Variously known as " Pearl of the Orient" and a "Tourist Paradise", the state of Goa is located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. 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. Sun, Sand, Surf and the Sea 105 kms of Konkan coast stretches across the state of Goa providing a wide range of choice in beaches to suit everybody's needs. There are unspoilt pristine streches of sand for the solitude seeker and there are those ones jammed with people in every square feet of sand. River Cruises The Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) runs a variety of river cruises on the Mandovi river - daytime, sunset and moonlight. There are two types of day cruises -- from the Panaji jetty, down the Mandovi into the Zuari bay and up the Mandovi to Aldona and a mineral water spring.
A few private firms also offer a variety of imaginative cruises or boat tours for sunset views as well as for crocodile or dolphin spotting.
The cruise is the most attractive entertainment with live Goan Cultural Show and music on board. North Goa Circuit: This stretch begins from the headland of Fort Aguada just outside Panaji city and moves up north towards the border to Maharashtra . Right from the Fort Aguada Beach Resort, an interrupted stretch of sand lies awaiting tourists, sunbathers and party animals. Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Arambol are the beaches that can be covered in the North Goa Circuit. South Goa Circuit: Another major base to begin the beach conquest is from Margao, the second most important city in Goa . This railway junction connects Goa to all major cities in the coastline like Mumbai, Mangalore and Kochi . Beginning from Majorda beach, a 20 kms long silvery white sand stretches across till the headland of Cabo de Rama. Velsao, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul beaches are all interconnected. Waterfalls, Springs & Lakes Dudhsagar Waterfall, Harvalem (Arvalem) Waterfall, Mayem Lake, Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary ZoologicalPark, DeerSafariPark, Formal Gardens, Botanic Gardens, Nature Education Centre, Birds, Wild Animals, Nature Trails