Almost all travel agencies, regardless of the season, offer their customers tours to Goa. Some believe that this is the name of a distant exotic country. An ordinary person does not always have the time and desire to delve into the intricacies of geography. Meanwhile, India is waiting for tourists. The islands of Goa are located in the ocean, not far from its coast.
Heaven on Earth
It just so happened that the smallest of all states in India over the past few decades has become one of the most sought-after tourist destinations not only in this country, but throughout the world. In addition to a luxurious beach holiday on the entire hundred-kilometer stretch of the state's ocean coast, the attention of tourists is also attracted by the Goa islands, which are traditionally considered one of the world's diving centers. For many, they are the visible embodiment of the dream of heaven on Earth.
On the coast of the Indian Ocean
The coast of the Indian state of Goa became widely known in the sixties of the last century. It is this part of the earthThe ball was chosen as a place for pilgrimage by numerous hippies from America and Europe. And they can be understood - it is not so easy to find another, equally heavenly, corner in the world to escape from civilization. In this country of eternal summer and sun, one could exist for as long as one likes, without thinking about tomorrow and without straining. But many years have passed since then. And over the past half century, thanks to its many kilometers of ocean beaches, Goa has received the status of a world-renowned resort. Significant investments were invested in the business, thanks to which the state-of-the-art tourism infrastructure was built on the coast of the state. The islands of Goa are affected by the influence of civilization to a lesser extent.
Away from the shore and at depth
There are eight islands off the coast of the state. But when the islands of Goa are mentioned, most often they mean only three of them - St. George, Netrani and Grand. They are the most popular among tourists and divers. The rest are less known. Holidays on the islands of Goa are usually associated with familiarization with the underwater world. These land areas in the Indian Ocean are especially attractive for those who like to dive to the depth, which is explained by a number of reasons. From the subequatorial climate comfortable for humans to a large number of merchant sailing ships that had the misfortune to sink in these waters in previous centuries. And of course, the enchanting brilliance of underwater flora and fauna also matters, which exceeds the wildest expectations.
Whatlooking for a man at depth?
It is interesting to note the fact that, once on the islands of Goa, diving is done even by those who had never thought of it before. The situation here is conducive to this. Athletes-divers in the Indian Ocean often become even ordinary office workers. That's how the circumstances came about. The islands of Goa are hardly distinguishable on the map, but in the totality of natural and climatic conditions they can be considered unique. Only the transparency of the waters off the coast exceeds 25 meters. And in the Indian Ocean, the temperature is extremely stable, always within 25 degrees Celsius. And the one who plunges into this water can easily enjoy communication with the inhabitants of the depths, of which there are a myriad. But angel fish, urchin fish, tuna and moray eels look the most striking against the background of multi-colored corals. A lot of turtles, dolphins, crabs, cuttlefish and mollusks. There are even sharks.
St. George's Island
But for all the fascination of communication with the underwater world, one should approach its development with caution. The ocean does not tolerate neglect. Deep diving requires a certain level of fitness. On the island of St. George there are several bases for diving enthusiasts. Here, experienced instructors in a short time will help to master the elementary skills of staying in the underwater environment, even for those who do not have them (skills) at all. For the equivalent of forty dollars, you can take an initial diving course. It takes one day andcomes down to successive complication and mastering of deeper dives. Of course, mastering the subsequent stages of this skill takes a little more time and requires additional costs. And yet, heading to St. George and other islands of Goa, you can count on good fishing. It goes well with scuba diving.
Pirate treasures - myth or reality?
During the centuries-old history of navigation in the Indian Ocean, where the islands of Goa are located, many ships have sunk. For centuries, traditional trade routes passed through this area of the water area. According to the most conservative estimates, hundreds of ships rest at the bottom of the Indian Ocean, which for various reasons did not reach the port of destination. Their number greatly increased during the First World War. Needless to say, this circumstance attracts a variety of underwater treasure hunters from all over the world? However, one should think carefully before recklessly joining these fearless (and often "reckless") people. Such dives are far from safe for all, even the most experienced divers. This is a kind of exam for the highest sports qualification. And often it is associated with a risk to life.
What should you know when heading to India?
First of all, it should come as no surprise to anyone that India is a visa country. But no one can remember the problems with obtaining a visa. The exchange rate of the national currency (rupiah) balances approximatelyat around 60 units. per US dollar. The coast of the Indian Ocean, where the state of Goa is located, lies in the subequatorial climate zone. It is favorable for a person of the middle lane even during the rainy season, which falls here in the summer months. The average price level in Goa is relatively low. Many people prefer to go here without the mediation of tourist structures and rent housing for almost pennies from local residents.
Noticeable places to visit
What else is important not to miss when you are on the coast of Goa? Excursions to the islands are an obligatory item of the stay program, but there are many attractions in the mainland of the Indian state. The cultural heritage of Goa has evolved under the influence of two opposite trends. Here the spiritual heritage of Hinduism and powerful European, primarily Portuguese, influence are closely intertwined. The period of Portuguese colonization is considered by many to be the cultural heyday of the area. Traces of characteristic colonial architecture can still be found today along the entire coast of the Indian state of Goa. As a rule, these are Catholic cathedrals built by Portuguese missionaries. They quite peacefully coexist with Hindu temples. First of all, you should pay attention to such objects as Shanta-Durga in Kavlema, Mahalsa in Mardol and Mangesh in Mangeshi. Interestingly, the local population celebrates both Catholic and traditional Hindu holidays with great joy.
SeparateGoa's natural parks also deserve attention - there are as many as six of them. Most of them are located in the interior of the state, in the foothills of the Sahyadri. Of particular delight to those who still managed to get to it, is the Dudhsogar waterfall. Its height exceeds six hundred meters. The spectacle is mesmerizing! Powerful streams of water, mist sparkling with all the colors of the rainbow make an indelible impression!
