Goa

History : Goa is the former Portuguese enclave in India and is located on theSouth western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. On 19th December, 1961 Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu and Goa was conferred statehood on 30th May, 1987 and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.
Goa is popular among the tourist for its stretches of endless silver sand and white surf beaches forts, monuments, the travernas the magnificent scenic beauty of fields and coconut trees and the architectural splendors of its churches and temples, colourful festivals and relaxing lifestyle.
A large number of Hotels and resorts of international repute now dot the coastline of Goa and offer comfort, leisure and pleasure to the visitors.
Goans are hardworking people, full of song, dance and merriment. Tourism is the main money-spinner and the majority of the population is engaged in related business.
Goa is popular throughout the year & displays its own charm in every season

Festivals in Goa:
Bonderam Festival Christmas
Feast Of Three Kings

Goa Carnival:
Christmas and Carnival are celebrated as enthusiastically by the 30-percent Goan Christian populationIn the month of March, a 3 days orgy just before the 40-days Lenten period i.e. period of fasting for Christians till Easter, Goans celebrate a 3 days 'Carnival' festival of fun and merry making and with colourful events like huge parades through the cities Goans enjoy by dancing with bands music etc. organized by National Club in Panaji/Panjim. Hence hotel bookings must be done in advance for the carnival as the festival attracts thousands of touristsGood Friday/ Easter
In fact the Feast of Our Lady of Miracles that is celebrated 16 days after the Easter with equal zest by both Hindus and Christians.
Diwali, Durga puja and Holi/ Shigmo are celebrated by the Goan Hindus.
Generally known as Holi, the month of Phalgun signifies the onset of what in Goa is known as Shigmo. Celebrated mostly by the masses in the close religious association of religious rites, the festival of Shigmo is accompanied by the fanfare of drum beats and the epic enactions of Mythology. Colour in vivid vibrancy hues the festivities that bedeck every area that is celebrating Shigmo. Today, the Shigmotsav has highlighted its festivities with the performance of troupes in the form of parades and cultural dances. The streets in the townships, at dusk resound with the music of the Dholl, the drums and conches as huge effigies of wondrous colour and light effects parade.

Area : 3,702 sq. kms

Capital : City Panaji / Panjim

Airport : Dabolim (29kms from Panaji)

Railhead : Madgaon (25 kms from Panaji)

People : Goans

Language spoken : English and Konkani (The Official State language), Hindi & Marathi are the other languages used for communication.

Religion : Hindu, Christian and Muslim

Climate : Maximum temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperature of about 15 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is upto 900 mm in the monsoons (June-August).

STD Code North Goa : 0832, South Goa : 0834

Best Time to Visit : October to May

Temperature : 25 Degrees Celsius - December to February and 38 Degrees Celsius - March to November

Season to Avoid : Monsoon