The Beaches and the Colourful Goa Carnival
Goa is the fun destination of India. Known for its forts, beaches and festivals, Goa is land of fantasy. Thousands of international and domestic tourists visit Goa year after year to enjoy the sun, sea and the carnival. The golden sand, the crystal clear water and the serene beaches are the hallmark of the state. Situated on the western side of India, Goa is the smallest state with big surprises. Come and visit Goa for a memorable getaway.
Goa is primarily divided into north and south both having their own characteristic. North Goa is rapid moving where time waits for none. Whereas South Goa is more calm and laid back. Time travels at a slower pace in the south. Goa tour basically consists of visiting the forts, the beaches and national parks.
The main tourist attractions in Goa are the golden beaches. The swaying palm trees, the blue water of the Arabian Sea and the backdrop sunset makes Goa a must see place in the country of India. Hammocks, sun beds and big umbrellas are a symbol of great leisure. The beach side restaurants deliver good food and a fancy accommodation for the visitors. The shacks which are constructed during the season offer variety of cuisine. Located near the Arabian Sea, Goa has a great supply of fresh sea foods. The signature dishes of Goa are Sorpotel, Vindallo, Goan prawn curry and Xacuti. One should try these dishes to get the taste of regional flavours. Goan cuisine was deeply influenced by Portuguese and the Konkani.
Other tourist attraction of Goa is the Carnival. The Goan carnival celebrated in the month of February before the Lent season of the Christian calendar. Lent is a period of forty days fasting and reparation to purify one's soul. The festival was first started by the Portuguese in the year 1961. The meaning of the carnival was to “throw away meat”. The carnival was first celebrated by King Momo in the 18th century.
The carnival means a break from the regular strain of life; it’s a time for enjoyment. The Customs of Goa Carnival usually begins on Sabado Gordo and concludes on Shrove Tuesday. The carnival is a three days extravaganza of singing, dancing, feasting, drinking and merrymaking. Goa carnival also highlights colourful parades and street plays. People from all the locality come and takes part in the parade. Whole of Goa comes alive during the festival. The Goa Carnival displays a quick glance of Goan culture and traditions. Goa carnival is celebrated at very high degree that not only locals but also people across the world participate in the Carnival.
With a history in itself and known as the funkiest feast of India, the carnival is also included in the Goa package. The local person as well as the tourists eagerly waits for the magnificent Goa Carnival. This year, 2012, the carnival falls on the 18th day of February, so hurry up and book the hotel.
Goa the beach destination of India provides for a happy holiday. Come and visit the beaches and take back memories which you can later reflect upon.
Rajesh Raj is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel & Tours related topics. He has authored many books on Goa Tourism and Goa Packages. Find more information related to Goa Tours log on https://www.goatourpackages.com/