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Situated on the southwestern coast of India, on the continent of Asia, is the tiny yet infamous state of Goa. With its tropical beaches world-renowned for both natural beauty and all-night raves, Goa has become somewhat synonymous with India’s coastal party scene. On the contrary, the eastern part of the state has 15 named mountains, which identify with the rugged, hilly and ecologically diverse Western Ghats range. The tallest peak in Goa is Sosogad, which reaches 1,029 m (3,376 ft), while the most prominent mountain is Vagueri, with an elevation of 723 m (2,372 ft) and vertical relief of 465 m (1,526 ft).
With an area of only 3,702 sq km (1,429 sq mi,) Goa is India’s smallest state, accounting for just .11% of the country’s gargantuan total land mass. The length of Goa is 105 km (65 mi) from north to south. It measures just 60 km (37 miles) from east to west. To put that in perspective, Goa is similar in size to the city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates or Long Island in the United States.
The state of Maharashtra lies to the north, while Karnataka is situated to both the east and south of Goa. The Arabian Sea serves as a maritime border to the west, offering a cornucopia of recreational activities to pass the time. The northern border of Goa is about 590 km (367 mi) south of Mumbai, (formerly Bombay,) which is considered India's financial and entertainment capital.
With 1.8 million residents, Goa is India’s 4th smallest state by population. It is sparsely populated by Indian standards, with about 80% of its inhabitants living within a heavily urbanized strip of coastal lowlands. Popular coastal regions may feel crowded to Westerners who have become accustomed to extended personal space.
Geographically, Goa can be divided into three main regions: Coastal Plains, Plateau Highlands and the Western Ghats mountain range.
The Goan coastline is part of the greater Konkan Coast Belt, which extends throughout the western Indian states of Maharashtra, all of Goa and into Northern Karnataka. At just 105 km (65 mi) long, Goa’s is the shortest coastline in India. Despite this, it is home to some of the country’s best beach scenes, with North Goa beaches characterized by wild, electronic music festivals featuring Goan Trance sound and luxury beach resorts. In contrast, the South Goa beaches are generally more low-key and serene, but no less exquisite. Beyond the sandy beaches, the coastal lowlands extend eastward, gradually sloping upward from east to west.
The elevated terrain of the plateau features undulating hills and steep slopes. Hardy crops like cashews, millet, areca nuts, and spices are farmed on the highland plateaus, where they do their best to grow in the less than fertile, rusty-red, lateritic soil. Rich in minerals such as iron ore, manganese and bauxite, this part of Goa has historically been a source of wealth for the region. Indigenous tribal communities, including the Dhangars, make their home in these lands, working as shepherds and cattle herders, and migrating seasonally with their livestock.
The highlands of Goa stretch eastward, gradually connecting with the region’s prominent mountain range, the greater Western Ghats, also called the Sahyadri Hills. The word "Sahyadri" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "benevolent mountains". Running parallel to the western coast of India and covering about 1,600 km (990 mi), this north-to-south running mountain range passes through the Indian states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, forming the country’s largest watershed.
Considering that Goa is the smallest state in India by total land area, its landscape is surprisingly varied, showcasing unique terrain features at every turn.
Mountains and Hilly Terrain comprise around 1,500 sq km (579 sq mi) or 40% of Goa’s total geographical area of 3,702 sq km (1,429 sq mi).
The Coastline of Goa has everything from sand dunes, rocky sea cliffs, mangrove studded estuaries, windy promontories and world-famous beaches along the Arabian Sea. Sandy beaches like Calangute, the so-called “Queen of Beaches,” and the crescent shaped Palolem are considered the bread-and-butter of Goa’s tourism industry. Between the mouths of the Mandavi and Zuvari Rivers is the triangular island of Goa, separating the harbor into two separate anchorages.
Forests cover around 2,238 sq. km (864 sq. mi) of Goa, which accounts for 60.45% of the state’s total geographical area, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2021. About 20% of the forested land is under legal protection through wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Coconut trees are widespread throughout Goa, except at its highest elevations. Teak, rosewood, and bamboo are common in the Western Ghats, while mangroves cover 27 sq km (10 sq km), especially around the Mandovi, Zuari, and Chapora Rivers.
