceful and cosmopolitan school of visitors from all around the globe. We will write a custom essay sample on A Tour Guide to Goa or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Down the corridors of time Goa has been different things to different people. To the Portuguese conquerors it was ‘Golden Goa’, the El Dorado, the ‘Rome of the East’. Such was its beauty and grandeur, that a traveller was moved to remark: ‘Whoever has seen Goa, need not visit Lisboa’—Lisbon, which was then the grand epicenter of the Portuguese dominions. . Some decades later, the early 17th century French traveller Francois Pyrard wrote: ‘Whoever has been in Goa may say that he has seen the choicest rarities of India, for it is the most famous and celebrated city, on account of its commercial intercourse with people of all nationalities of the East who bring there the products of their respective countries, articles of erchandize, necessaries of life and other commodities in great abundance because every year more than a thousand ships touch there laden with cargo. ’ Pyrard continued with near prophetic veracity: ‘†¦as for the multitude of people, it is a marvel to see the number which come and go every day by sea and land on business of every kind†¦One would say that a fair was being held every day for the sale of all sorts of merchandise. ’ While the contemporary traveller may not come to modern, thriving Goa ‘for the sale of all sorts of merchandise’, the ‘fair’ is still very much on. The traveller is here to find something different: a balm on the busy mind, to enjoy days of freedom on Goa’s magnificent beaches, to parasail or swim with the tide of fellow visitors from all around the globe, to savour its unique cuisine and imbibe its spirits, to take a long and invigorating trek in its unexplored interiors, to marvel at its majestic temples and churches, in short, to be at one with the most friendly people in the country. In the sixties and seventies, it was, as we have remarked, a haven for the hippies. Since then Goa has moved on to fullfledged Statehood, its own Council of Ministers, a magnificent new Assembly complex, its citizens among the most literate in the country with a per capita income the highest in the land.. At the hub of this prosperity, is the Tourism industry. At the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC), we take a humble bow in acknowledgement, in some small measure, of putting Goa on the tourist map of our country. But we also acknowledge that Goa does not require a massive sales drive. Goa is a multifaceted jewel in the crown of India. It is a frame of mind and body, spirit and soul. Goa is an unfading memory. It is joy and nirvana. Goa is India’s smallest Statewith the largest heart. Goa is Forever. TOP 5 TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN INDIA India has one of the most exotic and ancient cultures in human history (which makes it very exciting for India sightseeing). It’s more than just a country it’s a subcontinent with many different languages, religions, and cultural differences. This gives India many different tourist places for everyone. India has long been a region whose products have been coveted by people the world over (don’t forget to buy A LOT of stuff when your completing all your tourist attractions in India. From its spices, textiles, rugs, and dishware, it has long been known to be an area to purchase luxury goods. It is home to some of the world’s first universities and also home to the modern Western number system (numbers zero – nine). Here are the top 5 tourist places in India: Agra AGRA Agra’s Taj Mahal is one of the most famous buildings in the world, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the New Seven Wonders of the world, and one of three World Heritage Sites in Agra. Completed in 1653, the T? j Mahal was built by the Mughal king Sh? h Jah? n as the final resting place for his beloved wife, Mumt? z Mahal. Finished in marble, it is perhaps India’s most fascinating and beautiful monument. This perfectly symmetrical monument took 22 years (1630-1652) of hard labour and 20,000 workers, masons and jewelers to build and is set amidst landscaped gardens. Jaipur / Udaipur Jaipur is also popularly known as the Pink City, is the capital of the Indian tate of Rajasthan. Jaipur is a very famous tourist and education destination in India. Lots of people flock to Jaipur to view the various forts and monuments in Jaipur which reflect its glorious past. Tourism is a significant part of Jaipur’s economy. Some of the world’s best hotels are located here. Forts Monuments * Hawa Mahal * Amber Fort * Jaigarh Fort * Nahargarh Fort * City Palace * Jantar