Goa: A Perfect Holiday Destination

         

           Goa is a state in India. It 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 Sea forms 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.
           Goa, a tiny emerald land, with its natural scenic beauty, abundant greenery, attractive beaches, and temples and churches with distinctive style of architecture, colorful and lively feasts and festivities, above all hospitable people with a rich culture has an ideal tourist profile. The main asset that comprises the high profile product is Goa's 105 kilometers coastline studded with 29 beaches lined by golden sand, a natural harbor, large network of inland waterways, century old temples and churches, renowned for worship and pilgrimage, cultural diversity that has no parallel in the world. The greatness of Goa perhaps lies in its smallness with roots firmly entrenched into the hoary past with richly built heritage. In terms of tourist attractions too, Goa's offerings are superb with their traditions of hospitality, varied lifestyles, cultural heritage and colorful fairs.

Weather:
The best and most popular time to visit Goa is during the cooler months of November to March, when the weather is wonderful, rain is a distant memory, and the seas are calm and clear. Arriving in October, at the very start of the tourist season, you will find the beaches luxuriously empty, but many facilities, such as shops, restaurants, beach shacks and beach-hut operations, aren't yet up and running. As March stretches into April and May, the weather grows hot and humid, and swimming becomes trickier due to rougher seas. Beaches slowly empty of tourists but, much like October, this means that facilities aren't as extensive, businesses slowly shutting up shop to await the return of tourists the following November.

Dangers and annoyances:

•  One of the greatest and most deceptive dangers in Goa is to be found right in front of your beautiful bit of beach. The Arabian Sea, with its strong currents and dangerous undertows, claims dozens of lives per year, many of them foreign. Do not venture into the water after drinking or taking drugs.
• Theft from rooms is something to watch out for, particularly on party nights, at places such as Anjuna and Vagator, or if you're renting a flimsy beach shack at Palolem or Arambol.
• Muggings have been reported in Goa--avoid walking alone at night unless there are plenty of people around.
• For many foreign women, beach dress code is dramatically different to that normally preferred by Indian women. This has led to problems with some groups of young Indian men coming to Goa for no other reason than to stare at scantily clad women. Many foreigners do seem to forget that they are no longer at home, and that dress standards here are different, and the harassers seem unaware that their behavior would be considered by foreigners to be unacceptable. The best solution is to aim for the quieter beaches, and just give in to the fact that things that might be normal elsewhere, such as topless sunbathing, are taboo in some places, and by doing it you are only likely to cause problems for yourself. Though the harassment rarely steps beyond staring or a few comments, there have been instances of physical attack.