Goa was under the Portuguese rule for 451 years (1510 - 1961). Goa was liberated from the Portuguese rule on 19th December 1961. Goa attained its statehood on 30th May 1987. Goa is the smallest state in India with an area of 3,702 Sq.kms (1,430 Sq. mile). The state is divided into 2 districts, North Goa and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively.
The capital city of Goa is Panaji. The major towns in Goa are Margao, Mapusa, Panaji, Vasco and Mormugao. Marmagao Port is the only Port of Goa. The main rivers in Goa are the Mandovi, the Zuari, the Terekhol, Chapora and Sal. Konkani is the official language of Goa. Other languages spoken in Goa are Hindi, Marathi and English.
Goa has a hot and humid climate for most of the year. May is the hottest month. Summer Season is from February to May. Rainy Season is from June to September. Winter Season is from October to January.
Famous beaches of Goa are Vagator, Anjuna, Calangute, Miramar, Colva, Palolem and Benaulim.
Famous churches include Basilica of Bom Jesus (Old Goa), Se Cathedral (Old Goa), St. Cajeetan church (Old Goa), Rachol seminary (Rachol), Mary Immaculate Conception church (Panaji).
Famous Temples are Shree Gopal Ganapati (Famagudi), Shree Mahalsa (Mardol), Shree Manguesh (Mangueshium), Shree Shantadurga (Kavlem), Shree Ramath ( Ramnathi), Shree Saptakoteshwar (Bicholim).
Famous Mosques are Jama Masjid (Panaji) and Safa Masjid (Ponda).Forts located in Goa are Cabo de Rama fort, Tiracol fort, Aguada fort.
Some Fairs and Festivals include Shigmo, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Carnival, Feast of St, Francis Xavier, Christmas.
Visitors to Goa think that food and drink in Goa means the famous fish, curry, rice and feni package. Sea food such as Prawns, Lobsters, Crabs, Pomfrets, Lady fish, Mussels, and Oysters are used to make a variety of curries, fries, soups and pickles. Besides fresh sea food, dried and salted fish dishes are also in demand.