Mantar * Jal Mahal * Rambagh Palace * Chandra Mahal, The City Palace, Jaipur * Diwan-e-Aam, City Palace * Central Museum, (Albert Hall Museum) Goa Goa is Famous for its pristine beaches, infact 90% of all the tourism in Goa happens only for its beautiful beaches in Coastal Areas. Goa has two main tourist seasons: winter and summer. In the winter time, tourists from abroad (mainly Europe) come to Goa to enjoy the splendid climate. In the summertime (which, in Goa, is the rainy season), tourists from across India come to spend the holidays. In 2008 there were more than three million tourists reported to have visited Goa, more than half million of whom were from Foreign visitors. Infact, many foreigners have made Goa as there home for its laid-back and relaxed lifestyle ! Kashmir Kashmir was once called Heaven on Earth, and once of the most beautiful places in the world. However, in last couple of decades, terrorism has faded its charm – A place home to Himalayan Ranges. The State of Jammu Kashmir has main three geographical regions known as â€Å"The Lesser Himalayas† or the â€Å"Jhelum Valley† (Kashmir), â€Å"The Inner Himalayas† or â€Å"The Indus Valley† (Ladakh Frontier areas) also called â€Å"Trans-Himalayas†, and â€Å"The Outer-Himalayas† or â€Å"The Southern mountain range† (Jammu). The area of Jammu Kashmir is 2, 22,236 square kilometers. Kanyakumari: Though there are several places of tourist-interest in the town and district, Kanyakumari is especially popular in India for its spectacular and unique sunrise and sunset. The confluence of three ocean bodies – the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Ocean, and the Arabian Sea – makes the sunrise and sunset even more special. On balmy, full-moon evenings, one can also see the moon-rise and sunset at the same time – on either side of the horizon. Kerala (Backwaters): Kerala, situated on the lush and tropical Malabar Coast, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Named as one of the ten paradises of the world and 50 places of a lifetime by the National Geographic Traveler magazine, Kerala is especially known for its ecotourism initiatives, Beautiful Backwaters and Alternative healing massages. Old Delhi: Delhi, Capital of India has many attractions like mosques, forts and other monuments that represent India’s history. The important places in Old Delhi include the majestic Red Fort. New Delhi on the other hand houses many government buildings and embassies, apart from places of historical interest. The Qutub Minar, Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb have been declared World Heritage Sites. Ajanta Ellora: Ajantha Ellora are 28 – 30 rock-cut cave monuments created during the first century BC and 5th century AD, containing paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of both Buddhist religious art and universal pictorial art. The caves are located just outside the village of Ajantha / Ellora in Aurangabad district in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Since 1983, the Ajanta Ellora Caves have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Darjeeling: Darjeeling in India owes’ its grandeur to its natural beauty, its clean fresh mountain air and above all, the smiling resilient people for whom it is a home. Known for its natural splendor, Darjeeling’s best gift to its’ visitors is the dawn of a new day. The mountains awaken first with a tentative peeking of the sun. A steep ride, five kilometers from Ghoom, or an invigorating walk up a steep incline, leads sun worshippers to Tiger Hill. The air is chilly with darkness and damp. To the east, a dull orange sun emerged painting the sky with brilliant strokes of magenta, gold, orange and fuchsia. The snow capped Everest, Kabru, Kanchenjunga, Jannu and other peaks slowly emerge from slumber to start a new day. The sun worshippers gasp at the magnificent sight. Mysore Mysore is a tourism hot spot within the state of Karnataka and also acts as a base for other tourist places in the vicinity of the city. The city receives the maximum number of tourists during the period of the Dasara festival when festivities take place for a period of 10 days. One of the most visited monuments in India, the Ambavilas Palace (also known as Mysore Palace) is the center of the Dasara festivities. GEOGRAPHY OF GOA Goa has a rich and varied history. It was part of the Mauryan Empire in the 3 rd century BC, followed by the rule of the Satvahanas of Kolhapur and the Bhojas who made Chandor their capital. From 580 750 AD the Chalukyas of Badami held sway over Goa until the Silharas took control in 1086 AD. Gulhalla Deva of the Kadambas, originally from Mysore, consolidated