|
Goa, a tiny emerald
enclave of 3702 square kilometers on India's west coast, lies
sandwiched between the vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain
range to the east and the Arabian Sea to the west. The Terekhol
(Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona rivers weave
their way through the state, forming a grid of waterways, estuaries,
creeks and bays that break the sandy, palm-fringed coastline.
Nestling amidst the coconut groves are idyllic fishing villages
with their abundant catch of prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs
and lobsters.
A virtually unbroken native Indian tradition, greatly influenced
by four centuries of Portuguese rule and culture, makes contemporary
Goa a unique blend of India and the West, as you will see in its
richly varied architecture, cuisine, lifestyle and music. Every
village has its own church or chapel, or temple. And virtually
every week, there is the annual feast of a patron saint or a Hindu
divinity, celebrated with great colour and vigour. Yet the Goans
don't really need a reason to celebrate. They are a laidback,
warm and friendly people. Not surprisingly, Goa is where the
world comes to relax.
The tourist and international conference season in Goa runs from
late September through March. The weather in these months is usually
dry and pleasantly cool. English is widely spoken all over Goa.
|