Goa गोंय

Goa is the smallest state in India. It is also the fourth smallest in terms of population. The state of Goa covers an area of just 3,702 square kilometers, and has a population of 1.4 million people. The capital is called Panaji, while the biggest city is known as Vasco da Gama.

Goa is famous for its beaches, Portuguese heritage and places of worship, both Catholic and Hindu. Less well known, but no less important, is its position as a biodiversity hotspot, a place rich in plant and wildlife.

Lighthouse of Fort Aguada, Goa


Portuguese villa in Chapora, Goa


Today Goa is a major tourist destination, drawing visitors from around India as well as international travellers. It was once a hippy haven which now evolves into a backpacker colony. The state also receives regular chartered flights for vacationing Germans.

Today Christians, mostly Roman Catholics, make up 24% of Goa's population. There is also a small number of Muslims in the state. Apart from a 2005 flare-up between the Muslims and the Hindus, there has been no communal clashes.

The people of Goa speak a language called Konkani. Marathi is another widely spoken language here. English is pravalent among those working in the service industry, while many also understand Hindi.

Sé Cathedral, Old Goa


Nave of the Basilica de Bom Jesus, Goa


Pigments on sale at a Goa market

History of Goa

The history of Goa goes back to the third century BC, when it was part of the Mauryan Empire ruled by the Buddhist emperor Ashoka. By the 14th century, Goa came under various rules, first by the Delhi Sultanate in 1312, then by Harihara I of the Vijayanagara Empire in 1370, and then by the Bahmani sultans of Gulbarga, until 1469, when the Adil Shahi dynasty of Bijapur took over, establishing their auxiliary capital in what is now Old Goa (Velha Goa).

Chapora Fort, Goa


Alfonso Albuquerque defeated Yusuf Adil Shah, the ruler of Bijapur, to take over Goa in 1510. He celebrated his victory by building a number of churches and other monuments that still stand till today. The capital was at Old Goa until 1843, when it was relocated to Panaji, which still serves as the capital today.

When India gained independence from Britain in 1947, Portuguese refused to relinquish its sovereignty over Goa and its Indian enclaves. In December 1961, the Indian army forcibly annexed Goa. Portugal did not recognise the incorporation of Goa into India until 1974. On 30 May 1987, Goa became the 25th state of India.

Chapora River, Goa

Planning your trip to Goa

By Plane
Most international travellers arrive in Goa via the international airport at Mumbai. From there, you can take a flight, or public bus or train to Goa. Goa does have its own airport, with limited connections, mostly domestic flights from Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi and other major cities in India.

A convenient and comfortable - not to mention budget - way to reach Goa is by train. Trains by Indian Railway can be booked online, and you should do that, as they are often full up long before the departure date.

Planning your travel within Goa

Goa is not a destination for people who cannot rough it out. The best way to explore it is by renting a motorbike. Expect to pay around Rs 450 for a scooter, plus an additional Rs 100 for fuel, per day. If you have plenty of time in your hand, you can consider taking the bus, which is inexpensive, but may require a fair bit of patience. Alternatively, if in a small group, you can consider renting a car.

Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Panaji


Church of St Cajetan, Goa


Shri Mangeshi Temple, Goa


Rosario Church, Goa