his hold over Chandor in the 11th century AD until the 13th century AD. As their kingdom prospered, the Kadamba rulers built a navy that was unbeatable in its time. Chandor their capital was now too small. They then moved to Goa Velha, where only the massive tank of the temple of Goddess Chamunda remains today. The Fr Agnel monastery on the hill at Pilar houses a museum that has notable collections of this period. The State Museum at Panaji has an extensive collection of artefacts from different periods of Goa’s history. A smaller museum in Old Goa on Christian Art also displays a distinctive selection. Jayakeshi-I 1052-1080 AD proclaimed himself Lord of the Konkan and Emperor of the Western Seas. On his death Goa fell to the Chalukyas of Kalyani and later to the Yadavas of Devgiri. Muslims held sway from 1312-1370 AD over the Konkan region. However, with the breakup of the Tughlaq Kingdom, it was the Bhamani Sultans who then controlled Goa. Madhav Mantri, who headed the army of Harihara of Vijaynagar, reclaimed and ruled Goa as its Viceroy. In 1469 the Bahamani Vizier Khwaja Mohammed Gawan of Gulbarga laid a two-year siege of Goas seaside forts and ended Vijayanagars rule. Yusuf Adil Shah, the adopted son of Gawan, moved his capital to Ela in Old Goa in 1498. He later built himself a palace in Panaji which until recently housed the State Secretariat. His rule lasted 12 years. On 25 November 1510 he lost Goa for good to Afonso de Albuquerque, a Portuguese who had taken the city earlier in March that year. The Portuguese ruled for 450 years. On 19 December 1961, the Indian Army liberated Goa from Portuguese rule, the culmination of the efforts of scores of freedom fighters, both Hindu and Christian. Thereafter Goa remained a Union Territory administered from New Delhi till it attained Statehood on May 30, 1987. In August 1992, Konkani, the mother tongue of most Goans was granted official language status under the Indian Constitution. A Secular State The multi-religious fabric of Goa’s society shines brightly, imbibed with the spirit of â€Å"Sarva Dharma, Sarva Bhava† or Equal Respect for all Religions. Goa   abounds with famous churches and temples and a harmonious co-existence prevails between people of various faith. Irrespective of whether they are Catholic, Hindu or Muslim, many Goans prostrate in symbiotic reverence before deities of other faiths than the one they profess. Religion dwells in the hearts of Goans wherever in the world they may be. HISTORY OF GOA A poet once described the physical shape of Goa as one half of a heart, the other half being carried in the very heart of every Goan. The Sahyadari Ghats hover protectively to the east of Goa where the height of this coastal state rises to 1022 mt above sea level. The Arabian Sea laps at Goas long Western coastline. Several rivers crisscross the state and empty into the Arabian Sea. To the North of Goa lies Maharashtra and to the South and East lies Karnataka. Area 3702 sq km Population Almost 15 lakh people (1. 5 million) Altitude Sea Level to 1022 mts Location Between Latitudes 15 4800 N and 14 5354 N and Longitudes 74 2013 E and 73 4033 E   Neighbouring Cities Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra towards the North, Belgaum to the East, Karwar district of Karnataka to the South and the Arabian Sea to the Wes. Major Rivers -Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpon. Main Beaches Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, Miramar are major beaches in the North with Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem in the south. Wildlife Sanctuaries Bondla, Mollem lie in the eastern forested hilly areas of the state. Rules of the Kings Goa has an endless list of rulers which have ruled this state through many years. Starting from 4th century, Goa has been under the rule of various rulers. The feudal lords of Mauryan Empire, of the 4th-5th centuries, Bhojas, were the first to rule Goa. Some other kingdoms to have ruled Goa include Kadamba Dynasty, Silahara Dynasty and the Hoysalas from 11th century to 14th century. The 14th century saw Goa gradually becoming a trading centre, during that time mostly horses were traded from Middle East. It was this time when eminent empires, namely, Vijaynagar Empire took Goa under its rule. However, they were soon defeated by the Bahmani Sultans and took the controls in their hand, but things started to change in 1510 A. D when Portuguese arrived in Goa. Goa was also ruled by Yousuf Adil Shah of Bijapur. History of Goa – Portuguese Rule Owing to its natural harbors coupled with wide rivers, Goa served as a perfect base for the Portuguese to take control of spice trade from