Goa- Its Biodiversity and Beautiful Beaches Articles | Family Holiday

By: Alpana Gupta

Goa

Goa is a state in India located on the west coast. The beautiful beaches lure tourist from all across the globe to Goa. Churches and temples in Goa are also worth seeing. Goa has great bio diversity and nature lovers come to trek in the forests of Goa.  People here are friendly and warm hearted.

Climate:

Goa has an equable climate. Being on the coast, it is sunny and humid throughout the year. The temperature is between 23 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius. The rains are very heavy in Goa. The monsoon lasts from June to September. You cannot swim in the sea during the monsoon as the currents are dangerous and drowning is a possibility. The best time to visit Goa is from November to May. Christmas attracts lots of visitors to Goa.

How to reach:

Panjim, the capital of Goa has an airport. It connects all major cities to Goa. Internationally, Kuwait and Sharjah are connected to Goa. Buses, trains and private taxis are available to reach Goa from Mumbai.  Trains connect Goa to Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Bangalore and Chennai.

Local transport can be taxis, auto rickshaws or rented motor bikes. If you are a bike lover, rent a motor bike and cruise through the whole state at your own will. The rent is not so high and the experience is great.

What to see:

Goa can be broadly divided into North Goa and South Goa. North Goa includes the capital Panjim and the market town of Mapusa.  The Mangeshi and Nageshi temples near Panjim are beautiful. Beaches here include Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator and Candolim. You can also see the Fort Aguada and the churches of Old Goa when you go sightseeing in North Goa.

South Goa has beaches like Colva, Benaulim and Palolem. Shanta Durga temple here is a piece of art.

Sunset at Baga Beach

Where to stay:

Goa has great hotels everywhere. Calangute and Baga offer great accommodation at reasonable rates. Stay at the Chalston Hotel in Baga or Casa De Goa in Calangute. If you want to stay close to the Panjim city you can stay at Hotel Prainha Cottage near Dona Paula.

What to eat:

Goa offers great sea food. Kingfish is abundantly found in Goa. Try the local kingfish and tiger prawns along with wine. Try the local Chicken Xacuti and Chicken Cafreal at the Ruchira Restaurant and yummy cakes n cookies in the Golden Oven Bakery in Mapusa. You can have a continental breakfast at the Infantaria which serves amazing variety of bakery products and great coffee. Have lunch at the local beach shacks. Dine at the Britto’s which is on Baga beach. It is full of life with karaoke, live entertainment and barbeque along with good food.  Next to it is the St Anthony’s restaurant which is equally good. Mambo’s and Tito’s are great night spots in Calangute Baga area.

What to shop For:

Shop at the Anjuna flea market. Here you can look out for junk jewelry, clothes, bags etc. You can get cotton clothes and artifacts at the Baga and Calangute market also. Cashewnuts are a product of Goa. Take lots of them with you when you go back. They are available at Panjim or Mapusa market. Besides you can take along local wines, beer and flavored liqueurs.

More Of Goa's Beach Beauty

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