Interesting Facts about Goa

This article is all about historical, geographical, social, religious, cultural, amazing, rare, unknown interesting facts about Goa.

Quick Basic Facts about Goa

The portuguese made the city of Panji, the capital of Goa in 1843.
After independence the Indian government requested for Portuguese territories to be ceded to India. After their refusal, Goa, Daman & Diu was annexed by military operation called “Operation Vijay” on 19 Dec 1961.
Goa along with Daman & Diu combined was a Union territory but on 30 May 1987 Goa was carved out from this territory and made separate state. Daman & Diu continued to remain territory.

Goa state lies in Konkan region which comes in western part of India . It borders the state of Maharashtra in north and Karnataka in east and south.
It is India’s smallest state by area and fourth smallest by population.
If GDP per capita is taken to account Goa is the richest state with GDP per capita two and half times whole India.

Dudhsagar Falls which has a height of 310 m is one of the highest falls of India. It is on Zuari river. The lush greenery of the nearby Bhagwan Mahavir Sanctuary attracts thousands of visitors during monsoons.
The Marmagao harbour is virtually at the confluence of Mandovi and Zuari rivers.
Konkani was adopted as official language in Oct 1993. It is written in Devnagri script.
Sonsogor is the highest peak of Goa which lies on western ghats. It has an altitude of 1,166 m.

Calangute beach is popular for water sports. Other most popular beaches are Colva, Candolim, Baga and Anjuna.
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on Chorao island of Goa. It is the most important Bird Sanctuary of India. It is named on Dr Salim who was a famous Ornithologist.

Literacy rate of Goa is 87.4 % which is very high than national average of 74.04 %. Goa is 4th most literate state of India.
Main festivals of Goa are Carnival, Shigmotsav, Sabado Gardo, Beach Bonanza, Konkani Drama Fest, Chavoth, Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Shigmo, Dasehra etc.
Mando, Dulpod, Dhalo, Dekni, Kumbi, Fado and Fugdi are popular folk dances. Bandhap is a women dance, while Ghode Mondi is the dance associated with Ranes victory over Portuguese.
The architecture of most old buildings and churches resemble Portuguese style of tradition and culture.

Mangeshi temple is the largest temple of Goa which is famous for Lord Mangesh which is incarnation of Lord Shiva.

Dead body of Saint Francis Xavier is preserved in Basilica of Bom Jesus Church. This church is the iconic symbol of old Goa which shows the glimpse of Portuguese tradition. It was constructed in year 1605 and is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage site. The importance of this Church is understood by the facts that no Roman Catholic Church can be awarded by “Basilica” honour unless it is build in a particular architectural style.

Goa is known for its sound economy and is considered as India’s richest state in terms of GDP per capita. The economy of Goa is driven by mainly tourism industry. In terms of GDP per capita, Goa stands first among all other Indian states. GDP per capita of Goa(US $4902 ) is almost twice that of National average (US $1628). (as per year 2014 GDP data).
Agricultural Resources of Goa – Rice is the main agricultural product, followed by ragi, cashew, coconut. Fishing also adds greatly to economy.
Mineral Resources of Goa – Iron Ore, Manganese, Bauxite, Silica sand.
Main Industries of Goa– Mining industries, breweries, fruit canning, fish canning etc.
Marmugao, Dona Paula and Panjim are the main Sea Ports of Goa.

Beaches – Calangute, Colva, Candolim, Baga, Anjuna, Benaulim, Varca, Agonda and Vagator
Fort – Tiracol built by Marathas in 1745, Cabo da Rama, Aguada Fort, Cabonow governor’s house
Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Khandepur caves, Aravelam waterfalls, Dudhsagar waterfalls

Dinanath Mangeshkar – was popular artist associated with Marathi Theatre. He was the father of famous playback singers Lata Mangeskar, Asha Bhonsale and Usha Mangeshkar. He was born in Mangeshi village of Goa.
Anthony Gonsalves – was the eminent Musician and violinist of 1950s. He was born in Majorda of Goa. The character of Amitabh Bachhan is dedicated to him in movie Amar Akbar Anthony.
Ravindra Kelkar – was not only an eminent konkani writer but also a great freedom fighter. He was born in Cuncolim of Goa.
Chandrakant Keni – was the notable journalist associated with konkani language. He authored famous book “Ashadh Pawali”
Remo Farnandez – is the famous musician and playback singer of Bollywood film industry.
Kimi Katkar and Varsha Usgaonkar are the famous actresses who are related to Goa.