The
magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches
and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
But then, Goa is much more than just beaches and sea. It has a soul which goes
deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery
that India has to offer.
Ensconced on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges) Goa is bounded
on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum,
on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian Sea.
Its rivers, Tiracol,Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona, which are navigable
throughout the year, have their origin in the Sahyadri ranges and flow westward
into the Arabian Sea, 60 kms. away, breaking the long coast line covering a
length of 105 kms. into enchanting estuaries and bays which mark off idyllic
palm-fringed beaches like Arambol, Vagator,Atijuna, Baga and Calangute in the
North and Colva. Betui and Palolem in the South.
Goa, a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India, with its natural scenic
beauty, attractive beaches and temples famous for its architecture, feasts and
festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu, has an
ideal tourist profile.
The State of Goa has a Legislative Assembly with a strength of 40 elected members.
Besides, Goa has three elected representatives in the Central Parliament. The
Governor is the Head of the State and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed
by Chief Minister. Panaji, a small picturesque town on the left bank of river
Mandovi, is the seat of the State Administration. However, for administrative
purposes, the State has been divided into two districts: North Goa and South
Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively, and six divisions comprising
11 Talukas.
Although,
Goa joined national mainstream only after 14-years of the country's independence,
tourist traffic to Goa registered such phenomenal growth that from 2.00 lakhs
tourists in 1975 the figure has shot up to 11.26 lakhs in 1996 of which domestic
tourists comprise 8.88 lakhs and foreigners account for 2.37 lakhs including
almost 73,000 through charter flights from U.K. Germany. Switzerland, Finland.
As on today, the total bed capacity stands at 21,000 beds, of which the public
sector account for 10% with the rest in the private sector. With the projected
rise in tourist traffic to 14 lakhs by the turn of century, the bed capacity
would require further augmentation of at least 20 thousand.
Goa's income from Tourism in terms of foreign exchange earned, the figures have
gone up from Rs.32.64 crores in 1986-87 to Rs.194 60 crores in 1994-95 which
represents a steady rise of about 25% every year In the State 20% of its population
earn their livelihood directly and indirectly, form tourism activities.
