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 3rd 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 16th 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.
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