Going To Goa   by Ben Pate

in Travel / Destinations    (submitted 2010-12-31)

Goa is a popular vacation destination thanks to its pure individuality; here is simply no other place like it on Earth. It is famous for the number of religious sites, its architecture, its one-of-a-kind culture, and its special location on the Western Ghats, a mountain range known to be a biodiversity hotspot. If you are looking for a vacation destination unlike any other, consider traveling to Goa, India.

You are going to need a passport if you are traveling any time soon. Start by filling out a passport application online. Online passport processing is the new face of passport shopping. If you need a passport within a certain time frame, your best bet lies in a secure and reliable online passport expediting company.

Goa is substantially different from other cities in India. This phenomenon can be attributed to the Portuguese occupation of Goa that lasted for over 450 years. As a result, the Indian and Portuguese cultures have blended into the unique Goa culture that we see today. Very old Portuguese churches still stand in some parts of the city, and a variety of museums have exhibits detailing Goa's cultural heritage and development.

The Bom Jesus Basilica, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses the remains of St. Francis Xavier, the patron saint of Goa. Don't miss out on shopping in Goa as well, as handmade crafts and natural finds are popular things on the market.

Beaches are something that make Goa special. They are naturally beautiful and no trip to Goa is complete without a lazy day spent soaking in the sun. Swaying palm fronds in the sea breeze is a common sight in Goa, and the beaches definitely live up to their reputation.

Anjuna Beach and Colva Beach are two of the most popular beaches in Goa. Anjuna Beach is close to Chapora Fort, which is an attraction worth checking out as well. The nearby village of Arpora hosts bazaars on Saturday nights that are a real cultural experience. With all the beaches to choose from, water sports have become popular pastimes. Surfing, sailing, water skiing, and scuba diving are all popular activities in Goa.

If you are a lover of animals and nature, definitely be sure to visit some of Goa's many nature preserves. As talked about previously, Goa is a hotspot for biological diversity, and you can experience some of this by visiting preserves like Mandovi-Zuari Wildlife Sanctuary, which happens to be the highest rated in India, as well as Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, a place popular for its multitude of bird species.

No matter if you come to experience the spirituality, the beautiful beaches, the unmatched biodiversity, or the special cultural atmosphere of Goa, you can expect to have a great time.

About the Author

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