Christianity and Hinduism exist side by side in this state. Having been ruled by the colonial Portuguese for over 450 years, there is still a distinctive European flavor that has permeated all aspects of Goa's life including its food, religion, language, festivals, dances and names.
Apart from the increasing strength of Indian tourists from outside Goa, a large number of western tourists also arrive using the direct-chartered flights to Goa.
Area 3,702 sq. km
Population 1,343,998
Capital Panaji
Principal Languages Konkani and Marathi
Agriculture
Rice is the main food crop. Pulses, ragi and other food crops are also grown. Main cash crops are coconut, cashewnut, arecanut, sugarcane and fruits like pineapple, mango and banana. The State has a rich forest cover of more than 1,424 sq. km.
Irrigation and Power
With the commissioning of dams like Selaulim and Anjunem and other minor irrigation projects, area under irrigation is rising steadily. Total irrigation potential created by these projects is 43,000 hectares. All villages have been electrified leading to hundred percent coverage.
Industry and Minerals
The State has 7110 small-scale industrial units and 20 industrial estates. Mineral products are Ferro-manganese, bauxite and iron ore contributing substantially to the economy of the State through exports.
Transport
Roads: Of the motor-able roads, national highway constitutes 224 km, state highways 232 km and district roads 815 km.
Railways: Goa is linked with Mumbai, Mangalore and Thiruvananthapuram through the Konkan Railway, which has introduced several fast trains on these lines. Vasco da Gama is connected with Bangalore and Belgaum on the South Central Railway, presently for goods traffic only.
Aviation: Mumbai, Delhi, Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Chennai, Agati and Bangalore are linked with Dabolim through regular Airlines services.
Ports: Mormugao is the major port in the State. Mormugao handles cargo vessels. Minor ports are located at Panaji, Tiracol, Chapora Betul and Talpona, out of which Panaji is the main operative port. One offshore berth at Panaji has also been commissioned.
Wildlife
Goa has rich and varied wildlife destinations. The rugged Western Ghats is a haven for many different species of birds and animals. The Western Ghats also known as the Sahyadris extend for a total of 600kms.Goa and the neighboring Karnataka account for the widest belt of forests along the Sanhedrin. The Coastal areas provide the tropical backdrop. Goa Wildlife sanctuaries are a haven for herds of deer and gaurs (Indian bison), Malayan giant squirrels, clusters of monkeys, slithering cobras and pythons. You may be lucky enough to spot a few black panthers on look out for preys. Tigers and elephants are also common sights. Nature lovers, bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts find vibrant avenues in the Konkan belt to enjoy the varied wildlife.Wild Life Sanctuaries in Goa gives you detailed information related to the Wildlife in Goa. Log on to Goa Hub to enjoy the wildlife sanctuaries of Goa.
Wild Life Sanctuaries
Goa is gifted with over 1512 documented species of plants, over 275 kinds of birds, over 48 varieties of animals and over 60 genera of reptiles. Few of the tourists know that one third of Goa is covered with rich forest and that it is one of the greatest reservoirs of biodiversity in the world.
Beaches
For most of the people heading towards Goa, it is one long beach. But once they are there they realize this folly of them. Goa is a state though a small one and there is a large number of famous beaches, many towns and a good network of roads. It is a state of seven rivers and their estuaries, there are hills with lush green vegetation, and most of the tourists are needed to cover large distances to move from one place to other. Goa has a total coastline of 125 km and that makes people believe that it is a long big beach however illusionist it is.
Beaches of Goa are much ahead of other beaches in India in terms of popularity and the facilities that are available here. The beaches here have been accepted as a matter of life, there are exotic cuisine backing the pleasure of have on sun and sand, and water sports facilities that include from water scooters to water gliding. To add on you can shake your legs for some time with a glass of feni and beer, engaged in shopping on the beach side, or have midnight bonfire on the beach.
There are some more aspects of Goa beaches that attract tourists every year. Whatsoever times you have visited these beaches they tend to change their look and get new designs every new season. These beaches refurbish themselves every new season and enhance the excitement of visitors who are never tired of appreciating Goa. Out of 125 km of coastline the beaches of Goa cover not less than 83 km and there is one for you also waiting to be explored. Go and find it!
