Goa always stands as the first preference for tourists mainly from west. The pristine coastlines, the treasured forts and chapels, the diverse culture, religions has always hypnotised the meddlesome tourists from all over the globe. It can be referred to as the Miami Vice or Honolulu of India.
Goa which is lovingly known as the morsel of the orient, is situated on the western coast of India. It is sloppily spread across the coastal belt of Konkan. This state is also referred as the paradise for tourists, as it is the epitome of natural bounties and spectacular artistries. This region is gifted with many monikers such as Gomantak, Gomanchala, Gopakapuri, Govem, Gomanta, Gopakapattam, Govapuri and Gomanta.
Geography of Goa
Goa, which is in the shape of one portion of a heart is safeguarded jealously by the Sahyadari Ghats on its eastern side and fondles the Arabian sea on its western side. Maharashtra and Karnataka are its neighbouring states. Tricol, Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the major rivers which dissect this state and then emerge into the sea.
History of Goa
Goa is not only confined to nature's bounties and exotic beaches, but it is much more than that. Its umbra, which is deeply immersed in the Davy Jone's Locker of history, has explored that every era was a pearl, which has never lost its shine, even after thousands of years. The moth-eaten monuments, the bastions which stand as the identity of spectacular eras depict the golden history of this soil. This festucine paragon was known as Goparashtra in the Hindu epic, Mahabharata. It is believed that Lord Parshuram, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu had created this divine land. The history of this soil dates back to 3rd century B.C, when it was under the Mauryan dynasty, which was ruled by Ashoka during that time. The period stretching from 2nd century B.C to 9th century A.D witnessed the rules of various clans such as the Chutus, the Satavahanas, the Kshatrapas, the Abhiras, the Bhojas, the Chalukyas and the Rashtrakutas. During 1312, the region was forcefully embraced to the kingdom of Delhi Sultanate. However, Vijayanagara empire was more powerful at that time and conquered this territory and ruled over this land from 1370 till 1469. But the most notable period was the reign of Portuguese. The Portuguese administration has left such a deep mark on this land that even today, this soil is largely influenced by its culture and way of living. In 1510, they invaded this land and then became the permanent administrator of this soil. It was during this period that a huge mass of population converted to Christianity from Hinduism. These foreign intruders faced repeated attacks from Marathas and the Deccan Sultanate. The repeated attacks and the religious discrimination forced a huge mass of population to migrate to different states. Although India got freedom in 1947, this state was still under the Portuguese Govt. When the Govt. refused to surrender, Indian Govt. with the help of its army commenced the operation Vijay over this place and established this region as Union Territory. But later, during 1987, this territory was declared as the 25th state.
Economy and Tourism
Goa is one of the richest states of India with the highest gross domestic product per capital income. It is rich in mineral resources such as Bauxite, iron ore, manganese, silica and limestone. Its small scale industries include pesticides, tyres, foot-wears, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals, textiles etc. Indian Govt. gets most of its tourism revenues from this state. This region treasures the most exotic beaches of the world. These virgin coastlines stretch till 131 kilometres and thus devour the most authentic experience to tourists, who are mainly driven to this land to enjoy the golden beaches, sparkled with silver granules. Some of the world famous beaches include Calangute, Miramar, Colva, Dona Paula, Palolem, Anjuna etc. Besides these seafronts, chapels hold special attraction. These are St. Francis, St. Cajetan, Basillica of Bom Jesus, Rachol Seminary etc.