Goa Jungle Safari experience: a brief guide

Goa, rich and glorious state in West India. A former Portuguese colony, this region has a diverse cultural appeal that still retains that unique, vibrant and energetic Indian vibe. It is a diverse area when it comes to many aspects but one thing that really defines Goa as a go-to travel site is the nature. You have got to love the incredible natural beauty that is present in this region. From the forests, the lovely coastline to the warm weather, a Safari trip across its mighty terrains and unadulterated waters will definitely appeal to your unique desires for a nice exotic journey.

What surrounds Goa is the Karnataka, covered by rolling hills, verdant paths and the largest concentration of natural forests in India. Traversing through the valleys and rivers will be a perfect experience for any interested travelers. A good place to start your jungle safari is by the River Kali. It is a nice base site for major tourist groups. There are some day trip tours available that offer incredible attractions and amenities to appeal to your needs, including white water rafting which is highly recommended by many tourists. The world class facilities will definitely appeal to those who brave the mighty river currents.

Tours across the jungle safari of Goa can last for a few hours to 2 days, and within those periods, you can enjoy incredible diversity of plants, animal life, lovely landscapes and a natural charm that makes it a standout destination. Karnataka is after all, an award winning tourism camp that serves as a natural habitat to numerous animals like black panthers, bisons, elephants, tigers and sambas. The only thing left is a kid named Mowgli and you got yourself a real life Jungle Book experience. When it comes to food, it is best to enjoy the local Indian cuisines but for those who like some comfort food, you can count on the camps to offer some nice diversity of international cuisines.

Goa really is a unique place to visit there is so much beauty, culture and interesting things to find. From lovely beaches, incredible sports and hobbies, shopping, food and lovely people, you will uncover the magnificence, modernity and a unique view of India. You might say that the country is notable for its history, architecture and culture, but with Goa, you can find world class, nature and lifestyle tourism with that unique Indian twist.

Things to do in Goa

Goa is located along the western coast of India and is one of the smallest states in that country. But despite its size, Goa is one of the most well known locations in India and has built reputation as a top global tourist destination.  Goa is routinely referred to as the paradise of beach holiday enthusiasts due to its extensive sandy coastline that stretches up to 130km interspersed with numerous palm trees.

The tourists that throng Goa’s beaches almost throughout the year will typically be looking to read, relax, swim or simply sunbathe. Other beach-centered activities that you will enjoy in Goa include scuba diving, wind surfing, sailing, banana rides, canoeing and parasailing.

But as central as the beach is to Goa’s rich tourist experience, it can sometimes overshadow the many other fascinating places to see and interesting things to do while you are in India’s top tourist location. You could start just off the beach with the substantial number of luxury resorts that feature golf courses, horse riding and cycling.

If you fancy nature safaris, do not forget to visit the exotic wildlife sanctuaries. The sanctuaries are mostly located in the state’s protected forests as well as the wetlands. It is here that you will have the opportunity to see snakes, crocodiles, bison, monkeys and more some species of which would be difficult to find outside Goa or India.

Goa also has a diverse bird population that ardent bird watchers will find breathtaking. Your experience of Goa’s rich wildlife would be incomplete without engaging in one of the most defining activities of a hinterland safari in India - an elephant ride through the jungle.

Away from the wildlife, the town of Goa itself has rich history. Every tourist should at least take time to tour any one of the impressive churches that were built in the era of Portuguese rule. The town of Goa also has several museums and features several exhibits from its history.

Still in Goa town is the weekly flea market at Anjuna where you will get to buy Goanese souvenirs and handcrafts.  When you are done with the travelling and you need to relax, you can do this at the body and soul spas at the Ayurvedic centers. Ayurvedic centers use the techniques practiced for centuries in ancient India such as yoga exercises, meditation and specific diets.

Food is always a strong part of any culture and Goa is no exception. Sample exotic dishes as you stretch out on the local beach huts or in the luxuries hotels that are spread all over the beaches.

Goa, India

About location

The smallest state in India is also the country’s wealthiest state per capita. Goa has consistently been ranked among the top states in India by infrastructure and overall quality of life. It is on the subcontinent’s south west coast overlooking the Arabian Sea. Goa was a Portuguese enclave for 450 years before it became part of India in the 60s.

Tourism is the largest driver of Goa’s economy with the small state accounting for 12% of all visitors to India. Mining is the second biggest sector of the economy with silica, limestone, manganese, bauxite and iron ores found in abundance. Dabolim Airport is the state’s sole civilian and military airport. The architecture of Goa’s older buildings reflects the influences of Portuguese, Islamic and Indian cultures.

Climate

Goa is humid and hot for the better part of the year. Average day highs peak in May at the mid thirties. The heat at this time can make it uncomfortable for tourists. In addition, the rough seas during this same period can make swimming at the beaches difficult and sometimes dangerous. As with several other parts of India, the monsoon rains pummel the state in June, July and August thus lowering the overall temperature.

October is the most popular time with tourists as it is less hot than May and has less rain than the monsoon months. Winters are brief, starting well into December and ending by February. Even then, average highs are still above 28C. The weather is cooler as one moves inland due to higher altitudes.

History

Despite its small size, Goa has played a significant part in the history of the greater Indian subcontinent. This is largely due to its location as a trading centre that continuously attracted explorers, traders, royalty and missionaries. Evidence of human activity that can be traced as far back as 8000BC has been found in several parts of Goa. By 2200BC, the Sumerians has settled in Goa followed by Indo-Aryans and Dravidians.

Buddhism was introduced and grew in the 3^rd century BC when Goa was part of the Mauryan Empire. From then on, Goa changed hands between several empires before the Portuguese took over at the start of the 16^th century. The Portuguese would retain control over Goa for four and a half centuries. The region reverted back to India in 1961 following an invasion by the Indian military. Goa became a fully fledged state of India in 1987.

Attractions

It is difficult for a tourist to visit Goa and not see or spend some time at the beach. But there are other places to see such as Anjuna Flea Market, a great place to shop for a wide array of products at a negotiated price. If you are drawn to ancient architecture, Old Goa is a must see. Once the capital of Portuguese Goa, it is now the site of some of the largest cathedrals and churches in all of Asia. Of note is the 1521 Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Goa is rich in fauna with a fifth of its territory consisting of wildlife conservancies.

Goa Holidays - A Guide to Goa Holiday Rentals, Hotels, Car Hire and Goa Attractions

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