The nine independent Rivers of Goa include Terekhol, Chapora, Baga, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal, Saleri, Talpona and Galgibag, which generally flow from east to west, with the exception of the Sal River in South Goa, which runs north-east to southwest. There are 42 tributaries. What makes the rivers of Goa truly one-of-a-kind is that they are both tidal and rainfed, with tidal influence extending as far as 40 km (24 mi) inland. Another interesting fact is that the salinity of the rivers varies wildly between monsoonal and non-monsoonal periods, with the summer months known for being saltier than the rest.
Known for a laid-back, seaside, hippie vibe, Goa has a distinctive Indo-European culture attributable to 450 years of Portuguese colonial rule. Of late, the tourism industry has been especially kind to Goa. By recent count, the small state drew about 8 million tourists a year, with about 1 million visits from international travelers. This plays a significant role in making Goa the state with India's highest per capita income.
Not surprisingly, the locals, businesses and government all do their best to make visitors feel at home. They go out of their way to cater to tourists, making it a go-to destination for partiers, beachgoers, and adventurers alike.
Depending on your nationality, getting an e-visa online before arrival is possible.
Due to the state’s relaxed alcohol laws, Goa is said to have a staggering 7,000 bars, which are known for extraordinarily cheap alcohol; however, that number could not be verified by the author at this time.
By all accounts, the place has more than its fair share of fabled nightlife, music festivals, watersports, and historic churches, forts and ports, including the Mormugao Port, one of the oldest and largest in India.
Tourist information centers are located in major towns and at transport hubs, including Panaji (Panjim), Margao, and Vasco da Gama. If it’s your first time in Goa, despite its reputation for warmth and hospitality, it never hurts to touch base with some official tourism people to ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.
Department of Tourism, Government of Goa
Paryatan Bhavan, 3rd Floor,
Patto Plaza, Panaji (Panjim) – 403001,
Goa, India
Phone: +91 (832) 2494204 / 2494205
www.goa-tourism.com
Like the rest of India, Goa is a part of the Western Dharwar Craton of the Indian Peninsular Shield. It contains some of the world’s oldest and most exceptional rocks, including gneisses from the Archaean-Proterozoic times, ranging from 3.3 billion to 2.7 billion years old.
As tectonics began to break up the supercontinent of Gondwana, and the Indian Plate moved further North, nearly 150 million years ago, eventually uplift and volcanic activity formed the Western Ghats.
The Western Ghats range is notoriously rugged and heavily forested. It embarks near the Tapti River in Gujarat, close to the border with Maharashtra and comes to its conclusion near Kanyakumari, at the southernmost tip of the Indian mainland in Tamil Nadu.
This important range is older than the Himalayas. It is responsible for an oversized portion of India’s biodiversity, earning a place as one of just eight UNESCO heritage sites for biodiversity. It also plays a major role in the monsoonal patterns of the entire continent, acting as a barrier to the monsoon winds, causing heavy rainfall on the western slopes.
The Western Ghats are also home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary.
Goa has a rich mix of forests, rivers, beaches, and marine life, making it one of India’s most diverse states. It is located between the northern latitudes of 14°53′54″ and 15°40′00″ and eastern longitudes of 73°40′33″ and 74°20′13,
Situated halfway between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer, Goa has a tropical monsoon climate featuring three main seasons: monsoon, summer, and winter.
Monsoonal rains generally occur between June and September, during which time Goa is exceptionally wet, with frequent heavy downpours. The average rainfall during this period is 2,600 mm (102 in), which helps maintain the state’s notoriously lush vegetation. Temperatures during this period are generally cooler, with a daily average around 28°C (82°F).