Middle East. The Portuguese is said to have come to Goa in the year 1510 and their stay lasted for over 450 years. During the Portuguese rule, Christianity conversions started and with the start of the inquisition, anything other than Catholicism was censored in Goa. Numerous temples belonging to Hindus were destroyed mass conversion to Christianity took place. During the time of the spice trade, Goa reached its Golden Age and it was this time, Old Goa became the biggest city in East that had over 300 churches and a population of 40,000 people. During the late 18th century, the Marathas had nearly defeated the Portuguese, which met strong competition not only from the British but also from the Dutch and French. Portuguese in Goa is however responsible only not for destruction and conversion; they have also helped the state in their architecture, cuisine and lifestyle. A number of beautiful churches, like St. Cajetan church and Bom Jesus basilica have been built during the rule of Portuguese. History of Goa – Overthrow of the Portuguese Though India earned her independence from the British rule in the year 1947, Goa had remained a Portuguese colony. In the year 1961, erstwhile Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, sent armed forces and under name of ‘Operation Vijay’, the Indian army took over Goa in just two days. Since then Goa became one of the Union Territories of India. The history of Goa is much shrouded in mystery. When the Hindu epic Mahabharata was written in the later Vedic period (c. 000-500 BC), Goa was referred to Gomantak (a Sanskrit word having many meanings, two of them being fertile land and land of the Gods). FLORA AND FAUNA The rugged western ghats make it an ideal haven for many species of birds and animals and also provide a corridor for migration. The western ghats called the Sayhadris in Goa, extend for a total of 600kms in Goa of their total length of 3701 kms. The widest belt of forests along the western ghats is in Goa   and neighboring Karnataka state. The high rainfall accounts for this because the elevation of the mountain range   here is lower here. The coastal areas on the other hand, provide the tropical backdrop. There are several plants and trees unique to Goa and some introduced by the Portuguese, most famous of which is the green Chilies, which today has become an essential ingredient in the Indian Curry. The tropical location of Goa is responsible for its warm humid climate and laterite and lateritic Clayey-loamy soil. The mean temperature even in the coldest month is over 20 degrees centigrade. Average rainfall is over 500mm along the western ghats and a little less elsewhere. The length of the dry season averages from 5 to 6 months. For all these reasons, the dominant vegetation is of the moist decidous type. Goa is endowed with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 genera of birds, over 48 genera of animals and over   60 genera of reptiles. About 10% of Goa is set aside as wildlife reserve and these include four large wildlife sanctuaries. http://goacentral. com/Goawildlifesanctuary/flora__fauna_of_goa. htm WEATHER Goa state is situated along West coast of India touching the Arabian Sea. Goa is well known for tourism, fisheries and iron ore mining industries. It has partly hilly terrain with Western Ghats in the east. The climate of Goa is overall pleasant throughout the year. The period of June to September is South West Monsoon Season. This is most rainy season for Goa state. Whole infrastructure of state like Agriculture, drinking water and electricity etc. depends upon the monsoon season. Goa experiences overall rainfall of about 330 centimetres annually and about 90% of annual rainfall occurs during this season only. However rainfall is more in the areas which are near to Western Ghats in east parts of Goa. The period from October to February is very pleasant for tourists with normally clear skies. During this period the sea condition remains normal. The period of April May comes under hot season (summer season) with some increase in humidity. During this period day temperature sometimes reaches around 36 deg. C. However tourists can enjoy their days over nice beaches. Normally after 3 PM sea breeze (cool wind) starts from sea to land, which cools the atmosphere and makes tourist’s environment pleasant. The climate of Goa can, in general terms, be summed up in one word: coastal. Most of Goa is a part of the coastal country known as the Konkan, which is an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghats range of mountains, which separate it from the Deccan Plateau. Being in the tropical zone and near the Arabian Sea, the climate