Essay On Goa And Its Tourist Attractions
INTRODUCTION:ABOUT GOA
Goa is popularly known as the Pearl of the orient and tourist paradise. It is located in India’s coastal belt on the western called the Konkan coast. It has an alarming scenic beauty. The architectural work done Goan Temples, Churches and old houses has brought great laurels to Goa. Some of these characteristics make Goa to be occupied by tourists. It is the most preferred option by the people who are planning their holidays.
Goa as compared to other states is not greatly populated but compared in terms of tourists it is the most populated place in India. Apart from attracting tourists from all over India, it also attracts tourists of foreign background. During the months of November, December and January Goa is heavily crowded. The real essence of Goa lies in its rich history, unique culture and the original natural beauty. Peaceful Goan lifestyle and adventure sports also draw the attention of the travelers within and outside India. All kinds of tourists are expected to visit Goa.
REASONS WHY TOURISTS VISIT GOA
Beaches
There are more than 36 beaches in Goa, each one is known for its own distinctiveness. North Goa beaches are most popular amongst the tourists while South Goa beaches are now gaining popularity because of its peacefulness.
Sun
Tourist visit Goa for loads of vitamin D which they have while having sun bath and also have drinks for complete relaxation from stress. They also visit Goa for relaxation for body.
Massage
Tourist visit Goan beaches for massage centers. Not just that, but to get some immunity and treat body with pure minerals.
Natural views
Goan view can be best viewed while travelling on the bike. The Sandy beaches, coconut trees waterfalls truly add flavor to the goan natural view. Lush green fields, majestic forests train track, long roads and cool breeze make up for the perfect natural view.
Architecture & Culture
Goa is also famous for its heritage and its architecture. In goa you will find traditional mixture of Portuguese and goa. This offers a unique feature to witness a pure blend of Portuguese and goan culture in architecture of villas, forts houses and churches.
Water Sports
Tourist are offered water sports like surfing, para sailing waterscooter etc. these water sports add up towards attracting tourists to Goa
Sea food
Sea foods like Mackrels, Tiger prawns, King Fish, have separate delicacies in the hearts of tourists..
Party Destination
The young are attracted towards Goa as it is a party destination. Many parties are organized during Christmas new years and it’s a tourist hotspot to celebrate these eves in goa. These parties usually go up for couple of days.
Liberal
Female tourist visit Goa as they find it to be most liberal compared to other places in India. In Goa you can feel free to dress up.
Economical
Goa is affordable for everyone. That’s the reason why tourist find it most attractive as compared to other places in India.
Fairs and festivals
Goa is famous for its carnival attracting tourist to goa during this time.
Casinos
People visit Goa for Casinos. People who enjoy gambling with chilled drinks and music find Goa to be a perfect place.
The Main Attractions
Beaches
Goan coastline spread over 125 kms and is the home of over 50 picturisque and beautiful beaches. These beaches attracts tourist from all round the globe. Candolim Beach, Baga Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Arambol Beach, Vagator Beach, Benaulim Beach, Palolem Beach, Agonda Beach, Mobor and Cavelossim beaches are famous and an increasing number of tourists visit these beaches every year. Calangute Beach – Queen of Goa beaches, Colva Beach- Pride of Salcete
Dona Paula, Miramar(Gaspar Dias)- A lovely golden beach and Anjuna beach are some of the famous beaches in Goa.
Scenic beauty
Goa has number of other scenic options. One such attraction is Waterfall. Goa lies between Sahyadri hills and Arabian Sea. Goa is full of beautiful springs, lakes, and waterfalls. While traveling to these places one gets to see the natural beauty of Goa. Dudhsagar Water Falls, Kesarval Springs, Mayem Lake, Arvalem Waterfall, Kuskem Waterfall are some of the famous water falls in Goa.
Churches
Goa is well known for its Churches. Churches in goa well known for its architecture. During the Portuguese regime there were many churches built and now have become world heritage site. Royal Chapel of St Anthony, Church of The Carmelites, Church of St.Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, Basilica of Bom Jesus, Chapel of St.Catherine, Reis Magos Church, Church of Our Lady of Rosary in Goa
Se Cathedral, to name few of them.
Temple
In olden times when Portuguese invaded Goa. In every village of Goa there was a temple and a lord to worship for each village. These temples still exist giving each village a distinct feature to differentiate. For example, Mangeshi Temple of Mangeshi village. Goan temple architecture is a mixture of Portuguese and Maratha style like Mandapa of Goa temples. Mangeshi Temple, Sri Kamakshi Temple, Sri Vithal Temple, Sri Shantadurga Temple in Kavlem are some of the famous temples in Goa.
Mosque
Jama Masjid and Safa Masjid at Ponda are the famous mosques in Goa.
Wild life centuries
Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife, Sanctuary,Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Mollem National Park, Bondla wild life Forest, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, are some of the famous wild life centuries.
Monuments & Forts
Chapora Fort, Fort Aguada, Teracol Fort, Reis Magos Fort, Mormugao Fort, Rachol Fort, Naroa Fort, Corjuem Fort,Cabo De Rama Fort in Goa
Other attractions
There are plantations like Savoi Plantation, Sahakari Spice Farm, Tropical Spice Plantation, Pascol Spice Village which attracts tourist.
There are caves and other natural beauties of Goa that attracts whole lot of domestic and foreign tourist. Tourist also visit the heritage homes like Sarah Fernandes. In Goa adventure sports attracts a number of tourists. It’s one of the few places in India known to have adventure sports facilities.People also visit Goa for medical purpose also
Impact of tourism in Goa
It helps in the preservation of National Heritage and Environment.
Helps in developing Infrastructure.
It helps in creating job opportunities and in the development of economy.
Most of the rich and famous metropolises are investing in Goa which has pushed up land prices and has created overcrowding.
Garbage is one of the problem in Goa and there is no proper infrastructure to deal with it. Tourist places are piled up with garbage because of the increased number of tourist in Goa. As a result Goa is facing a major problem of solid waste management.
Most of the tourist prefers to visit places in the North which has resulted in the exceeding carrying capacity. Goa’s tourism belt is getting overcrowded.
Overexploitation of beaches due to the tourism related activities.
Suggestions:
Provide Information Centre to the inbound tourists
Promote Real Goa and not the commercialized version of Goa
The protection of the environment can be achieved by proper planning and management of various spatial entities viz. Water resources, land, settlements, forests etc. in the most effective manner.
Strengthen the basic infrastructure at beaches, temples, churches, monuments and other tourist spots, including parking and changing rooms/toilets and proper illumination from safety and security point of view, besides regular and timely disposal of garbage generated by hotels, shacks and others
Scope to develop ecotourism along the Ghats, hills and wildlife sanctuaries, and adventure tourism
Encourage agro-eco-tourism
Souvenirs and mementos prepared by village artisans and craftsmen, offer tremendous scope for branding the local products, help the rural economy to grow
There are overcrowded beaches in north Goa like Calangute beach, Baga beach, Candolim beach, Anjuna beach but there are more beautiful beaches down south so can focus to arrange tours and travels for the less crowded beaches for example Keri Beach, Velsao Beach, Palolem beach, Majorda beach, Senabatim beach, Uttrda Beach and so on.
Tour guides should properly be trained to accompany tourist to the places of special significance. Should be trained to explain significance of religious places also inform them about religious services which are being offered there.
