Home
>
Outdoors
>
A Torrent of Influences ? Tourism in Goa

A Torrent of Influences ? Tourism in Goa

Sun, Sand and Surf ? an apt description for Goa? But Goa is much more. Ancient temples and old churches? Yes. Portuguese Colony? Carnival City? The original refuge of the hippies? Yes again! Beach Paradise, India's tourism capital? the list goes on.

Goa, 'Pearl of the Orient', is located in South Western India on the coastal belt known as the Konkan. While naturally blessed with a fortuitous combination of vast expansive beaches, forested hills and fertile plains, Goa's tourism potential is the result of the potent intermingling of historical occurrences and the absorption capacity of its own compelling spirit.

Goa, Past and Present

Its creation divinely attributed to Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Goa's ancient rulers included the Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silahar, Chalukyas and the Bahamanis.

More recently,significant from the tourism point of view, Goa became a coveted colony of the Portuguese, liberation by the Indian Army granted it Union Terriotry status, later upgraded to State of the Indian Republic.

It is to this fact, perhaps more than any other, that Goa owes its special tourism appeal. For, had Goa been a British colony, history would have been written very differently. Under Portuguese domination, the Iberian culture found a ready crucible to amalgamate with the original sensuous, fun loving Goan spirit. The best of what both worlds had to offer was assimilated into one people, leading to a flowering of the aesthetic, musical, even culinary arts.

The spirit of Sucegado ? carefree enjoyment and tranquil peace is probably Goa's most important, if intangible, tourism export. Also reflected in his 'happy' acceptance of the Portuguese cultural invasion is the Goan's inherent adaptability and willingness to mix, qualities that hold the tourism industry in good stead.

A melting pot of races and religions, the fusion of the Eastern and Western cultures into its own unique ethos of mirth and self-contentment is what attracts Indian and foreign tourists, choc-a-bloc, to Goa.

Such a thriving destination on the world tourism chart, Goa has many attractions to offer. Carefree beach bumming in the true spirit of Sucegado, adventure and watersports, high culture with the churches and an anachronistic way of life that still endures in Old Goa, wild party hopping and culinary adventures ? Goa's tourist is charmingly eclectic in his calling.

Beaches in Goa

India's unchallenged beach capital, Goa's coastline is generously sprinkled with sand and surf: From popular tourist spots where one usually sees more skin than sand, to untouched havens that are worth taking that extra trouble to discover.

Starting from Calangute in North Goa , clustered around Panaji, the capital of Goa, and further down, Margao in South Goa, are the most popular beaches on the tourism circuit. These are thickly surrounded by the usual agencies of tourism - hotels and facilities offering modern day luxuries, restaurants, shops, resorts, entertainment centers, spas, resorts, the works.

Outside this ring, moving either North from Calangute or South of Margao the Goa's beaches become refreshingly more pristine and unpopulated. There, it's just the sea, surf washed sand, sparkling or alternatively shaded by abundant palms fronds, and you!

Some of Goa's Popular Tourist Beaches

Vagator: 22 km from Panaji, this crescent shaped beach on the Chapora River basin, in the shadow of the Chapora Fort, is a quiet place to unwind, but during the tourist season is a scene for all night parting.

Anjuna: 18 km from Panaji, nestled between the sea and hill, this is a scenic beach that dazzles tourists with its natural beauty.

Baga: One of Goa's northern beaches, it is comparatively emptier and surrounded by scenic beauty.

Calangute: Hot tourist favourite, Calangute in North Goa, 15 km from Panaji, is the 'Queen of Beaches'. The down side of tourism means that this stretch of sand is overcrowded at any time of the year.

Sinquerim: 13 km from Panaji, Sinquerim is popular with tourists for its water sports facilities offering water-skiing, para-sailing diving and surfing.

Miramar: Located just 3 kms from Panaji, it understandably sees the tourist rush and is dotted with houses of the rich and famous. However, lying along the mouth of the Mandovi River as it meets the sea, it is interesting for its view of the Aguada fort.

Aguada : Famous for the17th century Portuguese fort, this has now been converted into a Hotel. Though it's grounds occupy much of the area around, the beach is open to general tourists.

Agonda: Secluded, this beautiful long stretch of silvery sand is refreshing. Just the place to unwind, feel the sand and listen tom the stories of the sea. The nearby Cabo de Rama is historically interesting. Local legend has it that Lord Rama stayed here with Sita during his exile.

Majorda: A local version of the 'Ramayana' has it that Ram was kidnapped as a child and brought up at Majorda. Later Jesuits discovered the best Goan toddy here and today the best bakers in Goa are from here

Colva: 39 km from Panaji and immensely popular with tourists, Colva offers hotels, discos, shops and restaurants. Colva is also famous for the Church of Our Lady of Mercy, which has the statue of Menino Jesus.

Benaulim: Less than 2 kms from Colva, this thriving center of handicraft art is known for the traditional rosewood furniture. The Church of St. John the Baptist on a hill is quite famous as is the monsoon feast of Sao Joao celebrated as thanksgiving.

Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor: These beaches south of Benaulim are really inviting. Cleaner and less crowded than others, they are studded with some exclusive beach resorts in Goa and food shacks. Tourists may get an opportunity to watch wild dolphins.

Palolem: 70 km south of Panaji, this white sandy beach is some commercial activity, including restaurants and shops. Weekends especially tend to get crowded here.

CHURCHES IN GOA

Another contribution of Portuguese rule to Goa's Tourism is the occurrence of splendid churches, especially in Old Goa. Originally spread with passionate fervour by the former rulers, Goa, Rome of the East, sees the dominant influence of Christianity, both in the religious and cultural spheres. Visible expressions of this are the Churches of Old Goa. Historically, these can be classified into the following periods, reflecting changing architectural styles and iconography.

