Goa is a state located on India's west coast with a warm tropical climate and over 100 km of coastline. It has many popular beaches known for their natural beauty and variety of water sports. Some of Goa's most famous beaches include Calangute, Colva, Anjuna, and Majorda beaches. Goa also has a number of historic churches and cathedrals that reflect its Portuguese colonial influence, such as the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se Cathedral, and Church of St. Francis of Assisi. Tourism, including beach-going and religious sites, is a major part of Goa's economy and culture.

1. GOA

4. Goa lies between 14 - 16o North latitude and 73-75o East longitude on the West Coast of India. Climate is warm and humid tropical with cool and pleasant weather in winter months. Average annual rainfall is 3000 mm. The highest and lowest temperatures are 35o C and 15o C. Relative humidity varies from 95% to 51%. The terrain is undulating with diverse soil conditions. The geographical area of the State is 3,70,200 Ha.

5. GOA – AT A GLANCE One of the smallest states in terms of area (3702 sq km) Coastline of over 105 km. Population - 1.34 million. Population Density - 363 per sq. km. Growth rate - 14.9% (decadal) The per capita income at Rs.85,330 is the highest in the country which is also 3 times the National Avg. Urbanization trend in Goa is higher than the national average of its total population - 49.8%

6. With a literacy rate of 82.32%, Goa is the second most literate state in India. Hospitality industry is the best in the country Banking Network- 456 Branches 7776 Industries-Tourism and hospitality, Mining, Services- banking, Insurance etc 22 Industrial Estates

7. Roads Has 195 km for every 100 sq. km. against the National average of 50 km of roads for 100 sq. km Two national highways NH4A and NH17 225 kms of National Highways 8 State Highways – 232 km 52 District Roads- 815 km Village Roads - 3622 km Connectivity-Business and Leisure

8. Airways Dabolim International Airport 25 km away from the State Capital, Panaji. Well connected to major cities of India Chartered flights from European countries arrive regularly. Railways South-Central Railway and Konkan Railway provide rail links with major cities.

9. Water Transport A well developed internal water transport network formed by a grid of navigable rivers 555 kms of Waterways 46% navigable(253 kms) Mormugao Port – one of 12 major Ports of India Excellent all weather international port with natural Harbour and container service operations. Can accommodate over 50 ships in outer anchorage. Has mechanised loading facility for ore and coal, an oil berth and general Cargo berth. 5 Minor ports are also available along the river. Has ISO Certification

10. Goa Tourist Attractions Goa Beaches Goa Churches Goa Carnival Dudhsagar Waterfalls Goa Spice Plantations

11. Goa Beaches Goa has a long coastline that makes it the ideal state to have beaches. The beaches of Goa are the perfect destination for a relaxing vacation and holiday in India. Right from lazing around to enjoying water sports and relishing the exotic sea food of Goa, the beaches have everything that goes into making your vacation the perfect one.

12. Anjuna Beach

13. Location: 8 kilometers from Mapusa in Goa Highlights: Flea markets, Chapora Fort, Albuquerque Mansion, trance parties The Anjuna beach of Goa never fails to amuse its visitors. One of the most popular beaches of India . The Anjuna beach is famous for its trance parties that take place almost everyday. Tourists amuse themselves by swimming, trying out adventure sports, shopping at the Anjuna flea market and trying out the heavenly local cuisines. Anjuna beach has a couple of other tourist attractions nearby too. These include the Chapora Fort and the Albuquerque Mansion. The Chapora fort offers a splendid view of the deep blue sea and the beach while the Albuquerque Mansion is a testimony of the Portugal rule in Goa.

14. Benaulim Beach

15. Location: Near the Colva beach towards the south of Goa Highlights: Private nightlife, water sports, variety of eating joints Benaulim beach is situated quite close to Colva beach, 2km south of Colva. Benaulim holds a significant position in Goa's history because it was at this place that Parashuram's arrow landed when he fired it into the sea and created Goa. The village surrounding Benaulim beach is well known for handicrafts. But facilities are limited at this Goa beach, so it is always better to make your own arrangements.

16. Dona Paula Beach

17. Location : 7 kilometers from Panaji, North Goa Highlights : Water sports, National Oceanography Institute, Cabo Raj Niwas The Dona Paula beach is one of the most famous beaches of India. The Dona Paula beach of Goa is one of the most popular beaches that provide opportunities for trying out water sports in Goa. Goa Dona Paula offers the tourists a wide choice of water sports ranging from water-scooter to cycle to motorboat rides. water sports include windsurfing, parasailing, water-skiing, toboggan ski-biscuit, skibob, sports fishing, snorkelling, harpoon fishing, kayaking, and yachting.

