State of India - Goa

Area: 3,702 sq km

Population: 11,69,793

Capital Of City: Panaji

Languages: Konkani and Marathi.

Crops:

How You Know: Goa is one part of India which was never under the Britishers. After the discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco-da-Gama in 1498, many Portuguese expeditions came to India. In 1510, Alfonso de Albuquerque with the help of the emperor of Vijayanagar attacked and captured Goa. Even after India's independence, Goa continued to be in the hands of the Portuguese until 1961 when the Indian government captured it. Goa was made a state on 30 May, 1987.

History: Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. It is famous for its beaches and sea food.Goa's unique culture is borne out of the Portuguese rule over the state for over 450 years. Since almost one-third of the population of the state is Christian, the western influence is evident in the dress and food habits. GOA Area: 3,702 sq km Population: 11,69,793 Capital: Panaji Main Languages: Konkani and Marathi. Goa is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. It is famous for its beaches and sea food. Goa's unique culture is borne out of the Portuguese rule over the state for over 450 years. Since almost one-third of the population of the state is Christian, the western influence is evident in the dress and food habits. Did you know? Goa is one part of India which was never under the Britishers. After the discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco-da-Gama in 1498, many Portuguese expeditions came to India. In 1510, Alfonso de Albuquerque with the help of the emperor of Vijayanagar attacked and captured Goa. Even after India's independence, Goa continued to be in the hands of the Portuguese until 1961 when the Indian government captured it. Goa was made a state on 30 May, 1987. A striking feature of Goa is the harmonious relationship between the two principal religious communities, the Hindus and the Catholics, who have lived together peacefully for generations. The most famous fair of Goa is the annual carnival.

Tourist Places: Important tourist centres are the beaches of Colva, Calangute, Vagator, Baga, Harmal, Anjuna and Miramar. The Basilica of Bom Jesus and Se Cathedral churches at Old Goa. Dudhsagar and Harvalem Waterfalls and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary at Chorao.