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Goa, a little state with so much soul, is the ultimate
honeymoon haven for beach lovers. Laidback, Goa is a merry blend of Portuguese
and GoaKonkani, with the atmosphere of a lively carnival town. Goa, also known
as 'the pearl of the east', is known for its Gothic churches, age-old ruins,
palm-fringed beaches, coconut groves, ferry rides, and bubbly folk music. With
its 131-km-long coastline, Goa is an important destination in every tourist's
itinerary. Sun, sand and sea being the major attractions, Goa is a perfect
heaven for the ones who need and want relaxation.
Goa is ideal for a passionate honeymoon, strolling hand in hand down the beach,
dancing by the fireside at midnight, singing old songs to the beat of a
strumming guitar. There is much to see and do - backwater cruises down the
Mandovi and Zuari rivers, dolphin cruises on the high seas, adventure sports and
water sports - Para sailing, wind surfing and water skiing - or you can simply
hold hands and dance over the crashing waves! Chances are that you may never
want to come back to terra firma once you have been transported into raptures at
Goa.
But so what… you can re-live your honeymoon in Goa again and again.
One of the youngest states of the Indian Union, Goa attained statehood after 451
years of colonial rule and 26 years as a Union Territory. During the Napoleonic
wars, the British briefly occupied Goa. Otherwise, the Portuguese were masters
till 1961 when they were finally driven out. Goa remains Portuguese at heart:
broad avenues spilling into cobbled squares, grand public buildings, old houses
with overhanging balconies and numerous bars and cafes show how deep their
influence has been.
Wildlife In Goa
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Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary
Along the north from Panaji on the road to Belgaum, is a sanctuary that covers
240-sq-kms. Thick forest clad the slopes of the Western Ghats that is rich in
wildlife and a paradise for bird watchers. Police Outpost at the gateway of the
sanctuary in calm and quiet surroundings is like a painting on a canvas in Malem.
There are important geographical and historical features in this sanctuary.
Jeeps on private arrangements go to the interior of the forest. Mahabir is
particularly known for its Leopards, Elephants, Deers & Gaur Or Indian Bison.
It is more convienient to view wild animals from the Devil's Canion View Point.
Bird lovers may also find their best time over here. The famous temple of
Tambdisurla of the Kadambas is situated 13-km from here. In Mangalore To Margao
journey on Konkan Railway one can enjoy Malem with Dudhsagar through the
windows.
Bondla Forest
Bondla is good place to see Sambhar and Wild Boar. It is smallest of the Goan
Wildlife Sanctuaries. Its area is 8-sq-kms but easiest one to reach. Situated
55-km from Panajim and 38-km from Margoa, the sanctuary includes a Botanical
Garden, fenced Deer Park and Zoo, which is better than most, with reasonably
spacious enclosures. The zoo was originally established to house orphaned
animals, but it's now also breeding colony for large species of deer. It covers
8-sq-kms of deciduous forest Bondla is a miniature zoo of caged animals and
birds and a popular picnic destination for locals. Elephant rides are an
attraction here.
Salim Ali Bird Sanctaury
On the western tip to the island of Chorao along River Mandovi, mangrove swamps
cover this bird-watchers' paradise aptly named after India's best-known
ornithologist.
Catigo Wildlife Sanctuary
The Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, 10-km southeast of Chaudi, was established in
1969 to protect a remote and vulnerable area of forest lining the Goa- Karnataka
border. Encompassing 86-sq-kms of mixed deciduous woodland, the reserve is
certain to inspire tree lovers, but less likely to yield many wildlife
sightings: its Tigers and Leopards were hunted out long ago, while the Gazelles,
Sloth Bears, Porcupines, Panthers and Hyenas that allegedly lurk in the woods
rarely appear.
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