A Taste of Goa
11/13/2016
The state of Goa, in India, is famous for its beaches and religious sites. Coastal areas of Goa are the main points of tourism. Foreign tourists, mostly from Europe, arrive in Goa in winter, while the summer and monsoon seasons see a significant number of Indians.
Goa sits on the west coast of India, on the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka. Tourism is the mainstay of Goa's economy, and it is not difficult to understand why: Influenced by over 450 years of Portuguese rule, Goa presents a refreshingly different view of India.
The famous Goa's beaches cover about 125 kilometers (78 mi) of its coastline.North Goa Beach is more commercial and tourist orientated. With an abundance of mostly low and medium budget tourist accommodations; whereas South Goa Beach has higher–end hotels and private beaches. A notable exception in South Goa is Palolem Beach; which features basic accommodation for those traveling light (and on a budget) and is one of the most visited beaches in Goa.
The further you go, the more isolated the beaches get. Some of the most frequented beaches are Colva, Calangute, Baga, and Anjuna. There are many shacks on these beaches that provide fresh seafood and drinks; some arrange special events.
Cuisine
For most Goans, the three necessities of life are; fish, curry, and rice.They combine to make a heavenly dish, but Goan cuisine has many flavors and tastes, a vast treasure trove of culinary delicacies.
The long period of Portuguese rule (and of the Muslim and Hindu Empires), left an indelible influence on the style of Goan cooking, leading to an exotic mix of tasty and spicy cuisine. Those who sample Goan cooking, enjoy this unique style of food, which has a distinct combination of spicy flavors.
From fried fish to exotic concoctions like ambot-tik (boneless fish with onions tomatoes, olive oil, and spices), sea-food is usually a must on the menu: prawns, lobsters, crabs, pomfrets, clams, ladyfish, mussels, and oysters are used to make a variety of curries, fries, soups and pickles. Besides fresh seafood, dried and salted fish dishes are also highly prized. Goan food is chili hot, spicy, and pungent. Dishes made with rice, fish and coconut abound.
The traditional way of cooking (in clay pots on firewood) continues in most rural areas of Goa. This style of the kitchen, adds a special, smoky flavor to the food.
The traditional way of cooking (in clay pots on firewood) continues in most rural areas of Goa. This style of the kitchen, adds a special, smoky flavor to the food.
With a wide variety, ranging from prawns to sausages, chicken to beef, and numerous vegetarian dishes, Goan cuisine can satisfy even the fussiest gourmet appetites; delicacies like the prawn balchão and sorpotel, which have become world-famous.
Ecology
Mollem National Park, Bhagwan Mahaveer, Cotigao, Bondla, Mhadei and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuaries showcase Goa's diverse ecology. Foxes, wild boars, and migratory birds are also found in the Goa's forests, as well as Kingfishers, Mynas, and Parrots.
The famous Dudhsagar Falls (at 310 meters, India's 5th tallest), are located inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary at the Goa - Karnataka border.
See the endangered Olive Ridley Sea Turtle on Morjim Beach in Pernem, Northern Goa, and Galgibaga Beach in Canacona, Southern Goa.
For the dedicated bird-watcher, the renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, on the island of Chorao, provides many opportunities.Morjim Beach is also host to some migratory birds from late September to early April. The area surrounding the shore at Tembwada in Morjim is rich with various species of birds.
Museums
The Goa State Museum (in Goa's capital city of Panaji) has a vast collection of antiquities, art, and items of cultural importance, depicting the different aspects of the Goan History and Culture. in Goa's capital city of Panaji.
The Naval Aviation Museum near Dabolim, the Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery based in Old Goa, and Goa Science Centre (in at the Miramar beach in Panaji), are worthy of a visit.The Museum of Christian Art has many paintings, sculptures and religious silverware dating back to the 16th century.
'Ancestral Goa,' in Loutolim, is dedicated to the preservation of art, culture, and the environment, in the context of Goa's past, and its rich traditions.
The beaches are the most popular reasons for visiting Goa. Great care is taken in maintaining their cleanliness and quality, one of the prime reasons why Goa won the India Travel Award 2016 as the “Best Beach Destination.”
Goa is also racking up other accolades too. The "Film Tourism Destination of the Year" Award is another success. Goa already has been the backdrop for more than 100 films during the last ten years. Goa’s picturesque locations are very attractive for location filming, whether Bollywood or Hollywood !.
Getting about in Goa: This is one of the few places in India where you can get a motorcycle taxi (marked out by their yellow mudguards) Alternatives are three-wheeled auto-rickshaws, or regular cabs.In all cases, it is strongly recommended that you negotiate a price first.
Getting There: Etihad, Qatar, Air India, and Jet Airways, are among the airlines flying into Goa from the U.S. (JFK).There are no direct flights, but all these airlines have only one-stop.Jet Airways, Air India, Qatar and Korean are flying from Los Angeles, again with one-stop.Jet Airways also provides a one-stop flight from London Heathrow. For all the best fares check out http://www.paylessflights.com