Distance Chart from Panji to Goa's Cities & Towns - Road Distance in Kms
Agoda Ford - 18Km
Anjuna - 18Km
Arambol Beach - 50Km
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary - 55Km
Calangute Beach - 16Km
Cavelossim - 48Km
Cotigao Sanctuary - 60Km
Dabolim Airport - 29Km
Dudh Sagar - 60Km
Dona Pola - 7Km
Farmagudi - 26Km
Harvalem (Rudreshwar) - 45Km
Launda Junction - 72Km
Mapusa - 15Km
MARSELA (Shree Rawalnath) - 17Km
Margoan - 33Km
Mayam - 35Km
Meramar - 3Km
Mobor Beach - 50Km
Marmura - 34Km
Paroda (Shree Chandranath Temple) - 45Km
Pernem (Shree Bhagwati Temple) - 28Km
Pilar - 11Km
Shiroda (Shri Kamakshi Saunsthan Temple) - 40Km
Shree Ramnath - 35Km
Tambadi Surla - 66Km
Wagator - 22Km
VARSA BEACH - 44Km
Vasco digama - 30Km
Velha - 10Km
Vithalwadi - 41Km
Monday, October 27, 2008
People, Culture & Lifestyle of Goa
Golden beaches, fairy tale mansions and churches, wonderful food, friendly people and of course, feni - these are just a few of Goa's charms. And if you are the kind who likes company, you cannot go wrong in a land where hospitality is an established tradition.
Goa, a former Portuguese territory, for more than 450 years is often described as 'The Rome of the East'. It has over the past decades, become the dream holiday destination, for many a foreign tourist. More than 40 years
after the departure of the Portuguese, Goa is perhaps the most westernized of all the states in Modern India. The majority of Goans are very bohemian. Easy going in nature, enjoying a typical 'tropical lifestyle'; including the 'siesta', which is usually from 1pm to 4pm, the hottest part of the day. Music, dance, drama, food and feni, are a few of the things most Goans are passionate about.
Music
Goans love music. It is an integral part of their lives. Music in Goa covers a broad spectrum, from Portuguese music to Techno to Rave and the now the (in)famous Goa Trance. The local radio station AIR (All India Radio) mostly plays music in Konkani, Hindi and English. Though
occasionally, we still get to hear some Portuguese music. The DJ's are awful to say the least, talking far too long between each piece of music. They read out endless lists of requests, which, by their continuous stumbling, is clearly unrehearsed.
Nightlife in Goa
Nightlife in Goa is exciting and there are many ways to liven up the evening. Goans enjoy going out and it is not unusual to find families out for a night of merriment. In certain areas, almost every third house has a bar-cum-restaurant.
Singers and Tiatr (Goan Theatre)
Some of the singers and dramatists, who have become household names, include Prince Jacob, Alfred Rose, Tony King, Kid Boxer, Souza Boy, M.Boyer, Emiliano D'cruz, Rosario Rodrigues and J. B. Rod. A lot of the music churned out today (2 to 3 releases per month) is from 'Tiatre' (Konkani theatre), which are mainly melodramas about family and domestic life. Each lyricist will offer his own explanation for life's varied problems, often coloured by individual prejudices. Although there are quite a few 'Tiartist' who produce plays with political satire. Notable, is William de Curtorim.
Love became a theme, mainly in the songs of the Jazz artistes, and the classy composer Chris Perry. His ballads, immortalized by singer Lorna, remain all time favorites. Lorna has now returned to Konkani music after a gap of almost 28 Years. Bombay-based, Alfred Rose, is believed to be among the first to actually cut cassettes, and records of his music, with printed lyrics to accompany them.
The People
The people of Goa are very friendly and extremely happy-go-lucky. They are fond of the good things in life and are certainly not caught up in the rat race. Siesta is an important part of life in Goa with shops downing their shutters from one to four the most Goans retiring for the afternoon. Though the people of Goa are of different faiths and from different cultural backgrounds, they have come together to create the easygoing Goan culture with its emphasis on good living.
Religion
Religion is very important to the Goans. Whether it is Catholic, Hindu or Muslim. Churches, Temples and Mosques abound wherever you journey in Goa. Some of the churches are placed in spectacular, and very difficult locations. Though, Goa is a multi-ethnic state, Goans are very tolerant towards each other's faiths; while unfortunately this is not true of the rest of this country. The majority Hindu community and the sizeable Catholic minority have lived in peace and harmony for decades and centuries. They participate in each other's many feasts. Many Hindus attend the novenas during the feast of St. Francis Xavier (the patron saint of Goa), as the Catholics take part in the zagors and zatras. It is not rare to see young Catholics at local Hindu temples during the feast of Dusshera. They consider it auspicious to have their vehicles blessed by the temple priest on that day. A few days before lent, many colorful carnivals are held, in all the major towns in Goa. Then, a few days later comes the Shigmo (Hindu festival of spring) distinctive parades go along the very same streets, with many kaleidoscopic floats and frenzied dancers. On these occasions both communities participate.
GOA Food
Food in Goa is a very serious matter and capitalizes on the range of food products available here. Goa boasts of many different cuisines - the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. The fruits of the sea are used lavishly in Goan food different types of fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs and many more.
