Goa

Variously known as "Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan.

The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.

But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its buildings and in the hinterland away from the coastal area.

General Information

The Goan Lifestyle

Goans as the people from Goa are known around the world, have a unique lifestyle which reflects the perfect blending of the cultural influences that they have experienced over the centuries.

By nature, Goans are warm, friendly, easy going and large hearted. They live life in style and at a leisurely pace. They are passionate about dance, music and art which is in their blood and they love their food and feni.

Goans attitude to life is best described by the word Susegad which means taking life at a relaxed pace and enjoy it to the full. This unique philosophy of life originates from the Portuguese word Socegado which literally meant quiet.

The people of Goa have taken that to heart, quite wholeheartedly while leading quiet and relaxed lives in their peaceful land.

In fact, no less a person than the late Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi described this trait of the Goan people, actually as an enduring strength of Goan character.

Goans also love their afternoon 'siesta'. Another leftover from the Portuguese colonial era, the siesta lasts from 1 pm to 4 pm, when a fair number of shops in the Goan towns and villages will remain shut. The siesta is much less in evidence as compared to yesteryears when the streets used to wear a deserted look around lunchtime.

This does not mean that the Goans are not hard-working. They toil long and hard in their rice, coconut and cashewnut plantations and reap the bounties of nature. A very large number have migrated all over the world, working hard for their livelihood and sending money back home to their loved ones.

Goans are very much fashion aware and tourists are likely to see the very latest in designer wear on the streets, no sooner than the it appears elsewhere in India. Clothes form an important part of the Goan lifestyle making it essential to dress well at the innumerable social occasions that occur around the year.

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