Goa (southwestern, India )
Goa, a state of India, consists of land on the southwest coast of the city and an isolated island. It is about 250 miles (400 km) south of Mumbai (Bombay). One of the smallest states in India, the state of Maharashtra is in the north with Karnataka in the east and south and the Arabian Sea in the west. The capital city is Panaji (Panjim), which is located on the central coast of the region. Formerly a Portuguese possession, it became part of India in 1962 and was granted statehood in 1987. Area 1,429 square miles (3,702 km2).
History of Goa
Goa was part of the Mauryan Empire in the third century BC, ruled by Ashoka of Magadha.
During the second century BC and the sixth century AD, the Bhojas of Goa ruled Goa. The Chutus of Karwar ruled over sections of the Satavahanas of Kolhapur, the Western Kshatrapas, the Abhiras of Western Maharashtra, the Bhojas of the Yadav clan of Gujarat and the Konkan Mauryas of the Kalachuris.
The order was handed down to the Chalukyas of Badami between 578 and 753. Later the rule passed to the Rashtrakutas of Malkhed between 753 and 963.
The Silharas of the southern Konkan ruled Goa as the forces of the Chalukyas of Kalyani. During this period, they merged with Jainism in Goa.
Delhi Sultanate captured Goa in 1312. However, the Delhi Sultanate was forced to surrender to Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The territory was controlled by the Vijayanagara Empire until 1468 when it was captured by the Bahmani rulers of Gulbarga. The dynasty was quickly destroyed in the region by the Adil Shahis of Bijapur, who established a capital city known as Velha Goa.
Portuguese rule was established in Goa when in 1510, the Portuguese defeated the Bijapur sultan Yusuf Adil Shah with the help of a local ally, Timoji. Portuguese colonial rule lasted for four and a half centuries until it was taken over by India in 1961.
Goa has two parts, the main center of Velhas Conquistas-Bardez, Ilhas de Tiswadi and Salsete, whose territory has been under Portuguese rule since the 16th century. In 1843 the Portuguese moved the capital to Cidade da Nova Goa and today it is known as Panaji de Velha Goa.
In the middle of the 18th century, the Portuguese expansion lost more possessions in India until their territory was stabilized and they established Goa, Daman and Diu which included Silvassa before its annexation. It is known as Estado da India in Indo-Portuguese, which means “Portuguese state of India”.
Things To Do In Goa
Waterfalls on Grand Island
One of the great places to practice water sports, Grand Island is an unbeatable choice for water sports enthusiasts. Snorkeling at Grand Island is a must do in Goa as you can see the exciting marine life. Discover the life of a girl and get to know turtles, sea creatures and plants, fish and many others. A PADI instructor will explain the do’s and don’ts of scuba diving. So you can explore music without any worries.
Have fun at Dudhsagar Falls
An unmissable tourist destination in Goa is Dudhsagar Falls, a four-color waterfall in the Mandovi River. It is 60 km from Panaji. It is one of the highest lakes in India with a height of 310 meters and an average width of 30 meters. The famous Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary in Mollem National Park is tucked away in the middle of the Western Ghats.
Tourists who come to this place find it attractive due to the presence of dense forests with abundant biodiversity. Cluster is the most favorite weather for many tourists when the waterfall is very happy and the water is flowing. There are two ways to reach failure; One starts from Kulem by trekking, then there is a jeep road to the bottom of the waterfall and the second by rail.
Cycling in Chorao island
Goa has more to offer than beaches and parties. Start this experience by boarding a Pomburpha boat for Chorao Island out on the Mandovi River. Explore the fascinating side of nature and environment through the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary while spotting eagles and parrots along the way. Explore areas of the island such as mangrove swamps to soothe your eyes and soul. Check out colonial houses and whitewashed Portuguese churches and small Hindu temples on your way. Book a bike tour and explore the unique side of Goa by bike with your loved ones.
Paragliding in Anjuna
The coastal town of North Goa, Anjuna, is a popular tourist destination for paragliding activities. The breathtaking bird’s eye view will give you an adrenaline rush. An expert assistant controls the fly motor for an unparalleled experience.
Boasting a 360° panorama of the scenic beauty of Goa from around 1000 feet. Above ground is something you will never forget. With proper safety and guidance, one can focus on a fun trip and let the music fade away while enjoying the best views while trekking in Anjuna.
Water sports at Baga Beach
Located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, Baga Beach is one of the best resorts for engaging in exciting water sports. These fun activities include boating, sailing, jet skiing, boating, banana riding and many more. The beach offers so many things to do in Goa that you won’t have time to get bored.
Done under professional supervision, water sports are not only safe but fun. You can choose a single activity or a package of exciting activities like jet skiing, banana racing, boating and flying which add more adventure and fun to your trip.