Fairs and Festivals of GOA
Festival time in Goa leaves you with your senses reeling - in more ways than you can imagine for the Goans celebrate any occasion with great gusto. They actually have a festival that celebrates the very idea of fun and fiesta!
Economy
The Goan economy is highly dependent on tourism, which brings in the much-needed foreign currency. This has caused the mushrooming of hotels, resorts and other tourist related businesses, all along the northern coastal area. The exports of iron and manganese ores are also big earners for Goa. If tourism is the bread and butter then mining is the jam. In Goa unlike the rest of India the mining industry is privately owned and not controlled by the government. Sadly enough, Goa is also an exporter of manpower. Most of those leaving its shores are highly skilled in their respective fields. As a matter of fact, Goa is more becoming like a "Retiree's Place". The Working local Goan population is getting to be mostly middle aged, as most young people are either working in the Arabian Gulf region, or migrated to USA, Australia or New Zealand. So this is Goa, amche Goem - its culture and people. Want to visit?
Goa, a former Portuguese territory, for more than 450 years is often described as 'The Rome of the East'. It has over the past decades, become the dream holiday destination, for many a foreign tourist. More than 40 years
after the departure of the Portuguese, Goa is perhaps the most westernized of all the states in Modern India. The majority of Goans are very bohemian. Easy going in nature, enjoying a typical 'tropical lifestyle'; including the 'siesta', which is usually from 1pm to 4pm, the hottest part of the day. Music, dance, drama, food and feni, are a few of the things most Goans are passionate about.Music
Goans love music. It is an integral part of their lives. Music in Goa covers a broad spectrum, from Portuguese music to Techno to Rave and the now the (in)famous Goa Trance. The local radio station AIR (All India Radio) mostly plays music in Konkani, Hindi and English. Though
occasionally, we still get to hear some Portuguese music. The DJ's are awful to say the least, talking far too long between each piece of music. They read out endless lists of requests, which, by their continuous stumbling, is clearly unrehearsed.Nightlife in Goa
Nightlife in Goa is exciting and there are many ways to liven up the evening. Goans enjoy going out and it is not unusual to find families out for a night of merriment. In certain areas, almost every third house has a bar-cum-restaurant.
Singers and Tiatr (Goan Theatre)
Some of the singers and dramatists, who have become household names, include Prince Jacob, Alfred Rose, Tony King, Kid Boxer, Souza Boy, M.Boyer, Emiliano D'cruz, Rosario Rodrigues and J. B. Rod. A lot of the music churned out today (2 to 3 releases per month) is from 'Tiatre' (Konkani theatre), which are mainly melodramas about family and domestic life. Each lyricist will offer his own explanation for life's varied problems, often coloured by individual prejudices. Although there are quite a few 'Tiartist' who produce plays with political satire. Notable, is William de Curtorim.
Love became a theme, mainly in the songs of the Jazz artistes, and the classy composer Chris Perry. His ballads, immortalized by singer Lorna, remain all time favorites. Lorna has now returned to Konkani music after a gap of almost 28 Years. Bombay-based, Alfred Rose, is believed to be among the first to actually cut cassettes, and records of his music, with printed lyrics to accompany them.
The People
The people of Goa are very friendly and extremely happy-go-lucky. They are fond of the good things in life and are certainly not caught up in the rat race. Siesta is an important part of life in Goa with shops downing their shutters from one to four the most Goans retiring for the afternoon. Though the people of Goa are of different faiths and from different cultural backgrounds, they have come together to create the easygoing Goan culture with its emphasis on good living.
Religion
Religion is very important to the Goans. Whether it is Catholic, Hindu or Muslim. Churches, Temples and Mosques abound wherever you journey in Goa. Some of the churches are placed in spectacular, and very difficult locations. Though, Goa is a multi-ethnic state, Goans are very tolerant towards each other's faiths; while unfortunately this is not true of the rest of this country. The majority Hindu community and the sizeable Catholic minority have lived in peace and harmony for decades and centuries. They participate in each other's many feasts. Many Hindus attend the novenas during the feast of St. Francis Xavier (the patron saint of Goa), as the Catholics take part in the zagors and zatras. It is not rare to see young Catholics at local Hindu temples during the feast of Dusshera. They consider it auspicious to have their vehicles blessed by the temple priest on that day. A few days before lent, many colorful carnivals are held, in all the major towns in Goa. Then, a few days later comes the Shigmo (Hindu festival of spring) distinctive parades go along the very same streets, with many kaleidoscopic floats and frenzied dancers. On these occasions both communities participate.
GOA FoodFood in Goa is a very serious matter and capitalizes on the range of food products available here. Goa boasts of many different cuisines - the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. The fruits of the sea are used lavishly in Goan food different types of fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs and many more.
Fairs and Festivals of GOA
Festival time in Goa leaves you with your senses reeling - in more ways than you can imagine for the Goans celebrate any occasion with great gusto. They actually have a festival that celebrates the very idea of fun and fiesta!
