Know about Goa - Goa Tourism other information related to Goa
Located on the west coast of India, Goa is the smallest state in terms of area. Goa is bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Karnataka on the east and south and Maharashtra on the north. Even though it is the smallest state in India, Goa is know as the Tourist Paradise of India and the state has a prominent position on the tourism map of the world. Miles and miles of palm fringed beaches, enchanting coves, bays and estuaries, paddy fields and the temples and churches renowned for worship and pilgrims attract a large number of domestic and foreign tourists. In fact, Goa is one of the most sought after tourist destination in India. Goa has only two districts - North Goa and South Goa. Goa was under Portuguese control even after India gained independence in 1947. In 1961, Goa was liberated from the Portuguese and thus became a part of Indian Union. Before becoming an independent state of India on 30th May 1987, Goa was part of the Union Territory of Daman and Diu.
Panaji is the Capital of Goa. Konkani is the official language of Goa. Hindi, Marathi and English are the other main languages spoken in Goa. Goa is one of richest states in India with the highest GDP per capita.
History of Goa
The history of Goa can be traced back to the 3rd centuary B.C. when it was part of Emperor Ashoka's Mauryan Empire. The next few centuaries witnessed the rise and fall of several kingdoms in Goa. In 1510, the Portuguese defeated the ruling Bijapur king and established a permanent settlement in Velha Goa. Even after India gained its independence in 1947, Goa was a Portuguese overseas territory till 1961. Goa was under the control of Portuguese for about 450 years.
Geography of Goa
Goa lies between 14°53' N and 15°40' N lattitude and 73°40' E and 74°20' E longitude. Geographically Goa falls in the costal region know as the Konkan and the state has a coastline of around 100Km. This long coastline of Goa has created some of the best beaches in the world. These beaches are the main attraction of Goa Tourism. Zuari and Mandovi are the two main rivers flowing through the state of Goa. These two rivers along with their tributaries drain around 70 percent of the state. The Mormugao harbor on the mouth of the river Zuari is one of the best natural harbors in South Asia. Geographically Goa can be divided into 3 divisions:
- Mountainous Region formed by Sahyadri Ranges in the east,
- Plateau Region in the center
- Low-lying river basins and coastal plains.
The soil composition of Goa consists of reddish laterite soil which are rich in ferric aluminium oxides and further inland and along the river banks the soil is mostly alluvial and loamy. One third of the state of Goa is under forest cover. Most of the forests in the state are located in the interior eastern regions of the state which form part of the Western Ghats. These Ghat regions are hotspots of biodiversity.
Climate of Goa
Due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea and its location in the tropic region, Goa has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. There is not much variation between summer and winter temperature. During summer, especially during the month of May which is the hottest, temperature rise up to 34°C combined with high humidity. The monsoon rain starts from early June. Goa receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon. Goa is at its best during monsoon season and it is the best time to visit Goa. The monsoons last till the month of September. From December to mid February is the winter season in Goa. During this time Goa experiences a pleasant climate with an average night temperature of 20 °C and 28 °C during day time.
Tourism in Goa - Goa Tourist Destinations
The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples. Goa is one of the most sought after tourist destination in India. Goa Tourism is mainly focused along the coastline where beaches are the main tourist attraction. The influence of Portuguese culture in clearly visible in every aspect of Goa architecture and culture. The Bom Jesus cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new a wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are other tourism destinations. Goa also has other places of tourist interests like churches, temples, historical monuments and forts etc... Tourist season in Goa starts from late September and lasts till early March. This is the best time to visit Goa as the temperature during this season is cool and dry.
Basic information the State of Goa, India
Given below are some of the very basic information about the state of Goa.
| Capital of Goa | Panaji |
| Came into existance on | 30th May 1987 |
| Geographical Location of Goa | 14°53' N and 15°40' N lattitude and 73°40' E and 74°20' E longitude |
| Area | 3702 sq.km. |
| Number of Districts | 2 |
| Population | 1400000 persons |
| Density of population | 363 per sq.km. |
| Literacy | 82.32% |
| Languages spoken in Goa | Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English |
| State Bird | Black crested bulbul |
| State Animal | Gaur |
| State Tree | Asna |
| Climate | Moderate Climate |
| Airports in Goa | Dabolim Airport, located at a distance of 30 Kilometers from Panaji |
Detailed Information about Goa India
Goa is the smallest state in India. Know about Goa in detail. Know about the History, Geography, Climate and Tourism in Goa. For information about the political feature of Goa, visit Goa Political Map