Places to see in and around Goa
The Goan coastline is heaven on Earth for swimmers, anglers, water sports buffs and sunbathers.
Holidays in Goa are unforgettable experience for lifetime of the tourists. A cruise on the Santa Monica yatch is as much fun with the accompanying song and dance as the one along the Mandovi river. On these cruises make sure to watch the splendid sunset and the unparalleled moon rise. Along with the beautiful beaches, Goa has remarkable lakes too. The mayem Lake, all of 35 km from Panjim, is an example. It is an ideal picnic spot with the Cottages and the awesome environs. Boating is one activity every tourist visiting this artificial lake must indulge in.
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Recommended Goa Holidays
Over the centuries 'Govapuri' has been seen, conquered and influenced by the foreign powers. The variety of gifts each one brought for the people is amazing. This magnificent natural harbor with the fertile land and the plentiful water supply has attracted people since the times of the golden goose of the spice trade.
The state reveals a unique amalgamation of the East with the West. The Christmas is celebrated with equal zest as Diwali, the spirits are as high at the Carnival as on Durga Pooja. The fun and frolic never seems to end. Beer is enjoyed as much as the traditional tipples of Feni, the local Hootch, and Toddy (Todi), a derivative of palm sap.
The Portuguese who ruled for over 450 years on Goa, gifted the chilies to India besides introducing the tobacco, lichis and oranges. The other introductions range from Pineapple from South America, papaya from the Philippines and Cashew from Brazil. Maize, Peanuts and Sweet Potatoes came from Africa. Not to forget the Roman Catholicism, which lead to the construction of the churches as magnificent as those in Italy. Later they moved on to establish smaller colonies in Daman, Diu and Bassein (Vasai). Moving on with the Portuguese influence on the styles, we spot the wrought iron balconies of the colorful houses in Panjim.
 Besides the cultural diversity, the state has a distinct topography with lush green paradise edged on the one side by the wooden foothills of the Sahyadri range and on the other by the Arabian Sea
Goa being the coastal state has remarkable seafood to offer. Right from the simple fish curry and rice to ambot tik, Caldeirada and Recheiado, the goan cuisine is amazing. Goan cuisine has always been admired, with its gamut of Portuguese-Goan dishes. To feast on these visit a Goan home or drop in at any of the authentic restaurant. Other eating joints offer an international cuisine, with options of Italian, French and Fusion foods.
while you are on holidays to goa you shouldn't miss shopping there. Shopping is true fun at Goa with several shops making loads of stuff easily available for the tourists. The items may vary from Carpets to Papier Mache, Textiles and Silk to Wood Carvings. Some of the restored Goan houses have the best of lifestyle and fashion shops.
The beach capital of India is variously known as Vasco, Govapuri, Gomantaka and Govarashtra. Though the origin of the name can be traced back to the mythology, legend and history.
The packaged tours offer a variety of options for the tourists. There is the Carnival package for merry making by participating in the Carnival parade.
Goa has its fair share of festivals. On one hand the Goans celebrate the Carnival and Shigmo as festivals of joy and Shivaratri is one of austerity and penance. The later being in honor of Lord Shiva is believed to be the most ancient of all.
The celebration of the Carnival and the Shigmo comprise of various types of theatrical performances. The festivity commences with the canoe race at the Baina beach. The traditional Khell tiatr or the konkani drama is on the steps of the classical Yakshagana dance of Karnatak.
It is based on old Hindu tales and has a rather stilted style with a Sutradhar or a commentator and a Kodangi to provide the comic relief. On the whole it is ideal for complete entertainment. The themes of the performances have shifted from the family disputes during Portuguese regime to political satire and contemporary issues.
Each play comprises of 6 to 7 sets of 15 minutes each, these sets are jumbled with two or three songs, unrelated to the theme of the play. While celebrating Shigmo women hold lamps on their heads and perform the lamp dance.
Besides the Shigmo, Goa carries forward a tradition of several folk dances. Even though Fugdi and Dhalo are the most common folk dances. It is Dekni is a rare combines the traditional and modern music. The word 'dekni' in konkani stands for 'bewitching beauty'. On this occasion the women dance to the 'Ghumat' i.e. the folk drum. Kunbi and Morulem are other examples of the traditional folk dance.
Along with dance forms the Goans carry forward the legacy of the various forms of folk drama and music. Dashavatari, Goulankala, Kala, Lalit, Kalo, Ranmale, and Rathkala are some of the popular examples of the former and the well known exaples of the later include Other forms of Goan music include Suvari, Banvad, Cantaram, Dasra Vadan, Gadya Ramayan, Gaun Kani, Gosavi Gayan, Gudulya Geetam, Jat, Lagan Geet, Lavni, Pavada, and devotional music like Bhajan-Dindi, Carol Singing, Kirtan and Ladainha.
Do visit Goa and have a holiday of a lifetime amidst the silvery sands, the soothing sun, the sensuous songs and the sumptuous seafood. Tourism in Goa is never dull and even if it were our tour packages for Goa would never allow even a minute of it.
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