History of Goa

Goa consists of two districts- North Goa and South Goa. With a total area of 1736 km2, the district is bordered from North by the Maharashtra state districts of Sindhudurg and Kolhapur, by South Goa District from south, and by the Arabian Sea from the west. Portuguese forces invaded these areas as part of the New Conquest in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The Portuguese controlled these areas until 1961. In December 1961, India rescued Goa from the Portuguese when the Government of India entered Goa in a meticulously thought-out military operation, Goa was freed from the Portuguese to end the final traces of foreign dominance in India.

In 1965, Goa was merged into one district along with two additional former Portuguese colonies to establish the Union territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. Goa became a state on May 30, 1987, and was divided into two districts, North Goa and South Goa, while Daman and Diu continued to be a union territory.

Culture and Heritage of Goa

Goa, a place cultivated by culture and heritage. Goa is considered to have been regained from the sea in accordance with ancient Indian mythology. The Sahyadri range is said to have been formed by Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Lord Narayana Sage, who also shot an arrow into the western oceans. According to legend, the arrow caused the waters to roll back and become Gomantak or Goa. in 2400 BC the Aryan clan moved to Goa as a result of which the locals or the tribal people moved to the hills. Bhojas, Chediyas, Kshatriyas, and Brahmins made up the majority of the Aryans that landed in Goa. Between the fourth and sixth centuries AD, the Bhojas were in charge of Goa. According to legend, Parashurama brought Brahmins from Kashmir and the banks of the Sarawati river to Goa. Kadambas, who originated in Karnataka, also controlled Goa.  Goa was governed by Vijayanagar Empire emperors as well. Goa was controlled by Muslim monarchs as well. It affects how individuals live their lives as well. Mosques and buildings in Goa include Muslim art and architecture. About 450 years were spent under Portuguese control in Goa. The first Portuguese to assault and occupy Goa was Afonso de Albuquerque.

About North Goa

The Government Of Goa has worked on the conservation of the rich culture and heritage of Goa as well the simplicity of the local Goans. Keeping these important aspects which makes Goa so serene, the new properties such as luxury resorts and hotels have never hindered the culture. These luxury hotels in North Goa have added so much more value that people can have good of both worlds i.e be the fun vacations, parties, get togethers, family functions and work related visits and the luxury resorts as well. North Goa has an ample number of beaches for sunbathing, beautiful sea views, sunsets and water sports. North Goa also has so many beautiful temples, churches and mosques to visit. Nightlife of North Goa is also something you would want to miss. The local Gaon and the Flea markets are amazing. The Luxury Resorts in North Goa with beautiful private pool villas and Luxury Hotels in North Goa are nestled with these Goans. For example: Baale Resort, a lux stay with private pools, customized dining experience and handpicked bars is situated in Arpora Gaon. The Famous Arpora Flea Market is the nearest attraction that can be explored from there.

There are also some hidden gems as well in North Goa to visit which people have forgotten as there are so many new famous places to explore now a days such as-

• Harvalem Falls 

Harvalem, one of Goa’s most stunning waterfalls, is located in Sanquelim town and is isolated in the beautiful Sanquelim woods. It features white milky water that cascades down large picturesque stones. The waterfall has a lot of unspoiled natural beauty to be seen and is also completely hidden from the sight of the outer world, giving tourists full solitude which is the greatest part of all.

• Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary 

Cotigao Sanctuary is the place to go if you want multi-story woods with lofty trees and unusual vegetation, where little light reaches the ground and certain creatures that are delight to watch. Most of the vegetation is moist-deciduous, although there are also some semi-evergreen and evergreen sections. Expect to see fewer of its more exotic inhabitants, such as gaurs, sambars, leopards, and spotted deer, but there are still plenty of frogs, snakes, monkeys, insects, and brightly plumed birds to be found there. Animals gather at a local waterhole during dawn and nightfall.

• Mahadev Temple, Tambdi Surla 

The ancient temple in Goa that escaped destruction by the Portuguese was the Mahadev temple of Tambdi Surla. It was built next to a stream in the midst of a small clearing and was camouflaged by thick vegetation.  The inner temple contains a mounted linga, a representation of Lord Shiva, and according to local lore, a gigantic King Cobra lives there permanently. Hundreds of devotees gather here in the months of February and March during the Hindu Festival Mahashivratri.

• Ruins of St Augustine Church, Velha 

The ancient ruins of the Church of St. Augustine may be the ideal image for the Portuguese colonial era’s downfall. The 46-meter-tall tower, which previously served as the building’s church tower, is all that’s left of the old church. The Old Bell which is presently seen and heard ringing in Church of our Lady of the immaculate conception was once owned by St. Augustine Church. 

• Carambolim Lake

Behind the Karmali Railway station in Old Goa lies this beautiful lake.The lake’s stunning flora and fauna variety are equally amazing. Water lilies and exotic plants with bright colors are scattered throughout its surface. The area around the lake is beautiful, lush, and covered in rice fields. Red-rumped Swallow, Little Egret, and Pintail Ducks are a few species of birds that are found around this lake.

There are a few more hiddens places of North Goa such as Vanxim Island – The Island in North Goa that most forgot, Cumbharjua Canal, Torda lake, Saturday Night Market, Behind Kala Academy, Charola Ghats, Suicide Point, Donapaula, Pomburpa Springs, Odxel Beach, Maruti Temple which can be explored. Overall North Goa is a full blockbuster package you are looking for. Feel the luxury with the hotels and resorts and stay connected to the culture by exploring North Goa. Plan your vacations with the luxury resort in North Goa – Baale, an upcoming resort that will provide all the comfort after those long day trips to North Goa.