of Goa is warm and humid for most of the year. The month of May is the hottest, with day-time temperatures touching 35C (95F). To top it, the heat is coupled with high humidity. The monsoons arrive around early June and provide a much needed respite from the heat. Then Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. It is during the monsoon that Goa is at its most beautiful with greenery sprouting all around. Most of Goas annual rainfall is received through the monsoons which last till late September. Goa Weather has a short cool season too which lasts between mid-December and February. These months are marked by cool nights with temperatures of about 20C (68F) and warm days of about 29C (84F). Humidity remains in moderate amounts. The nights are a few degrees cooler further inland, due to altitudinal gradation. There are no extremes in temperature and no clear demarcations from one season to the other except for the monsoon. The monsoons are the main feature of the climate of Goa. The average rainfall is approximately 325cms, the average daily hours of sunshine is nine to ten hours in summer and three to five hours during the monsoon. During the two months preceding the onset of the monsoon the humidity increases dramatically, and the normally clear skies become hazy and then cloudy. During the monsoon, 250cm to 300cm of rain is normal, although in the Western Ghats the downpour is considerably high than on the coast. Once the monsoon has run its course the skies clear and the weather becomes pleasant. For four to five months from October through February the weather in Goa is near perfect-cloudless blue skies, warm but not oppressively hot days, and calm seas. By mid-March the humidity starts to rise as the monsoon begins to approach again Summer (March to May) is hot in Goa but the sea breeze offers solace to the heat. The maximum * temperature reaches up to 40 °C. During this time the place has fewer crowd. March to May is warm, with * less crowds and this period is ideal for those seeking for some quiet and peaceful moments far away from * the city life. Besides, it is a good time for a budget holiday. Winte r (October to February) offers pleasant weather and is a peak season for tourists and festivities. It is ideal for perfect holidays and honeymoons. The minimum temperature goes down to 15 °C. Sea beaches, sightseeing and water sports can be best enjoyed during this time. Tourist season starts from October, and the place offer very pleasing climate. From October to February is perfect for sea beaches, sightseeing and enjoying water sports. Festivals and nights parties will make your holidays enjoyable. * Monsoon (June to September) offer heavy to medium rainfalls. The place has its own charm during * monsoons, lush greenery and rural holiday in the interiors can be enjoyed during this period. During the * year end, one can enjoy the festivities related to major religious festivals of Christmas and New Year. During this period Goa is completely lit up and there are many parties to celebrate the occasion. The * carnival in February and Sao Joan festival in mid-June are celebrated with much fanfare. he best, and most popular, time to visit Goa is during the cooler months of November to March, when the weather is wonderful, rain is a distant memory, and the seas are calm and c lear. Arriving in October, at the very start of the tourist season, you’ll find beaches luxuriously empty, but many facilities, such as shops, restaurants, beach shacks and beach-hut operations, aren’t yet up and running. As March stretches into April and May, the weather grows hot and humid, and swimming becomes trickier due to rougher seas. Beaches slowly empty of tourists but, much like October, this means that facilities aren’t as extensive, businesses slowly shutting up shop to await the return of tourists the following November. Many Goans, however, feel that the monsoon, which douses Goa between June and the end of September, is when the state is at its very best. Parties and celebrations are held to welcome the rains, and the countryside turns lush and green almost overnight. Swimming in the sea generally is off-limits during monsoon, since tides are strong, and most tourist facilities are closed, meaning that if you visit at this time you’ll have the place to yourself for bargain-basement prices. Without doubt the peak season for visitors to Goa is over the short Christmas and New Year period, when prices are hiked phenomenally and many places are booked solid a year in advance. Yet this is a great time to be in Goa: the weather is glorious, the atmosphere is suitably festive, the tinsel is liberally festooned, and