Goa Preparing to welcome tourists once again

Aug. 15, 2010 - PRLog -- From the en captivating beaches to the surreal weather along with the mouth watering cuisine, Goa is the city to be in at any time of the year. Attracting thousands of people every year, it is the tourist capital of India.  A former colony of Portugal, it’s famous for its excellent beaches, Portuguese churches, Hindu temples and wildlife sanctuaries.

Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the entire country. It was ranked as the best placed state by India’s Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators. Panaji is the state's capital. Vasco da Gama is the largest city in Goa. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants, and conquered it soon thereafter. The Portuguese overseas territory existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed by India in 1961.

Owing to its location on the Western Ghats which is actually a biodiversity spot, Goa has rich flora and fauna. As you travel through the roads of Goa you can see the beautiful lush green trees surrounding your path. Goa’s wildlife sanctuaries boast a variety of animals, birds, reptiles and plants. It has many famous national parks including the Salim Ali bird sanctuary. One can see large stretches of marsh lands with buffaloes just lying down in the water cooling themselves and enjoying the pleasantness and soundness of this ever so beautiful place.

Goa has wonderful weather all throughout the year. October to February sees the peak season with many tourists from all over the world enjoying the parties and clubs Goa has to offer. During this period it is mildly cold as it is the winter season. However, owing to its location which is right next to the ocean it never gets freezing cold. During the off season that is from June to September Goa is bombarded with showers and windstorms daily. However, Goa is perhaps the most beautiful place to be at this time with green trees and grass everywhere. During the summer time, Goa provides a respite for all the Indians and tourists from all over the world to escape the scorching heat. The weather never gets too hot or too cold here and remains just perfect all throughout the year.

Once you visit Goa you usually stay on the beaches and Goa offers many world class beaches. From the ever so famous Baga beach to the rocky Anjuna beach, every beach has something different to offer. The beaches are surrounded by lovely shacks all along the coast line and fine resorts and villas to reside in. From hiring a yacht and living it up the swank way to just jet skiing and Para sailing one can do it all here. The local shacks offer splendid food and one has to try out the ever so famous local brew FENI, with their strong aroma, are definitely not for the faint of heart (or stomach).

The Bom Jesus Cathedral, Fort Aguada and a new a wax museum on Indian history, culture and heritage in Old Goa are  some of the tourist destinations. Goa has two world heritage sites: the Bom Jesus Basilica and a few other designated convents. In many parts of Goa, mansions constructed in the Indo-Portuguese style architecture still stand, though in some villages, most of them are in a dilapidated condition. Some influences from the Portuguese era are visible in some of Goa's temples, notably the Mangueshi Temple and the Mahalasa Temple.

Rice with fish curry is the staple diet in Goa. Goan cuisine is famous for its rich variety of fish dishes cooked with elaborate recipes. Coconut and coconut oil are widely used in Goan cooking along with chili peppers, spices and vinegar giving the food a unique flavor. Pork dishes such as Vindaloo, Xacuti and Sorpotel are cooked for major occasions among the Goan Catholics. An exotic Goan vegetable stew, known as Khatkhate, is a very popular dish during the celebrations of festivals, Hindu and Christian alike. Khatkhate contains at least five vegetables, fresh coconut, and special Goan spices that add to the aroma.

Goa is like a drug; once you have tasted it you will always want more of it. The weather, the people and the food just sticks with you forever and you want to visit it every time you plan a trip. The carnivals, the beaches, the music and culture of this place always reside in your memory and you want more of it and you to be here every time you think of it. It truly is heaven on earth. It probably even tops it.

http://www.goa-casitas.com

# # #

Goa Casitas offers exquisite villas and serviced apartments situated in the prime locations offering peace and tranquility of the goan culture and ambiance and at the same time in the midst of the vibrant city.