18. One can tour around Goa Dona Paula and visit the interesting National Oceanography Institute that provides a world of information on marine biology. Besides all these, Goa Dona Paula is famous for the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, where you can spot both migratory and local birds.

19. Colva Beach

20. Colva Beach

21. Location: 6 kilometers from the city of Margao, south Goa Highlights: White sandy shores, oldest beach of Goa best beach resorts in Goa The Colva beach is a wonder of nature. This beautiful beach extends to nearly 20 kilometers and is supposed to be the oldest beach in Goa. It is a favorite among tourists and they come here to spend a nice holiday and pamper themselves in the resorts that are lined up near the beach. You will also find some very good hotels near the Colva beach that provide world class service and attend to every need of a visitor. Colva beach gained popularity with the surge in tourism in Goa.

22. Few years back Goa Colva was a simple village housing the fishing community. The tourist who poured in, enchanted by the beauty of Colva beach, made their own arrangements of stay, as in, they made makeshift houses and holidayed on the beach. But now the scenario has undergone a drastic change and Goal Colva is the main hub of tourism in Goa. The beach is now lined with hotels and guesthouses.

23. Majorda Beach

24. Majorda Beach

25. Majorda Beach

26. Location: Majorda beach is located in Salcete district in Goa Highlights: European bakeries, beach resorts and luxury hotels One of the most popular beaches, Majorda beach of Goa is located on the 26 kilometer stretch of fine white sand. The Majorda beach also has historical significance in India. It is believed that Lord Rama (of the Indian epic Ramayana) was kidnapped when he was a kid and was brought here. This beautiful beach is very popular for its bakery and it specializes in the baking of European bread. The bread is fermented by using the juice of coconut palm also known as today juice. This bread is famous till date and numerous tourists come here to taste it.

27. Apart from this, Majorda is also famous for its huge variety of sea food that leaves you only craving for more. There are a number of luxury beach resorts and deluxe hotels located near the Majorda. These resorts and hotels offer world class services and make sure that tourists have the time of their lives while on this vacation in Goa.

28. Miramar Beach

29. Location: 3 kilometers from Panaji, capital city of Goa Highlights: Confluence of Arabian Sea and River Mandovi, famous spot for viewing migratory birds The Miramar beach is located at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and an estuary of River Mandovi. The Miramar beach is also known by the name of Gaspar Dias. The beach was named Miramar by the Portuguese when they came to India and the name essentially means "viewing the sea". The Miramar beach is a beautiful expanse of fine golden sands that is dotted with tall coconut trees. Tourists frequent this place during the time the migratory birds come here.

30. One can find over 500 species of birds like gulls, plovers, etc. Food is available in plenty in the form of small fish, crabs and other small aquatic creatures.

31. Calangute Beach

32. Calangute Beach

33. Location: 16 kilometers from the capital city, Panaji Highlights: Known as the "Queen of Beaches" due to its increased popularity The Calangute beach of Goa is known to be the busiest and the most commercialized beach. This beach is a favorite among tourists who come to India to visit this paradise called Goa. The Calangute beach was discovered by the hippies who came here during the 1960's and made this beach their favorite hideout. The Calangute beach was known as "kolli gutti" in local language which means "land of the fishermen". Due to the Portugal rule the name got corrupted to Calangute.

34. The beach is lined with local shops and stalls that sell everything like trinkets, souvenirs, beach wear, exotic beach stuff, handicrafts, etc. The handicrafts sold over here are usually from nearby states like Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, etc. So you can expect to find some good ethnic stuff in the stalls of the Calangute beach.

35. Basilica of Bom Jesus

36. Location: Old Goa, 10 kilometers from the city of Panjim Highlights: World Heritage Site, Preserved body of St. Francis Xavier One of the most popular churches in Goa. the Basilica of Bom Jesus truly deserves to be given the status of a World Heritage Site. It is located in Old Goa which was the capital city during the Portugal rule. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is famous for the preserved mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier. He was the member of Society of Jesus and came to India to spread Christianity with the Portuguese. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is India's first minor cathedral and is supposed to be the best example of decorative architecture in India.