fireworks grace the evening sky. Though Goa’s frenetic party scene of years gone by has now slowed to a trickle, this is when all the best parties are held, and music festivals grace the northern coast’s clubs and beaches. Don’t expect peace and quiet, but for gleeful Christmas spirit under the tropical sun it surely can’t be beaten. * Read more: http://www. lonelyplanet. com/india/goa/weather#ixzz2MIOVc5tw * http://www. lonelyplanet. com/india/goa/weather * http://www. mustseeindia. com/Goa-weather * http://www. mapsofindia. com/maps/goa/geography-and-history/climate-of-goa. html * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ECONOMY OF GOA The economy of Goa is well supported by numerous methods. Some of the things that boost the economy of Goa are agriculture, business and commerce, electronic and IT industry, fisheries, mining and tourism. * | Agriculture:Though for its day-to-day needs of agricultural produce like vegetables, etc. , Goa is dependent on the ne ighbouring states of Karnataka and Maharashtra, Goa however yields substantial amounts of paddy, followed by other cereals such as small millets and pulses. The main plantation crops of Goa are coconut, areca nut, cashew and garden crops like mango, pineapple, jackfruits and bananas. The important forests products are bamboo canes, Maratha barks, chillar barks, bhirand etc. Business and Commerce: The Goa Chamber of Commerce Industry was established in 1908 as Associacao Commercial da India Portuguesa. It is situated at Goa Chamber Building, Rua de Ormuz, Panaji. It is active in helping Goan industries to face the challenges of a competitive market economy by identifying new markets for local products. It helps in implementing favorable industrial policies and educating its members in various commercial, industrial and other related legislations. The Banks in Goa too go a long way to contribute to the economy of Goa. Nationalized and other banks have branches all over Goa. Most of these banks have foreign currency exchange facilities. Electronic Industry: The electronic industry in Goa doesnt lag behind either. The Government to strengthen this sector has recommended policies like the Action Plans, IT Governance and development of Software industry. The first of the Software Technology Park (STP) complex, which is coming up at Verna, is just 12 kms from Goa airport. Fisheries: Goa has a coastal line of about 105 kms and inland water ways up to 250 kms. Having such an abundance of water-bodies, marine life and sea food are found in abundance. So the fishing industry provides is a major strength to the economy of Goa. Besides, strengthening the economy, it provides employment to a large number of people in Goa. The fish marine catch in 1998-99 is estimated at 65,841 tonnes valued at Rs. 9,029 lakhs. Mining Industry: Though post-liberated Goa has come a long way from depending on mining as the sole industrial activity, Mining Industry retains its importance even today. It forms the backbone of Goan economy providing employment to a large number of Goan population. Iron and manganese ores are the chief finds followed by bauxite, limestone and clay. Tourism: The economy of Goa receives its major boost from the tourist industry. A tourists paradise for both Indians and foreigners, it attracts tourists in thousands. Lavishly gifted by nature for its scenic beauty, virgin beaches girdling its 105-km long palm-fringed coast interspersed with enchanting coves, bays and estuaries, paddy fields, shady coconut, cashew and mango groves dotted with tiny picturesque villages, temples and churches renowned for worship and pilgrims, forts and. Tourism is so prominent that the number of tourists almost equals the number of state population. As a direct result of tourism in Goa, the hotel and travel industry thrive also. http://www. mapsofindia. com/maps/goa/economy-and-business. html PEOPLE OF GOA Goa exudes charm and warmth mainly because of the friendly and happy-go-lucky people who reside there. The people of Goa are extremely hospitable and make their guests feel at home. They believe in living life to the fullest and enjoy every moment of it. They like to live life at their own pace and not meddle with the chaotic rat race of the world. The people of Goa are known as Goan people. Though they may follow different religions and beliefs, at heart they are typical Goans who love to live life the way they want to. A very important part of the life of an average Goan is a Siesta. This is basically an afternoon break when Goans retire back to their houses, shut down shops and take a break. This siesta usually takes place in the afternoon during 1-4 pm. This is the