Goa Travel Information

In the 3rd century BC Goa formed part of the Mauryan empire . Later it was ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur and eventually passed to the Chalukyans of Badami control from AD 580 TO 750

Goa fell to the Muslims for the first time in 1312 but the invaders were forced out in1370 by Harihara I of the Vijayanagar empire, whose capital was at Hami . During the next 100 years goa’s harbours were important landing place for ships carrying Arabian horses to Hampi for the Vijanager cavalry

Blessed as it is by natural harbour and wide rivers , Goa was the ideal base for the seafaring Portuguese, who arrived in 1510 aiming to control the spice route from the east, Jesuite missionaries led by St Francis Xavier arrived in 1542 . For a while Portuguese control was limited to a small area around old goa , but by the middle if the 16th century it had expanded to include the provinces of Bardez and Salecete.

Goa Travel Info , Goans as the people from Goa are known around the world, have a unique lifestyle which reflects the perfect blending of the cultural influences that they have experienced over the centuries. By nature, Goans are warm, friendly, easy going and large hearted.

They live life in style and at a leisurely pace. They are passionate about dance, music and art which is in their blood and they love their food and feni.

Goans attitude to life is best described by the word Susegad which means taking life at a relaxed pace and enjoy it to the full. This unique philosophy of life originates from the Portuguese word Socegado which literally meant quiet.

The people of Goa have taken that to heart, quite wholeheartedly while leading quiet and relaxed lives in their peaceful land.

Panaji : Goan Travel Info, The capital of Goa and headquarters of West Goa District, a small and charming city on the left bank of silvery Mandovi River, with beautiful red-roofed houses, built in Latin style, also boasts of many modern houses, well laid gardens, statues and avenues lined with Glmohar, Acassia and other trees. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (HillTop).

Margao : Goan Travel Info, The capital of South Goa District in the hinterland of Southern Goa in Salcate Taluka is a thriving commercial metropolis linked by rail to the rest of India & Mormugao Harbour and by National Highways, with Maharashtra and Karnataka. It has imposing old mansions and modern buildings.

Mapusa : The capital of Bardez Taluka, on the National Highway 17, is at the cross roads of the network of highways covering whole of West Goa. Weekly fair on Friday is held at the modern streamline market, attended by large crowds.

Vasco-Da-Gama : A modern, well laid out city close to Mormugao Harbour, has beautiful and extensive avenues. The air terminus of Goa at Dabolim lies on the outskirts of the city. It is also the railway terminus for passenger service on the South Central Railway.

Mormugao Harbour : (4 kms. From Vasco-Da-Gama) is one of the finest natural anchorages on the West Coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity.