Brief history of Goa

Famously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.
The scenic beauty and the architectural wonders like its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world.

Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It is rich with culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

According to Hindu mythology Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu is known to be the creator of Goa.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.

Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonization on December 19, 1961 and became a Union Territory. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.

Being the meeting point of religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a combination of distinctive lifestyles quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up most of the population.
Goa boats of a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas & Easter with equal enthusiasm.
The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.

Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which flow throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty to the land. Behind these waterways lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.

Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river. The other major towns are Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda. Goa has an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.

The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors.

Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the spoken state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.

Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences of culture. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.

Goa is a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travelers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.

Goa is well connected by airline services to most major cities in India. All flights, national and international, to and from Goa, operate from the Goa Airport at Dabolim which is only 4 kms away from our hotel.