Early Period: Typified by Goa's oldest surviving church, Our Lady of Rosary on Monte Santo in the 'Manueline' style named after King Emmanuel of Portual. This is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance with the motifs featuring Portuguese seamanship. The construction being unsuited to Goa's weather, very few of these can be seen by tourists today. Baroque Period: 'Golden Goa' time of hectic missionary activity including the arrival of St. Francis Xavier, saw many grand churches in the contemporary European style built. These include the Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Augustine Church of Our Lady of Grace.

Indian Baroque Period: Reflecting local Goan influences in style and design, including the outer fa?ade and inclusion of tropical motifs such as flowers and fruits. Outstanding amongst these are the Church of St. Francis of Assisi and the Church of Holy Spirit, Margao. Rococo Period: Typified by the smaller size of construction but with excuisite ornate finishing with local motifs, it is also known by the use of Stucco on the exterior fa?ade. St, Stephen at San Esteyan near Panaji is a notable example.

Modern Period: Starting from the nineteenth century onwards, this period saw the liberation of Goa's churches from the rigid norms of the past as different styles flowered. An example is the Nossa Senhora employing the gothic style.

Most churches in Goa continue to fulfill their spiritual purpose, revered by Hindus and Christians alike, while also serving as artistic and cultural attractions for tourists.

Goan Hindu Temples

Goan Hindu Temple architecture is another tourist attraction typified by the influence of local style over the rigid architecturally rigid structure. The maratha influence on Goa's religious architecture lies in the Deepmal or Lamptower which is from two to six stories high, decorated with oil lamps on festive occasions. Mughal influence seems to express itself in the dome that covers the central shrine in place of the traditional shikhara, as also the Naubat Khana - a small tower at the entrance of the courtyard. Portuguese Christian influence is visible in the curving roofs of the Mandapas.

Not many of Goa's earliest temples survived the Moghul and later the Portuguese invasions (exceptions are the "Pandava Caves" dedicated to Lord Shiva, located at Aravelam and the Shiva Temple at Tambdi), which saw temples being razed and churches erected in their place. As a result most surviving temples that the tourist in Goa comes across are comparatively modern. The Mahalaxmi Temple in Panaji was the first temple allowed by the Portuguese, following much deliberation, in 1818.

Goan Cuisine

Food is another attraction for the tourist in Goa. Touring in Goa is a wonderful way to encounter Goa's inimitable cooking is as much a m?lange of different cultural invasions as its art, music, culture and literature. The staple for Hindus and Christians alike is rice and fish curry. And while tourist's taste buds succumb to the temptations of Ambot Tik (Prawns/fish in a sour hot gravy), Sorpotel (fiery wet pork) and Xacuti (spicy meat dish), washed down with Feni (a pungent potent brew made from cashew nuts) it can be too much for the uninitiated palate to handle. Deserts in Goa come in the form of sinfully delicious Dodol (made from coconut and Goa jaggery) and Bebinca (a baked dish with coconut juice and egg yolk)

Truly, this amazing pot-pourri of beach, nature, food and drink, culture and kitsch, religious fervour and profanity and fun galore that represents tourism in Goa would be hard to find anywhere else in the world.

Roozbegh Gazdar Content Writer http://www.traveljini.com http://www.traveljini.com

Lincoln Stretch rentals Alsip ..

In The News:

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers solutions to fixing a personal computer that freezes up. There are a number of reasons this might be happening.

The rollout of Apple's iOS 17 brought a subtle "Rebound" notification tone that's gotten some criticism. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains a fix.

Fitness centers and workout studios are starting to establish policies that prohibit shooting phone videos to protect people's privacy.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents

Apple recently notified a small number of iPhone customers in 92 countries that their phones may be under attack by mercenary spyware.

An artificial intelligence-powered home security system can fire paintballs and tear gas at trespassers. The camera identifies human faces and animals.

Technology expert Kim Komando gives her tips and tricks on enhancing your user experience a smartphone and other devices you use everyday.

A new camera called NUCA uses artificial intelligence to create deepfake photos of subjects by stripping away clothing in close to real time.

The Kimberley Kube trail-ready camper has a compact but spacious design and combines luxury, functionality and ruggedness for a weekend getaway.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Emails instructing you to reset your password for an account may be legitimate, or they may be scams. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains.

Northrop Grumman's Manta Ray uncrewed underwater vehicle aims to revolutionize undersea missions — it glides through the ocean without human assistance.

Learn how to work Google's calendar application to streamline and organize your daily tasks from technology expert Kim Komando.

If you do not want Facebook to have automatic access to your private photos, follow our tips to protect yourself. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson shows you how.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson goes into detail about Apple’s recent iOS update that allows iPhone users to instantly translate spoken language simply by using the Action Button.

Safeguarding your digital life with a reliable physical backup isn't just a precaution, it's a necessity. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides the essential backup checklist.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how a Redditor exposed false recycling claims at their apartment, highlighting a report that only 21% of U.S. recyclables are processed.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson offers a travel toolkit featuring five technology tools to help you with booking flights and hotels for your summer vacation.

The bubble behind the clock on your iPhone can appear in different colors. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what each of those colors mean.

Scammers are using the power of artificial intelligence to mimic voices of people and are using the fake voices to commit crimes, like kidnappings.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains the science behind the Invisibility Shield, a 6-foot shield that makes people become invisible.

The International Olympic Committee on Friday announced plans to use AI in various Olympic aspects, including athlete identification, training and judging.

Tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains an easy trick to avoid squinting while working or surfing the web by zooming in on your personal computer.

Streaming giant Roku has recently been targeted by a pair of cyberattacks, and the company confirmed over a half million Roku accounts were compromised.

A Torrent of Influences ? Tourism in Goa

Outdoors