P
O R T
E
X P L O R E R
© 2008 maps.com
GOA
MIORMUAGO
NDIA
F
ringing the Arabian Sea and situated
on the west coast of India, Goa is a
constituent state of the Republic of India,
located 250 miles (165 km) south of Mumbai.
Goa consists of 62 miles (100 km) of coastline
and extends 40 miles (65 km) inland and
includes the offshore island. A Portuguese
possession for 450 years, its religion, culture
and architecture reflect this long rule. 30%
of the local population are known to be
Catholic. Goa has become India’s major
winter sunshine destination, with holidaymakers attracted to its beautiful golden
sand beaches fringed with coconut palms,
its unique blend of Portuguese and Indian
ancestry and the superb climate. Apart from
tourism, Goa is predominately agricultural
with rice being the main crop. Coconuts,
mangos and cashew nuts are also grown.
Iron ore and manganese are processed and
exported on a large scale.
Panjim, called “Panaji” in Hindi and “Nova
Goa” by the colonial rulers has been the
capital of Goa since 1843. Situated between
the Althinho Ridge and the Mandovi River,
it has a number of old Portuguese colonial
buildings and churches as well as road side
shrines. Mainly, however, it is a modern town
and contains the government offices and
educational establishments.
HISTORY
Goa’s early history is wrapped in legend and is mentioned in the
Hindi Mahabharata epic as Gomantak. It was ruled by a succession
of Hindi Dynasties until 1472 when it fell to the Muslims. In 1510 it
was conquered by Portuguese forces led by Alfonso D’Albuquerque.
Soon Franciscan and Jesuit missionaries arrived and began
converting the local inhabitants to Christianity. Old Goa became
the capital of the whole Portuguese empire in the east and between
1575 – 1600 reached its greatest prosperity. Dutch blockades and
raids by Maratha Pirates caused the city to decline.
In 1759 the Portuguese moved their seat of government to Panjim.
Cholera and other epidemics caused the population of Old Goa
to be greatly reduced and by 1835 very few people remained.
India gained independence from Great Britain in 1947 and wanted
to cede Goa to its territory from Portugal. After much unrest and
warfare it was incorporated into India in 1962.
GOA
CITY MAP
© 2008 maps.com
1
Marmugao near the
mouth of the Zuari
River is Goa’s main transshipment harbor. A natural
harbor, it is protected
from the monsoon winds
and is Goa’s only yearround operational port.
It is also the area’s base
for the Indian Navy. Fort
Marmugao, built in 1624
to protect the original
harbor, was enlarged in
the 19th century.
2
Old
Goa
(Goa
Velha) is located
about 5 miles (8 km) up
the Mandovi River on its
southern banks. Originally
the capital of Portuguese
Goa, there are more
churches here in one
square mile than Rome.
The most famous of these is the Basilica Bom Jesus
where the mortal remains of Saint Francis Xavier (Goa’s
patron Saint) is enshrined. Among numerous religious
buildings, the former Franciscan Monastery houses the
Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery.
3
Panjim or Panaji has been the capital of Goa since
1843. With a population of around 80,000 it is the
state’s largest city. A busy and growing community,
there are still a few sites that date back to the colonial
period. There is a monument to the Unknown Soldier at
the main square, guarded day and night. The military
presence is further felt in the seven local army bases
and airfield. The Patriarchial
Palace stands at the highest
point with panoramic views
over the city and the Mandovi
River.
4
Calangute Beach , the
queen of Goa, extends
some 6 miles (10 km) from
Old Fort Aguada north. The
local beaches in this area
are Sinquerim, Fort Aguada,
Candolim and Calangute.
One of the best known
internationally is the Fort
Aguada Beach Resort with its
luxury beach hotel.
Shore Excursions
To make the most of your visit to Goa we suggest you take one of the organized Shore Excursions. For Information concerning tour content and pricing, consult azamaracruises.com or contact the onboard Shore Excursion
Desk. When going ashore, guests are advised to take with them only the
items they need and to secure any valuables.
Local Customs
Bargaining: You can bargain in all but the fixed-price stores. Merchants in
areas where most Westerners shop may be reluctant to bargain.
Tipping: Some hotels and restaurants add a service charge to your bill. If the
service has been good, small change should be left.
Dress Code: Casual clothes will get you through most any occasion. Jeans
or something similar are acceptable almost anywhere. Shorts are not worn
in city streets, except by Westerners who are not considerate of the Indian
sensitivities. Generally, women’s shoulders are covered in India. Wear comfortable shoes that are easy to get in and out of if you plan to visit temples,
shrines or mosques.
BEYO ND GOA Local Cuisine & Drink Specialties
Margao is a town located 21
miles (34 km) from Panaji and
is the industrial heart of Goa.
This is a good stopping point
on the way to the beautiful
Colva Beach. Shoppers will
appreciate Margao’s colorful
covered market.
Vindaloos (spiced prawns, meat, chicken and vegetables) are a local
specialty. Sanna (rice cakes steeped in toddy), foogaths (vegetables
simmered with coconut and spices) and bebinca (seven-layer cake) are a
few other favorites.
Local drink: The local wine is on the sweet side even if labeled dry or “sec.”
Beer is good with spicy dishes. Whiskey prices are less than in other tourist
areas of India providing you stick with domestic brands. Bottled water is
recommended.
Shopping
The main shopping spots are scattered throughout the area, but you can
find most handicrafts in the areas of Panaji, Margao, Vasco and Mapusa.
Trendy and traditional boutiques can be found at the Kashmir Fair outside
the Taj Holiday Village, Sinquerim-Bardez. Items of interest in the Goa
district include: antiques, jewelry, wooden items and handicrafts. If you buy
gold with diamonds or other precious stones you must have a certificate to
permit you to leave the country with your purchase.
Local Currency
The official currency of India is called the rupee (Rs). There are 100 paise to
each rupee. Notes can be found in the following denominations: 5, 10, 20,
50, 100, 500 and 1,000. Changing your money only at authorized places is
advised. These are available at cashier’s desks of hotels, most banks and in
some shops as well. Stock up on plenty of small change as many merchants
may not be able to supply the correct change. Check notes for holes and
tears as most Indian’s will not accept damaged currency.
Telephone Facilities
Telephone facilities are not readily available in the port area. Most long
distance calls must be placed from hotels or telephone offices. Dial the
following access codes to use a personal calling card:
AT&T: 000.117
MCI: 000.127
Sprint: 000.137
AT&T, MCI and Sprint may be blocked due to fraudulent use of cards in the area. These calls cannot be
made from public telephones.
Transportation
Tourist and Yellow taxis are readily available inside the port area. Agree to the price before getting into any
vehicle. One of the easiest ways to move around the waterways of Goa is by ferry. There are crossings
all day long from several locations and buses meet the ferries on the other side. There is frequent bus
service from Panji via Vasco da Gama to many locations in Goa. The service runs approximately every 10
minutes. Bus drivers announce their destinations.
Tourist Information
The Government of India Tourist Office is located at the Cummunidade Building, Church Street, Panaji or
at the Tourist Hostel, Vasco da Gama.
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This information has been compiled for the convenience of our guests and is intended solely for that purpose.
While we work to ensure that the information contained herein is correct,
we cannot accept responsibility for any changes that may have taken place since printing.
Copyright RCCL 2008. All rights reserved.