he beautiful enchanting landscapes of Goa have won worldwide acclaim. A blend of high hills and long winding rivers. Cloudy monsoon skies and clear blue summer skies reflected in the deep waters of the Goan rivers and the Arabian Sea. Long stretches of sandy beaches and miles of greenery in the fields and over the hills. Goa is indeed a paradise on earth. And not just for its beauty.

      The east and the west meet here in architecture, costumes and customs. The baroque churches and the ornate temples, the Indian and western languages, a healthy mix of religions, a diverse cuisine - all these patterns are woven into an unique culture, known for tolerance and hospitality.

        The Tourism and Hospitality industry is but natural to Goa. The poet Luis de Camoes wrote his immortal lines in Os Luciadas:

What glorious palms on Goa's isle I see,
Their blossoms spread....for thee!

        Goa is rich in mineral resources. The chief minerals of economic importance are Iron and Manganese ores, followed by Bauxite and China Clay. It is one of the largest iron ore producing centres of India, contributing to 50% of the country's exports.

      Goa enjoys all the facilities required for mining and export. The mineral deposits are workable in respect to size, quality of ores and techno-commercial factors. The mines are well connected by a good network of roads to the river loading points and other towns. The rivers Mandovi and Zuari, the arteries of the mining industry, are navigable and flow close to the mining belt. The entire quantity of ore produced in Goa is transported through these rivers to the natural harbour of Mormugao where Berth No 9 is exclusively reserved for iron ore loading.

      Goa is connected by air, rail, road and sea to the rest of the world. There are about ten Iron Ore exporters in Goa. The total production and export is over 15 million tons per year. The Government policy is favourable towards mining industry and exports.

      Goa has been a trading centre over the centuries.

      Goa, situated on the west coast of India between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea, stretches 105 kms from North to South and 60 kms from East to West. It enjoys a temperate tropical climate with 3 distinct seasons: summer, monsoon and winter.

      Goa is called the Rome and also the Venice of the East and the Pearl of the Orient.

BEACHES OF GOA

      The froth-filled crashing of the waves against the Sandy Beaches of Goa with natural rhythm, in golden sunshine or under a silvery moon can be witnessed in ….

North Goa: Querim, Arambol, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Candolim & Sinquerim.
Central Goa: Miramar, Caranzalem, Bambolim & Siridao.
South Goa: Bogmalo, Velsao, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor, Agonda, Palolem, Rajbag & Galgibaga.

THE SEASONS

      Every season has its charm. The monsoon raindrops turn Goa green. As the rains fade away, Goa turns golden yellow to welcome the winter dewdrops. The pleasant winter gives way to sunny summer. The cycle goes on.

Monsoons are from June to September. October is transit to Winter which begins in November and keeps you chill till January. Summer begins in February and goes up to May.

"Goa is not only a state of nature, but a state of mind. Nature is never passive. The rain, the wind, the sun, the sea work on the land and leave their fingerprints everywhere... From tide to tide, day to day. Nature is alive."
(Extracts from Fish Curry and Rice (1993))

TOWNS & CITIES OF GOA.

      Panaji, the capital, is situated in the heart of Goa on the banks of river Mandovi. It is very close to Miramar beach and you can enjoy a panoramic view of the villages from this city. The other towns are: Mapusa with the famous Friday Market, Margao, the commercial centre, Ponda, the hub of industry and Vasco da Gama, the port town.

TEMPLES AND CHURCHES

      Goa is dotted with Hindu temples and Christian churches. Mosques are few comparatively.

      Ponda taluka is the home of many temples, some of which contain the oldest Hindu deities. Sri Mangesh Temple, Sri Shantadurga Temple, Sri Mahalsa Temple and Sri Mahalakshmi Temple are some of the most exquisite in architecture.

      Old Goa is world famous for the heritage of its churches. The Basilica of Bom Jesus contains the relics of St. Francis Xavier. Se Cathedral is the largest church in Asia. The Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi is now a museum.

      Goa indeed has the best of the occident and the orient. The simplicity of the renaissance and the exuberance of the baroque. The capacity to let your spirit soar high.