37. The name of the Church, Bom Jesus basically means "Good Jesus" and is used for Jesus when he was an infant. The Bom Jesus church was constructed around 1695 and it became an important milestone in the historical legacy of Christianity. While on a voyage to China from India, Francis Xavier died on the ship on 2nd December, 1552. It is said that the following year when the body of the saint was being transferred to Goa as per his wishes, the people were shocked to find his body fresh as ever. Every year thousands of devotees visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus on 2nd December to see the mortal remains of the saint that is displayed publicly. Now, the practice has been stopped to prevent the body from deterioration.

38. The Basilica of Bom Jesus is one of the richest churches located in Goa. The interiors of the church are as beautiful and extravagant as the exteriors. The floor of the church is made of pure white marble, decorated with semi-precious stones. The altar of the church is adorned elaborately and covered with gold. It measures around 54 feet high and is 30 feet broad. The church's interior is strikingly charming yet simple and is built in the Mosaic-Corinthian style. The tomb where the body is kept was carved intricately by Giovanni Battista Foggini, who was a 17th century sculptor. The walls are decorated with old paintings of the saint.

39. Church of Mary Immaculate Conception

40. Location: Center of Panaji, Goa Highlights: 2nd largest church bell in the world, beautiful display of lights at night The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is one of the most famous landmarks of Goa. This church is supposed to be one of the earliest churches to be constructed in Goa. Tourists come to the Mary Immaculate Conception Church of India to feel blessed and to marvel at the magnitude of its construction. The decoration inside the church is relatively simple, still exudes charm and beauty. The church that is present here today was supposed to have been rebuilt in 1619 from an earlier church. The Church of Mary Immaculate Conception is famous for the 2nd largest bell in the world.

41. Se Cathedral

42. Location: Old Goa, 9 kilometers from Panaji Highlights: Largest church in Asia, giant bells and exquisite architecture The Se Cathedral of Goa is dedicated to St. Catherine of Alexandria. This magnificent edifice was built in the 16th century under the Portuguese rule in India. The construction of the church began in 1562 and finished in 1619. It was sanctified in 1640. After the construction, the Se Cathedral of Goa was declared to be the largest church in Asia. The architectural style is an amalgamation of Gothic elements and typical Portuguese style.

43. The exterior of the church is constructed in the Tuscan style while the interiors have been constructed in the Corinthian style. The length of the church is 250 feet and the breadth is 181 feet. The entrance of the church is ornately decorated and measures around 115 feet in height. The church is famous for its giant bell known as the "Golden Bell". The bell is known for its melody and rich tone and is the largest bell in Goa and one of the best in the world. On the right side of the main altar, there is a chapel of Cross of Miracles. It is said that here a vision of Jesus Christ had appeared in the year 1919. They say since then, the cross hung over there has been growing in size slowly.

44. Church of St. Augustine

45. Location: Atop the Holy hill in Old Goa Highlights: Ancient ruins, 46 meter high tower The ruins of St. Augustine church is a very popular tourist attraction and one of the most spectacular monuments in Goa. The church was built in 1602 with the combined efforts of 12 Augustinians. They also built a convent besides the church. However, the Portuguese government in India put a ban on them and they abandoned the church and the convent. The Saint Augustine church was considered to be one of the greatest of three Augustinian churches. Now, only the ruins of the front portion of the church and magnificent tower remain.

46. The tower in the ruins of St. Augustine church is the main attraction. This huge tower reaches upto a staggering height of around 46 meters. It had four stories and was originally meant to be a belfry. The church had a giant bell that was removed and is now at the Church of our Lady of the Immaculate Conception located in Panaji. Around the year 1931, the church began to fall apart and the façade and half of the tower were lost. Thereafter, the church began to deteriorate rapidly and many parts fell off. The portico and the tower are still present and look absolutely splendid despite being in ruins.

47. Church of St. Francis of Assisi

48. Location: Old Goa, 10 kilometers from Panaji Highlights: Architecture has a combination of Hindu and Christian elements The Church of St. Francis of Assisi is at the same complex in which Se Cathedral is located. The Church of St. Francis of Assisi of Goa was built during 1517-1521 AD. St. Francis of Assissi Church of India has now been turned into a museum. An interesting fact about the church is that the architectural style of the church has a mix of Christian and Hindu elements. In 1521, the church was consecrated to the Holy Spirit but was demolished after some time. The church that is present here today was built in 1661.

49. In 1964, the Indian government converted the St. Francis of Assisi Church into a museum. Ancient relics and old paintings are now displayed here. The interiors of the church are decorated with depictions from the Bible whereas the walls are carved with floral designs. The paintings in the church have a very distinctive Indian feel.