| The word Goa or Gomantak means 'land of the | | | | |
| Gods' is also known as "Aparant" or | | | | The famous and magnificent churches of Goa |
| "Shurparak" is spread between the Sahyadri | | | | are largely a legacy of Portuguese |
| mountains and Sindhusagar. The history of the | | | | colonization. Some famous churches of tourist |
| sacred land of Gomantak is well described in | | | | attractions are Se Cathedral Church, Ruins of |
| Sahyadri Khand of Skandha Purana, the ancient | | | | Church of St. Augustine, The Church of St. |
| text of Hindu religion. Since then various | | | | Anne, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Reis Magos |
| dynasties have ruled Goa like Rashtrakutas, | | | | Church, St. Cajetan Church, Church of St. |
| Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani, | | | | Francis of Assissi, Church of St Paul and |
| Muslims and most famously the Portuguese. | | | | Church of Mary Immaculate Conception etc. |
| This land was liberated by the Indian Army on | | | | |
| December 19, 1961 from the Portuguese and | | | | Temples of Goa |
| became Union Territory of India along with | | | | |
| the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, | | | | Goa has a number of Hindu temples like Shri |
| 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became | | | | Nagesh Maharudra Temple, Shri Anantha Temple, |
| the one of 28th states of the Indian | | | | Shri Chandreshwar Temple, Devaki-Krishna |
| Republic. | | | | Temple, Shri Ganesha Temple, the Mahalaxmi |
| | | | Temple, Shri Mangesha Temple, and the Shanta |
| Major Tourist Attraction | | | | Durga Temple.click here for Online Hotel |
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| Besides its natural beauty, Goa is full of | | | | |
| major rivers like Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, | | | | Rivers of Goa |
| Zuari, Sal and Talpona; wildlife sanctuaries | | | | |
| like Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Bhagvan | | | | The rivers of Goa like Terekhol, Mandovi, |
| Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife | | | | Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona formed the |
| Sanctuary, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem | | | | island of waterways enhance its beauty and |
| Wildlife Sanctuary which lie in the eastern | | | | romance abounds in seafood - prawns, |
| forested hilly areas of the state. Travelers | | | | mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters. Even |
| to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and | | | | the capital of Goa i.e Panaji is situated on |
| friendly nature of the people. Goa is famous | | | | the Mandovi River. |
| for Beach Tourism which offers multiple | | | | |
| options for beach lover. Some of the famous | | | | Cuisine of Goa |
| beaches are Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, | | | | |
| Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, | | | | Cuisine of Goa is a blend of different |
| Miramar are located in the North of Goa while | | | | cultures endures over many centuries. Goa |
| Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, | | | | food means the famous fish, curry, rice and |
| Cavelossim and Palolem are located in the | | | | feni package. Seafood such as prawns, |
| south. Some other tourist attractions are as: | | | | lobsters, crabs, pomfrets, clams, ladyfish, |
| | | | mussels, and oysters are used to make a |
| Fort Aguada | | | | variety of curries, fries, soups and pickles. |
| | | | Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish |
| Fort Aguada is famous for lighthouse and | | | | dishes are also available. |
| structures built by the Portuguese rulers. | | | | |
| | | | Season to visit |
| Dudhsagar Waterfall | | | | |
| | | | The weather gets fairly hot around May and by |
| These exotic waterfalls are major attraction | | | | the end of June, Goa receives the full blast |
| of tourists located in the Western Ghats is | | | | of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours |
| truly breathtaking, particularly when the | | | | and tropical thunderstorms. However, during |
| falls are at their fullest after the monsoon | | | | the monsoon Goa is probably the most |
| rains. | | | | sought-after tourist destination with |
| | | | greenery sprouting all around. |
| Churches of Goa | | | | |