"Paradise Calling" a Goa Travel Page by ghajela

If you want to experience heaven on the earth then one of the undisputed destinations has to be Goa. Whenever you thought that you have had enough of Goa this place throws up one more surprise and forces you to change your mind. This place just fails to lose its charm. It is amazing to see the different reason people have for visiting this heavenly place. Their reasons may be miles apart but the feeling after reaching Goa is just the same…..pleasure, pleasure nothing but sheer pleasure.

It is very difficult to describe the eternal charm of Goa in words. So many learned persons have tried to put the expression of beauty this place offers in their thoughtful & magical words but I am sure that even they know that they could not do complete justice to this place’s charm.

This is one of those places where history and contemporary period goes hand in hand. Goa is a perfect blend of Eastern and Western culture. From Churches to schools to forts to Temples, Goa has got it all. The place is situated at western coastal belt know as Konkan. Indian Army liberated Goa from Portuguease in the year 1961. Goa was made 25th Indian state in the year 1987. Majority of populations comprises of Catholic and Hindu communities. Konkani, Hindi, Marathi & English are the main languages spoken. Then you will always find those smart taxi drivers & tour operators speaking in French, German etc as fluently as their native language.

Goa is effectively divided between North Goa & South Goa. South Goa has Margao as major town where the major commercial activities take place. Margao’s main market is still catering to the local goans for their day to day needs. It is also the main Railway connection which Goa has got. Dabolim which is originally a Naval air strip, is also the International Airport connecting Goa to the world through sky. Vasco Da Gama is the industrial area where all the commercial activities take place. It is also close to the sea Harbor. South Goa also got has some very beautiful beaches. Bogmalo beach is around 8 kms from Vasco and is a small pleasant beach. Not a major tourist hub, its offers mainly all the necessary activities which are common at other beaches. Colva is one of the most famous beaches in South Goa. It has got decent market, cafes and restaurant to cater to tourists. Benaulim is around 2 kms from colva and offers a lot of small guest houses and shops. Palolem beach is one of the most beautiful and famous beaches. Offers all the beach sports, shacks and good souvenir shops.