Goa
Goa the “Pearl of the Orient" is located on the western coastal belt of Konkan.
The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses capture every traveler’s heart. Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It is a blend of rich history and ravishing night life. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the best natural landscapes that India has to offer.Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.
Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Chalukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa.Having been the rendezvous of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and unique lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.
The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west gives Goa its magnificent beaches for which Goa is justly famous.
Important places
Fort Aguada
Built in 1612, this Portuguese - era fort was constructed to protect the coast from the Dutch and the Marathas. Interestingly, the fort got its name from the freshwater spring within its walls (aguada is Portuguese for water.) The fort is characterised by a four-storey lighthouse erected in 1864, which is also the oldest of its kind in Asia.
Kala Academy
The Kala Academy is renowned for its vivacious cultural performances and events. The open-air amphit-heatre is a great family venue to watch a play or catch music concerts.
Archaeological Museum & Portrait Gallery
Converted into a museum in 1964 and was a part of the old Franciscan monastery adjacent to the Church of St Francis of Assisi. Maintained by the Archaeol- ogical Society, it houses eight galleries containing Portuguese and pre-colonial artefacts, as well as a portrait gallery of Portuguese governors.
Art Escape
Art Escape is a 'collective' run by young, passionately driven artists and professi- onals who want to share their knowledge about the arts through daily workshops.
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