Goa In India

Goa

Goa  is India's smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population. Located in West India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Seaforms its western coast. Goa is India's richest state with a GDP per capita two and a half times that of the country as a whole. It was ranked the best placed state by the Eleventh Finance Commission for its infrastructure and ranked on top for the best quality of life in India by the National Commission on Population based on the 12 Indicators.

OLD GOA

Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first landed in the early 16th century as merchants and conquered it soon thereafter. Goa is a former Portuguese colony, the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.

Goa cruise

Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspo

Goa Beach

Ganapatipule in Konkan

Ganapatipule is one of the most spectacular beaches along the Konkan Coast - an idyllic getaway that attracts peace-seekers, beach lovers, and pilgrims alike.

The temple of Swayambhu (self-originated) Ganesh is much frequented by thousands every year.  The God is considered to be the Paschim Dwardevta (Western Sentinel God of India), and those who visit Ganapatipule, make it a point to pay their respects to this great deity.

Aside from its clean beach and clear waters, Ganapatipule is rich in flora, including mangroves and coconut palms.  Here, you can leave the hectic world behind as you laze around on golden sands or explore the many trails that lead from the beach.

   

Malgund is a small village about 1 km. away from Ganapatipule, and the native place of the famous Marathi poet, Kavi Keshavsoot.  You can visit the poet's house, which has been renovated and converted into a students' hostel.  The memorial to the poet, built by the Marathi Sahitya Parishad, is also worth a visit. Velneshwar: The beautiful village of Veineshwar, situated north of the Shastri River, has its own peaceful, coconut-fringed beach, where one can relax in tranquility.  The village comes alive each year during the Maha Shivaratri fari, when pilgrims in large numbers visit the Old Shiva Temple. Ratnagiri: About 25 km away from Ganapatipule lies the district headquarter town, Ratnagiri.   The region has a long illustrious past and is even mentioned in Indian mythology as the place where the Pandavas settled after their 13-year pilgrimage.  There are three main attractions here:  The Thibaw Palace, the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak and the Patit Pawan Mandir.  The Thibaw Palace is where Thibaw, the last king of Burma, was incarcerated by the British in 1885.  Ratnagiri was also the birthplace of Lokmanya Tilak, one of India's greatest freedom fighters.  His house, now a memorial called The Lokmanya Tilak is diligently maintained by the local community.  The Patit Pawan Mandir is a much revered temple, as it is the first place of worship built for non-Brahmins by the revolutionary leader, Veer Savarkar.  Today, Ratnagiri is a bustling agricultural town and also one of India's important ports in the western region. Jaigad Fort  Resting on a cliff, at the entrance of the Sangameshwar river just 35 km away from Ganapatipule, is Jaigad Fort.  This 17th century fort offers a commanding view of the sea and an almost unique view of Konkan village life. Pawas Besides its scenic natural beauty and serenity.  Pawas is well-known for the Ashram of Swami Swaroopanand (a spiritual leader who influenced an entire generation of Maharshtrians).  A visit to this place is truly a journey through time.

MAHABALESHWAR TOURIST GUIDE

Distances: Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar via Mahad is 220 kms Mumbai to Pune is 180 kms & further Pune to Mahabaleshwar is 120 kms. Panchgani to Mahabaleshwar is 20 kms.
Area: Vast green plateau of about 150 sq. kms.
Height: 4500 feet above sea level. 
Climate: Never too hot because of the heights. Never too cold bacause of the nearness to the arabian sea. Duration of higher temperature is short.
Seasons: October, Diwali & X'mas holidays & summer. Hotels are open round the year even during the rainy seasons.

The jungle of Mahabaleshwar is thick & produces many commercial as well as medicinal trees & plants. The wild life is limited to foxes, jackals, & wild boars. Deers & bisons are found in the brahma aranya area. Panthers are rare. The famous bird in the urdu poetry, Bulbul is found everywhere in the plateau. The weather of Mahabaleshwar & healthy & contains an ideal of 20% oxygen which is often agumented in foggy weather of late summers & early monsoon, when the pleateau is covered by thick mist. The water contains a meager percentage of iron which helps to increase hemoglobin in the blood.