Goa is the
smallest of all Indian states and covers an area of 3702 sq. km.
Located in India's south-west, this small state is sandwiched in
between the bigger states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Panaji
(Panjim) is the capital of the state.
Goa, with a coastline of 65 miles, is hilly and includes a
portion of the Western Ghats rising to nearly 4,000 feet. The two
largest rivers are the Mandavi and Zuari, between the mouths of
which lies the island of Goa (Ilhas).
There are three principal cities in Goa: Marmagao
(Mormugão), Madgaon (Margao), and Panjim Goa). Old Goa is,
for the most part, a city of ruins. Panaji, originally a suburb
of Old Goa, is built (like the parent city) on the left bank of
the Mandavi estuary.
Goa has a myriad of tourist
attractions. There are numerous forts and churches of the
Portuguese time, which are worth visiting. But the major
attraction of the state lies in its colourful beaches for their
most spectacular surroundings. The picturesque beaches include
Baga, Varca, Candolim, Majorda, Colva, Calangute and Anjuna
beaches. The beaches of Goa are also the best place in India to
indulge in water sport.
Goa may be described as a canvas of many colours. Tourists who
have visited the state greatly admire the fun loving attitude and
hospitality of Goans. The easy going and partying attitude of
Goans is actually a legacy of the Portuguese being carried
forward.
