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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
:
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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