About Goa
One of the smallest states in India, Goa is around 400 km south of Mumbai. It is situated on the west coast of India and houses a variety of attractions including beaches, amusement parks, and historical monuments. Once a Portuguese colony, the state is diverse, and renowned for its vibrancy, culture, music and folk dance. The three important places in Goa comprise Panaji, Marmagao, and Madgaon.
The Indian state of Goa enjoys a tropical climate. The summers are warm and the winters are mild. Late winters and early summers are usually the best times to visit this beautiful state. However, Goa is known to remain pleasant throughout the year.
Places to visit in Goa
A city that never stops partying, Goa houses many popular places and attractions to visit, including the following:
- Panaji: The capital, Panaji is located on the banks of the River Mandovi. The city has quite a bit of historical significance to it. Goa was once under Portuguese rule and Panaji reflects the contemporary architecture of that period. The city features several monuments including the Reis Magos Fort, Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, and the Secretariat.
- Vasco Da Gama: Founded in the 16th century, Vasco Da Gama derives its name from a famous Portuguese explorer. People who are looking to dive more into the culture and lifestyle of Goa must visit this place. Some of the most popular sites to visit in Vasco Da Gama include Bogmalo Beach, Japanese Garden, and Naval Aviation Museum.
- Calangute: Situated towards the northern tip of Goa, Calangute is the perfect destination that will rejuvenate your exhausted spirit. Calangute Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the country. It greets you with its charm and magnificence, adding to your experience.
- Madgaon: Madgaon is widely considered to be the commercial capital of the state. It serves as an important religious and spiritual centre as it is home to several places of worship. Some of the popular places to visit within Madgaon include Colva Beach, Town Square, and Monte Hill.
Goa International Airport
Goa International Airport is the principal airport serving the state. The airport deals with over 5 million passengers annually making it one of the busiest in the country. It also sees nearly 40,000 aircraft movements along with 4,400 tonnes of cargo exchange. The Goa International Airport is located in Dabolim and the IATA code for the same is GOI.