hottest part of the day and the people of Goa usually stay indoors to escape the heat of the scorching sun. They are dedicated workers who take their jobs seriously and actually enjoy doing them. The people of Goa have a very amazing degree of tolerance towards other religions. They believe in being secular and people can follow the choice of religion they want to. In Goa, people go to different places of worship together, irrespective of their beliefs and tradition. Different festivals are celebrated with equal fervor and joy by all communities together. This kind of a religious tolerance and liberal thinking is what sets Goa apart from the rest of India. http://www. goavacationguide. com/people-of-goa. html Goa is a beautiful place and as the beauty of the place is mesmerizing, the people of Goa too are nice. They are humble, generous and fun to be with. Goan are always on for parties. They are thrilled and just dont need a reason to party. Goa is something that shows a beautiful blend of ancient and modern. People of Goa are friendly, warm hearted and welcoming. Goa had been in isolation for over four centuries, when it was under the Portuguese rule. This isolation of Goa from the rest of the India, has given a unique identity to its people. Goans are proud of their unique identity and guard it with great care. People of Goa love to be called as Goans instead of Goanese as many Goa travel guides refer them. They love to live life to the fullest as they do not worry much about petty things. Goans are always in party mood. They love to eat, drink, and listen to music and dance. Goan culture is very much influenced by the Portuguese culture and people are more liberal here. Culture of Goa is beautiful blend of many different cultures belonging to different ethnic groups, religions and castes. They all live in harmony due to the tolerant nature of Goans. Religious fundamentalism is largely unknown in this peaceful state. Population of Goa is comprised of people of many religions. Majority of population belongs to Hindus, about 65%, followed by Christians, about 30% and rest belongs to Muslims and other religions. In spite of this division of religions among people, they call themselves Goans first. This religious harmony can be seen at some places of worship where Hindus and Christians visit together. These places of worship include the Church of Our Lady of Miracles in Mapusa, the Damodar temple at Sanguem, the Shantadurga temple at Fatorpa. Many festivals and carnivals celebrated in Goa are attended by both the religious groups with equal fervor. Goan lifestyle is laced with laid-back and happy-go-lucky attitude. Goans take life as it comes and do not engage themselves in the rat race. Siesta is the important part daily life of Goans. People go for nap during 1 to 4 pm every afternoon. On your Goa Travel, you will be amazed to see this unique feature all over the Goa. You won’t see shops or other establishments open during this time. Goans are the fond lover of art and fashion. People love to spend money over fashion and accessories. Many Goans are acclaimed nationally for their contribution in the fields of art, music, singing, literature. ? They know how to love themselves and pamper themselves, grab the chance and check into this different fun world which will definitely clutch you in its magnetism. http://www. getsholidays. com/goa/people-of-goa. html The first thing to remember about the people in Goa is the fact that they are Goans and not Goanese. They do not particularly like being called Goanese, so calling a Goan a Goan will see you through the first step of camaraderie. When the Portuguese took possession of Goa, they tried every method in the book to root out the prevailing Hindu and Muslim culture. Despite this fact, the Goans have managed to retain their original culture. The people in Goa are a unique race for more ways than one. This distinctiveness and also a separateness of the Goans have resulted more from centuries of seclusion both political and geographical. So the chief feature of the people in Goa is the element of mingling; mingling of cultures, traditions and life-styles. As a direct result of this fact, religious fundamentalisn does not feature in their lexicon and religious tolerance is a regular feature of Goan life. This is because of the people in Goa consider themselves to be a Goan first and a Hindu, Christian or Muslim afterwards. The population of Goa is mostly Hindu, with them making up 65% of the population. Among the minority, the Christians are a majority cutting a close second with 30%. The Muslims and other religions make up the rest of the population. Most Goans are