ringing the Arabian Sea and situated on the Fwest coast of India, Goa is a constituent state of the Republic of India, located 250 miles (165 km) south of Mumbai. Goa consists of 62 miles (100 km) of coastline and extends 40 miles (65 km) inland and includes the offshore island. A Portuguese possession for 450 years, its reli- gion, culture and architecture reflect this long rule. 30% of the local population are known to be Catholic. Goa has become India’s major win- ter sunshine destination, with holiday-makers attracted to its beautiful golden sand beaches fringed with coconut palms, its unique blend of Portuguese and Indian ancestry and the superb climate. Apart from tourism, Goa is predomi- nately agricultural with rice being the main crop. Coconuts, mangos and cashew nuts are also grown. Iron ore and manganese are processed and exported on a large scale. Panjim, called “Panaji” in Hindi and “Nova Goa” by the colonial rulers has been the capital of Goa since 1843. Situated between the Althinho Ridge and the Mandovi River, it has a number of old HISTORY Portuguese colonial buildings and churches as Goa’s early history is wrapped in legend and is mentioned in the Hindi well as road side shrines. Mainly, however, it is Mahabharata epic as Gomantak. It was ruled by a succession of Hindi Dy- a modern town and contains the government of- nasties until 1472 when it fell to the Muslims. In 1510 it was conquered by fices and educational establishments. Portuguese forces led by Alfonso D’Albuquerque. Soon Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries arrived and began converting the local inhabitants to Christianity. Old Goa became the capital of the whole Portuguese em- pire in the east and between 1575 – 1600 reached its greatest prosperity. Dutch blockades and raids by Maratha Pirates caused the city to decline. In 1759 the Portuguese moved their seat of government to Panjim. Chol- era and other epidemics caused the population of Old Goa to be greatly reduced and by 1835 very few people remained. India gained indepen- dence from Great Britain in 1947 and wanted to cede Goa to its territory from Portugal. After much unrest and warfare it was incorporated into India in 1962. GOA PLACES OF INTEREST Old Goa (Goa Velha) is located about 5 miles (8 km) up the Mandovi River on its southern banks. Originally the Marmugao near the mouth of the Zuari River is Goa’s 2 1 main trans-shipment harbor. A natural harbor, it is pro- capital of Portuguese Goa, there are more churches here in tected from the monsoon winds one square mile than Rome. The most famous of these is and is Goa’s only year-round the Basilica Bom Jesus where the mortal remains of Saint operational port. It is also the Francis Xavier (Goa’s patron Saint) is enshrined. Among nu- area’s base for the Indian Navy. merous religious buildings, the former Franciscan Monastery Fort Marmugao, built in 1624 to houses the Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery. protect the original harbor, was enlarged in the 19th century. Panjim or Panaji has been the SHORE EXCURSIONS 3 capital of Goa since 1843. With To make the most of your visit to Goa we suggest you take one of the organized a population of around 80,000 it is the Shore Excursions. For Information concerning tour content and pricing, consult state’s largest city. A busy and grow- azamaraclubcruises.com or contact the onboard Shore Excursion Desk. When going ing community, there are still a few ashore, guests are advised to take with them only the items they need and to secure sites that date back to the colonial any valuables. period. There is a monument to the Unknown Soldier at the main square, LOCAL CUSTOMS guarded day and night. The military Bargaining: You can bargain in all but the fixed-price stores. Merchants in areas presence is further felt in the seven where most Westerners shop may be reluctant to bargain. local army bases and airfield. The Pa- triarchial Palace stands at the highest Tipping: Some hotels and restaurants add a service charge to your bill. If the service point with panoramic views over the has been good, small change should be left. city and the Mandovi River. Dress Code: Casual clothes will get you through most any occasion. Jeans or some- Calangute Beach, the queen of thing similar are acceptable almost anywhere. Shorts are not worn in city streets, 4 Goa, extends some 6 miles (10 except by Westerners who are not considerate of the Indian sensitivities. Generally, km) from Old Fort Aguada north. The women’s shoulders are covered in India. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to get local beaches in this area are Sin- in and out of if you plan to visit temples, shrines or mosques. querim, Fort Aguada, Candolim and LOCAL CUISINE AND DRINK SPECIALTIES Calangute. One of the best known internationally is the Fort Aguada Vindaloos (spiced prawns, meat, chicken and vegetables) are a local specialty. San- Beach Resort with its luxury beach na (rice cakes steeped in toddy), foogaths (vegetables simmered with coconut and hotel. spices) and bebinca (seven-layer cake) are a few other favorites. Local drink: The local wine is on the sweet side even if labeled dry or “sec.” Beer is Beyond Goa good with spicy dishes. Whiskey prices are less than in other tourist areas of India Margao is a town located 21 miles (34 providing you stick with domestic brands. Bottled water is recommended. km) from Panaji and is the industrial heart of Goa. This is a good stopping SHOPPING point on the way to the beautiful Col- The main shopping spots are scattered throughout the area, but you can find most va Beach. Shoppers will appreciate handicrafts in the areas of Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa. Trendy and traditional Margao’s colorful covered market. boutiques can be found at the Kashmir Fair outside the Taj Holiday Village, Sinquer- im-Bardez. Items of interest in the Goa district include: antiques, jewelry, wooden items and handicrafts. If you buy gold with diamonds or other precious stones you must have a certificate to permit you to leave the country with your purchase.
LOCAL CURRENCY The official currency of India is called the rupee (Rs). There are 100 paise to each ru- pee. Notes can be found in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Changing your money only at authorized places is advised. These are avail- able at cashier’s desks of hotels, most banks and in some shops as well. Stock up on plenty of small change as many merchants may not be able to supply the correct change. Check notes for holes and tears as most Indian’s will not accept damaged currency.
TELEPHONE FACILITIES Telephone facilities are not readily available in the port area. Most long distance calls must be placed from hotels or telephone offices.
TRANSPORTATION Tourist and Yellow taxis are readily available inside the port area. Agree to the price before getting into any vehicle. One of the easiest ways to move around the water- ways of Goa is by ferry. There are crossings all day long from several locations and buses meet the ferries on the other side. There is frequent bus service from Panji via Vasco da Gama to many locations in Goa. The service runs approximately every 10 minutes. Bus drivers announce their destinations. TOURIST INFORMATION The Government of India Tourist Office is located at the Cum- munidade Building, Church Street, Panaji or at the Tourist Hostel, Vasco da Gama.
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This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose. While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct, we cannot accept respon- sibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing. © RCCL 2013 - All rights reserved.