Economy
The Goan economy is highly dependent on tourism, which brings in the much-needed foreign currency. This has caused the mushrooming of hotels, resorts and other tourist related businesses, all along the northern coastal area. The exports of iron and manganese ores are also big earners for Goa. If tourism is the bread and butter then mining is the jam. In Goa unlike the rest of India the mining industry is privately owned and not controlled by the government. Sadly enough, Goa is also an exporter of manpower. Most of those leaving its shores are highly skilled in their respective fields. As a matter of fact, Goa is more becoming like a "Retiree's Place". The Working local Goan population is getting to be mostly middle aged, as most young people are either working in the Arabian Gulf region, or migrated to USA, Australia or New Zealand. So this is Goa, amche Goem - its culture and people. Want to visit?
Cities of Goa
PANAJI (PANJIM) : The capital city of the State is located in Tiswadi taluka on the left bank
of the river Mandovi. It can boast of having the oldest Municipality in Asia. It is a city of fine gardens and statues. Enchanting panorama unfolds from atop Altinho (Hill top).VASCO: It is the port city across the river Zuari about 40 kms from Panaji. Its roads have a geometric layout with imposing multi-storied buildings. Close by is the Dabolim airport and the internationally famous natural port of Mormugao. It is also the railway terminus.
MARGAO: It is the most important town in South Goa connected by rail and the national highway with Karnataka and Maharashtra and is located in Salcete Taluka. An important commercial and cultural centre of Goa, noted for its old mansions influenced by Western architecture, it is the head-quarters of South Goa District.
MAPUSA: An important commercial town in North Goa, it is situated in Bardez taluka on the National Highway 17. It has a beautiful layout with gardens and a church. The weekly Friday bazaar is held at the modern streamlined market and attended by large crowds.
MORMUGAO HARBOUR: (33 kms from Panaji) Four kms from Vasco da Gama, one of the famous natural harbours on the west coast of India and the hub of intense maritime activity. Passenger and cargo ships call here from all over the world.
MOLLEM: Situated along the north-east border of Goa, about one and half hours journey from Panaji along Panaji-Belgaum National highway, the Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary covers about 240 sq kms. of thick forest clad slopes of Western Ghats and its - valleys and is the biggest of the four sancturies of Goa. The sanctuary is rich in wild life. It is a paradise for bird watchers. Besides flora and fauna there are many important natural geological and historical features in this sanctuary. "Devils Canyon" is one of the most beautiful geological spots.
BICHOLIM: About 40 kms from Mapusa, in this district is the Mayem Lake. Scenic beauty in quiet surroundings. Nearby is the famous Tambdi Surla, Shiva temple.
VALPOI: Beyond Bicholim is this densely forested area famous for its spice farms, caju plantations and forest produce.
OLD GOA: 10 kms east of Panaji lies the city of Old Goa founded by Adil Shah, in the first decade of the 16th century. It was developed by him with a view to shift his capital from Bijapur, However, Afonso de Albuquerque stormed and took the city in 1510 which then became centre of power of the Portuguese colonies for a few centuries.PONDA: Ponda is a singularly drab town in the interior of Goa. The only reason to go to Ponda is if you are visiting the wildlife reserves or the nearby Hindu temples. Ponda is the Hindu heartland of Goa. Near the town are the five most famous Hindu Temples and the 'largest' mosque of Goa. The deities of most of these temples are ancient. Hindus fleeing from the coastal areas shifted these here during the Portuguese Inquisition. The Bijapur ruler Ibrahim Adil Shah built the Safa Masjid, a relatively small mosque, in 1560. This is one of the few Muslim shrines not destroyed by the Portuguese.
TIRACOL: An old portuguese fort now converted into a hotel. Great view and must see once.
About GOA
Goa is known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", it is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.The sea shore, nature's beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favorite with travelers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer. Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area. Legends from Hindu mythology credit Lord Parshuram, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu with the creation of Goa.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa. Rashtrakutas, Kadambas, Silaharas, Ch
alukyas, Bahamani Muslims and most famously the Portuguese have been rulers of Goa. Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961 and became an Union Territory along with the enclaves of Daman and Diu. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.Having been the meeting point of races, religions and cultures of East and West over the centuries, Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm.
The state of Maharashtra borders Goa on the north, the state of Karnataka on the south and east. The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is justly famous.
Terekhol (Tiracol), Mandovi, Zuari, Chapora, Sal and Talpona are the main rivers which weave their way throughout the state forming the inland waterways adding beauty and romance to the land besides being used to transport Goa's main export commodity of Iron and Manganese ore to Mormugao Harbour. Along the way to the coast these waterways form estuaries, creeks and bays breaking the sandy, palm-fringed coastline behind which lie the fishing villages among the coconut groves.Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international/national airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. An intra-state and inter-state bus network also plays an important role in getting locals and visitors alike in and around Goa.
The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences the Goans had to endure during the centuries. The staple food in Goa is fish and rice, both among the Hindus and the Catholics. Unlike the Christian food the Hindu Goan food is not strongly influenced by the Portuguese cuisine.
Since the arrival of the Hippies in the sixties, Goa has been a major destination on the itinerary of international and domestic tourists.
The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and carries on through early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool. Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around. Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)