Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 3:58am

Goa is India's smallest state and is located on the west coast of India. It is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian sea to the west.

flag Introduction to Goa, INDIA

Date travelled: 16th February to 3rd March 1996
Tour Operator: Somak

Dudhsagar Waterfalls

Dudhsagar waterfall in the dry seasonOne of Goa's most stunning natural sights is the Dudhsagar Waterfalls in Collem, 60 kilometres from Panaji, said to be the highest in India. The Konkani name for the falls, which literally translated means "sea of milk", derives from clouds of foam kicked up at the bottom when the water levels are at their highest. Dudhsagar is set amid breathtaking scenery that is only accessible on foot or by train. It is a popular destination for trekkers and hikers. Not quite so spectacular in the dry season.

Aguada Fort

This is the best-preserved Portuguese bastion in Goa. Aguada Fort was built by the Portuguese in 1609-1612, to control the entry into the Mandovi river and to protect Old Goa from potential enemy attacks. A spring within the fort provided water supply to the ships that called there. The fort presently houses the Central Aguada Jail.

Basilica Bom Jesus

Basilica Bom Jesus'Bom Jesus' means 'Infant Jesus' or 'Good Jesus'. Basilica Bom Jesus church is known principally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death. One of the richest churches in Goa, it is covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The chapel attracts large numbers of visitors every year. Special ceremonies to honour St Xavier are held on 3rd December.

Anjuna Flea Market

Anjuna Flea MarketAnjuna flea market is a major attraction for tourists from all the Goan beaches. Tibetan and Kashmiri traders, Gujarati in colourful clothes and hippies gather here. Most distinctive of all are the Lamani women from Karnataka, dressed from head to toe in traditional tribal dress. You can get just about anything here, second-hand books, jewellery, carvings, T-shirts, sarongs or lungis, chillums, spices....the list goes on. Listen to the shouts of the sellers ..... "buy my expensive rubbish" and "cheaper than Asda" or "cheaper than the Pakis"! It's an experience but if you don't like hassle or haggling you'll hate it!'

Mapusa

Friday market in MapusaMapusa, known popularly for its Friday market, where people from all over Goa come to buy and sell their wares. Plants, saplings, ready spiced Goan pork sausages, dried fish and prawns, clothing, junk jewelry, and the famous country liquor, are all sold. Mapusa's location at the hub of commercial activity and its proximity to a place of religious pilgrimage have caused the Mapusa market to grow to its current size and scope. It's still worth a visit on days other than Friday. It's less crowded and you don't get the same choice of goods for sale.

 

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Travel Advice for India

WEATHER

June - Sept the weather is very hot & wet as this is the monsoon season. Nov & Feb are hot and dry, cooler in the evenings. Best time to visit is between Oct- March

PASSPORT

A passport valid for at least six months after return is required for entry

VISA

Visa required. Apply to India House, Aldwych, London WC2 4NA

MONEY

Most major credit cards are accepted
Currency is the Indian Rupee(Rs)

ELECTRICITY

Electricity is usually 2 or 3 round pin plug

TIME ZONE

Time difference is +5½ hours GMT

FLIGHT

Flight time approx.10½ hours

WATER

It is highly recommended that bottled water should be used

DISEASE

Recommended vaccinations - Hepatitis, Meningitis, Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, TB (children only), Malaria tablets

LINKS

Tourist Office - Tel: 020 7437 3677/8 or link to India Tourist Office

** Information on the travel pages was correct at the time of publishing. Passport & Visa information applies to UK citizens.