fishermen by profession. Fishing is one of the main elements of the Goan economy that is rampantly practiced by the Goans. Moreover every person in Goa contributes to the promotion of the tourism industry in some way or the other. They either own a shop, or they let out their houses for rent to the tourists, or they own small shacks by the beach where they cook delicious Goan food for the tourists in Goa. If you happen to go there, you will hear all the people in Goa will telling you that, Goa is less a state of India and more a state of mind. http://www. mapsofindia. com/maps/goa/people. html LANGUAGE OF GOA Goa boasts about a fusion of languages. Portuguese was widely spoken until Goa was liberated from the Portugal regime in 1961. In fact, the older generations can still speak Portuguese. However, the main languages spoken now in Goa are Konkani and Marathi. Marathi is widely taught in schools too. Yet almost everyone in Goa can speak in English and Hindi. Thanks to its chequered history, Goa is a multi-lingual state. Having had people of various regions, ethnic races and religions from India and abroad settling in Goa, their language too has inflected accordingly. So, the total number of languages used in Goa are English, Portuguese, Konkani, Hindi and Marathi. Konkani, however, is the official language of Goa. Konkani is written in the Devanagri script. The other main languages spoken in the state are Marathi, Kannad and Urdu. Gujarati and Hindi are also spoken by a considerable number of people in the state. In major towns, English is widely used in writing and conversation. Goa being a major tourist place offers a tourist-friendly medium of interaction through English. Portuguese was the language of the colonial rulers and the official language until before liberation, in 1961. Notwithstanding the official patronage and a compulsory medium of study, Portuguese failed to make a dent in the mind of the majority of Goans. It remained only the language of the elite but alienated the masses. Thus just after the departure of the Portuguese, the Portuguese language lost all its favor and usage. Konkani and Marathi survived in Goa by secret studies at home, in temples and public places in villages. http://www. mapsofindia. com/maps/goa/quick-facts/language-of-goa. html TRANSPORTATION OF GOA Since Goa is one of the most happening tourist destinations in India. To help tourists explore this place fully and in a considerable amount of time, Goa has all major modes of public transport. The local transportation in Goa suits every pocket and every taste. Right from air conditioned deluxe buses to the auto rickshaws, you can find the kind of public transport that you require according to your budget. There is absolutely no dearth of local transport in Goa and you can find autos and cabs round the clock. widespread. Train: Trains as a means of local transport in Goa, too is quite efficient, with frequent local trains shuttling between the North and South Districts in Goa. Bus: Buses prove an efficient means of local transport in Goa. Buses in Goa are operated by the Kadamba Transport Corporation and also by other Private Operators at regular intervals, connecting all places in Goa. The city buses in Goa ply in Panaji and adjacent areas and are a great help for tourists and general public as a cheap and quick mode of transport. Motorcycle Taxi This kind of taxi is unique to Goa. It consists of a man riding a two wheeler and takes you as the pillion rider. This mode of transport is quite swift and takes you even through heavy traffic. It is locally known as Pilot. The motorcycle taxis are distinguished by their yellow mudguards and white number plate. So as far as two-wheelers are concerned, you can either hire a two-wheeler and drive Cars: The four-Wheeler variety of local transport in Goa comes in an array of types and budgets. To begin with, coaches and taxis are readily available. Luxury, semi-luxury coaches and tourist taxis can be hired. Moreover, you can also avail the rent-a-car facility in two varieties chauffeured and non- chauffeured. Auto Rickshaw Auto rickshaw is a vehicle that is also known as a three wheeler. There is a seat for a single person i. e. the driver in front and the backseat is wide enough to accommodate 3 4 people. Insist on charging by the meter when you board the auto or fix the price beforehand. It is very convenient for commuting within the town and traveling short distances like railway station to bus stand. Ferries / Boats Boats and ferries have been used as a mode of local transport since ancient times. Even today, one can explore some popular tourist places by going on boats and ferries.