July is the single rainiest month of the year and can see a significant portion of the annual rainfall. August is the peak of the monsoon season. If you don’t mind the rain, it can be a great time to visit Goa, as the heat isn’t as stifling, it’s far less crowded, and you will save a bundle on airfare and lodging. Notably, during the monsoon season, super high tides commonly wash away much of the sand around the popular beaches. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
Between March and May, Goa experiences its summer season, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). It is hot and the best time to visit the beach during this season is in the morning and evening. Nevertheless, the sea breeze can also offer a welcome respite from the midday heat. May is the hottest month and typically humid with occasional rainstorms.
Winter in Goa is from mid-December to February. This is one of the most popular times to visit and is considered the peak tourist season, with beach activities, parties, water sports, as well as Christmas and New Year's festivities in full swing. Overnight temperatures of around 20°C (68 °F) and days of around 29°C (84 °F) with moderate amounts of humidity are about as comfortable as it gets in these parts.
Goa is home to more than 1,500 species of flowering plants, some of which were originally brought to the state by the Portuguese, including green chillies, which have since become a staple of the local cuisine. The coconut tree is not only the most well-known native tree, but also among the most abundant, as it can be found everywhere from the coast to interior plantations.
Each year, as the monsoon season grows closer, most of the plants and trees of Goa are in full bloom. Goa has several different types of forests, including evergreen, deciduous, and mangrove.
The state tree of Goa, also known as Mati, Asna, Saj or Crocodile Bark, loves the sunshine and thrives in slightly moist soil. It can grow up to 35 m (114 ft) tall and its fruit has medicinal properties that include alleviating pain and enhancing one’s sexual powers.
Known for its heart shaped leaves that have a distinct rustle in the breeze, this legendary tree is locally revered and worshipped as a deity known as Pipaleshawar. It can grow both upwards and downwards, providing deep philosophical inspiration. But beware, while the bark has medicinal properties, the rest of the tree, including the sap, is poisonous to humans.
This rapid-growing, hardy, and crooked tree can reach up to 25 m (6 ft) tall. It has long leathery leaves and white or pink flowers. The tree’s seed oil is commonly used to treat stomach, blood, and skin ailments. Up to 80% of India’s rural population is believed to start their day by chewing a rosewood twig to brush their teeth and then cleaning their tongue after splitting the same twig.
A tropical hardwood tree, teak is the only tree that blooms during the monsoon. It flowers profusely with crème-colored blossoms that grow in clusters at the end of the branch. This species can grow up to 50 m (164 ft) tall and is prized for its durability and water resistance, making it a top choice for construction and furniture.
With its diverse ecosystems—including Western Ghats forests, coastal regions, mangroves, estuaries, and freshwater bodies—Goa hosts a rich variety of wildlife.
The apex predator in Goa’s forests, the leopard’s population has dwindled to just 77, thanks to illegal trading of their skins, according to the latest census by Goa Forest Department, National Tiger Conservation Authority and Wildlife Institute of India.
The world’s longest venomous snake, the King Cobra’s venom can be fatal within minutes.
Among the world’s smallest sea turtles, the Olive Ridley gets its name from the olive-green color of its heart-shaped shell. The endangered species can live up to 50 years and is known to nest on Goa’s beaches like Morjim, Galgibaga, and Agonda.
The dark brown eagle has a prominent black-and-white crest and is often spotted near water holes and forest clearings in hot pursuit of snakes.
Somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 years ago, the first humans made their mark in the form of rock carvings in South Goa. While modern historians can’t say for certain where these inhabitants came from, it’s generally accepted that the first settlers were the Saraswats, who originally lived along the banks of the Saraswati River in North India.
Thanks to its location along the Arabian Sea, Goa has always been involved in trade, but it became a key maritime trade center during the Kadamba Dynasty, between the 4th-14th century. There was a brief period of Islamic rule, during which time Old Goa became the capital.
In 1510, Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa and for nearly 500 years, it remained a Portuguese colony. During this time, known as the Goa Inquisition, inhabitants were forced to convert to Christianity, and churches and European architecture flourished.
