Goa – Shedding Off The Beaches Only Tag

By Author: Rajesh Raj
Total Articles: 103
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Goa the tiniest state of India is situated in the Konkan Coast of western India. It is one of the prime tourism destinations of India. With its sandy beaches, safe seas, exotic fauna and flora, architectural monuments of colonial era, carnival like spirit of the people and varied geographical terrains, Goa lure tourists to its lap.
Due to no fault of theirs, most people know about the beaches of Goa only. For them, Goa is beaches and beaches and beaches. But there is more to Goa than just beaches. Goa in its realm includes Western Ghats. Western ghats homes diverse flora and fauna. This fact is recognized by UNESCO by declaring it a bio-diversity spot. Many nature lovers and bird watchers come on pilgrimage to this remarkable site. Then, there are the monuments of colonial era which are by the waysides of Goan interior. You come face to face with history when you glimpse those structures of architectural splendor.
Goa vacation packages are still primarily beaches. The sandy beaches of Goa, fringed with swaying coconut palms, are apt for relaxing ...
... under the sun with or without a cover. Seas are shallow and safe for swimming. You can get into waters, with the confidence of having life guards round the corner. The main beaches are Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim, Miramar in the North and Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem in the south. Goa holiday packages provide for various adventure sports like diving, paragliding, kite surfing, jet skiing and banana ride.
Goa is ensconced between Western Ghats on the east and Arabian Sea on west. Goa Trip should include a visit to the wildlife and bird sanctuaries adjacent to Western Ghats. There will be many remarkable experiences on the offering with its diverse flora and fauna. The important sanctuaries are Bondla wildlife sanctuary, Molem wildlife sanctuary, Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, Madei wildlife sanctuary, Netravali wildlife sanctuary, Mahaveer wildlife sanctuary and Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary.
There are many churches which are modeled on Potuguese architecture in Goa. The important of them are Se Cathedral, Basilica of Bom Jesus (a UNESCO world heritage site), Church of Lady of Rosary, Chapel of St. Catherine, Church of Carmelites, Church of St. Cajetan, Chapel of St. Francis Xavier etc. Then, there are many gorgeous temples and towering forts to be seen in Goa – some built with Portuguese influence, some not. Some attractive temples are Shree Bhagavati Temple, Brahma Temple, Shree Chandranath Temple, Datta Mandir, Shree Gopal Ganapathi Temple, Kamakshi Saunsthan Shiroda, Madanant Temple and Navdurga Saunsthan. Important forts are Aguada Fort, Cabo De Rama Fort, Chapora Fort, Mormuagao Fort and Tiracol Fort.
The carnival like spirit of average Goan is well appreciated. You can always join in the revelry that is always round the corner.
There are some spice plantations which are open to visit. You may spend some time in the cozy lap of nature if you heed to that call. The prominent spice plantations which are open such are Savoi Plantations, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascoal Spice village, Rustic plantation and Sahkar spice farm.
There are many waterfalls to be savored in Goa. Two of the prominent are Arvalem waterfalls and Dudhsagar waterfalls. Witnessing them will lead you into contemplation about the maker’s magnificence. There also many serene lakes and springs in Goa.
Rajesh Raj is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tours related topics. He has authored many books on Goa Packages and Goa Beaches. Find more information related to Goa Tours log on http://www.goatourpackages.com/