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Goa is lively and modern, with many western style entertainments. there is a choice of luxurious hotels with plenty of night life, or simplicity and tranquility in one of the inexpensive, clean and comfortable rooms with their own charm, right on the beach.
The Portuguese influenced food is mouthwatering. It is located on the west coast of India, in the region known as the Konkan, and is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the east and south.
The Arabian Sea makes up the state's west coast. Panaji is the state's capital, and Vasco its largest town.Goa has a long history stretching back to the 3rd century BC, when it formed part of the Mauryan Empire.
Goa was later ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur (in Maharashtra) around two thousand years ago. It eventually passed to the Chalukyas of Badami, who controlled it between 580 to 750. Over the next few centuries Goa was successively ruled by the Silharas, the Kadambas and the Chalukyans of Kalyani, rulers of Deccan India.
Beaches in Goa
Anjuna Beach
Anjuna beach is one the most popular beaches of Goa situated 8 km west of Mapusa and 18km from the capital Panaji.
The beach is known for its palm trees, soft sands and natural beauty. It has an astonishing lays of rocks, spread across the white sand near the sea. This area was known as the Jewel of Anjuna and called 'Ozran'. Anjuna attracts a variety of tourists touring Goa, especially during the Christmas and New year season.
Baga Beach
Towards the north end of Calangute is situated the Baga beach. Baga beach is an option for those who want to be away from the hustle-bustle found on the other beaches. Baga beach looks as if it has come alive out of a painting. Majestic white waves rushing to wipe out the feet imprints left by you on the sand while the wind continues to flirt with the palm trees.
The Baga beach is more of a fishing beach with the tourists from across the world trying to get that big catch while getting drenched in the sun. There is the grove of palms that comes fairly close to the water's edge at the Baga beach.
Benaulim Beach
According to Hindu mythology, Benaulim is the place where the arrow of Lord Parsurama landed when he created the state of Goa. Known in Sanskrit as Banali, it was changed to Benaulim by the Portuguese. The main attractions on this beach are the dolphin cruises.
The beach gets fairly crowded in the evenings and on weekends with local visitors. Benaulim is about 2 km away from Colva and is more peaceful and serene than Colva. The best thing about Benaulim is that it is still rather undiscovered by domestic tourists even though it is a fishing beach.
Bogmalo Beach
This is a small beach located about 4kms from Dabolim airport and 8kms south east of the city of Vasco da Gama. It is the first beach along the south Goa coastline. Just south lies Velsao Beach and Majorda Beach.
The sandy beach at the end of the cove is even more picturesque. Pricey café-bars have crept up the beach, while the clearing below the hotel is prowled by assiduous Kashmiri handicraft vendors. The beach is clean and not too crowded, the water reasonably safe for swimming, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop at Bogmalo.
Calangute Beach
Once a peaceful fishing village, then a haven for hedonistic hippies, Calangute is now Goa’s busiest and most commercialised resort. The road from the town to the beach is lined with Kashmiri-run handicraft boutiques and Tibetan stalls selling Himalayan curios and jewellery.
The quality of the goods - mainly Rajasthani, Gujarati and Karnatakan textiles - is generally high. But haggle hard and don't be afraid to walk away - the same stuff will crop up again. The beach itself is nothing special, but is more than large enough to accommodate the huge numbers of high-season visitors.
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