On December 19, 1961, the Indian Army liberated Goa from Portuguese rule and it became a Union Territory with Daman & Diu. During the 1970s and 1980s, Goa became known as a hippie haven, attracting free-spirited foreigners looking to live a low-key lifestyle on pristine beaches near affordable housing. The “full-moon” parties, Ajuna Flea Markets, and nude beaches were a staple of the era. As tourism began to take off, it was no longer a viable lifestyle. In 1987, Goa was officially declared as the 25th state of India by Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
At 310 m (1,107 ft,) Duudhsagar is one of India’s tallest waterfalls. But like many things in life, there’s more to it than simply reaching the destination. That’s because this moderate 12km (7.45 mi) round trip hike takes adventurers through the dense Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary where you may be lucky enough to encounter wildlife such as Indian bison, elephants, sambar, and wild boar.
Pro tip: Take the trip during monsoon season to maximize your experience and see the falls at full blast.
Summiting Sosogad, the highest peak in the state of Goa at 1,029 m (3,376 ft), isn’t as hard as it sounds. In fact, the mellow 2-3 hour hike gains just 350 m (1,148 ft), making this a journey through dense, Goan greenery of the rugged Western Ghats nearly anyone can enjoy, including novice hikers.
One of the major tourist destinations in Goa, the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary is home to abundant wild plants and animals. Within the sanctuary is the only zoo in the state of Goa where visitors can catch a glimpse of some of the more interesting animals, like tigers, elephants, panthers, sloth bear, wild boar, and even crocodiles.
With 450 unique species, Goa’s only bird sanctuary, Salim Ali, is a paradise for local birds, migratory birds, and bird lovers. The majority of the sanctuary is within the mangrove swamps.
With an area of 86 sq. km., (33 sq km) Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary has plenty of solitude and trails to explore. One of the local favorite destinations in the sanctuary is the Kuskem Waterfall, an easy 4km (2.5 mi) hike. It’s also the home of wild boars, deer, langur, bison, black panther, and pangolin. Another excellent spot to visit is Bela Lake, which always lives up to its name.
If you find yourself in Goa, there’s no doubt you’ll want to log some beach time. To get off the beaten path, and away from the more popular and crowded tourist beaches, take a 2 km (1.2 mi) trek to Butterfly Beach, where you may spot a dolphin in the early morning hours, or the namesake butterflies fluttering in the flora before taking a dip in the crystal clear blue Arabian Sea.
Prior to the mid 18th century, Panaji, also known as Panjim, was just a small village without much of a story. In 1843, after multiple plagues struck the original capital of Old Goa, it was soon abandoned in favor of the new capital city of Panaji. Today, it is considered one of India’s most scenic and laid-back capital cities, known for its many ancient churches and temples.
Located on the south bank of the Mandovi River, the city has a population of 114,759 in the metropolitan area. It is home to Goa University, the only university in the state. It is also the state's entertainment capital and cultural center, with many movie screenings and art galleries such as Kala Academy. If you are around in February, the carnival celebrations are not to be missed. The Narkāsūr parade on the night before Diwali in the city is very colorful. While the city isn’t generally recommended for its beaches, Miramar Beach is a popular tourist spot.
A small town near Mount (Alto), in North Goa, Mapusa is a commercial hub for the region with its bustling markets. In particular, it is known for its Friday Market, where people gather to barter goods of infinite variety. It is the place to go for obscure foods or hard-to-find items, and it is always the social gathering of the entire week. Just 13 km (8 mi) away from Panaji, a share-taxi or a bus will take you to Mapusa.
A quintessential Goan seaside town, with wild all-night music festivals, breathtaking beaches and a commercialized “hippie” experience, Baga is the epitome of what many travelers are in search of. Locals live on their own time, and schedules are only a rough estimate. It is one of the best beaches for children as it has no waves. It’s also known as a hub for water sports including parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing, and kite surfing. There are many dolphins in the Arabian Sea, and plenty of opportunities to sight them from the beach.
Founded in 1542 and named after the Portuguese explorer, the name of the port city is often shortened to just Vasco, the first European to arrive in India by ship, taking the so-called “cape route” around Africa. Located at the mouth of the Zuari River, Mormugao Port was built in 1888 and is a major port to this day, with one third of India’s ore exports passing through. It is one of the most populated and busiest towns in Goa.
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