Tourism is Goa's primary industry: it handles 12%[1] of all foreign tourist arrivals in India.
The state of Goa is famous for its excellent beaches, churches, and temples. Bom Jesus Basilica is another famous attraction in Goa. Fort Aguada too is a major tourist attraction. Recently a Wax Museum on Indian history, culture and heritage has also opened in Old Goa.
This tiny state is situated on the west coast of India, between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka and is better known to the world as the former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil. With the rule of the Portuguese for over 450 years and the consequential influence of the Latin culture, Goa presents a somewhat different picture to the foreign visitor than any other part of the country.
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The one reason to visit Goa is its beaches. About 125 KM of the coast line is dotted with beaches. These beaches are divided into North Goa and South Goa Beaches. The further north or south you go, the more isolated the beaches get. However, if you're looking for people, then visit some of the more popular beaches like Baga and Anjuna. These beaches are lined with shacks that provide fresh sea food and drinks. Some shacks arrange special events to attract more customers.
Beaches in North Goa:
Arambol
Morjim
Chapora
Vagator
Anjuna
Baga
Calangute
Candolim
Sinquerim
Bambolim
Miramar
Dona Paula
Beaches in South Goa:
Bogmalo
Majorda
Colva
Benaulim
Varca
Cavelossim
Mobor
Canaguinim
Agonda
Palolem
Foxes, wild boars and migratory birds are found in the jungles of Goa. The avifauna includes kingfishers, mynas and parrots. Numerous types of fish are also caught off the coast of Goa and in its rivers. Crabs, lobsters, shrimps, jellyfish, oysters and catfish form some of the piscine catch. Goa also has a high snake population, which keeps the rodent population in control. Goa has many famous National parks, including the renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary. Other wildlife sanctuaries include the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahadeyi Wildlife Sanctuary, Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary and the Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary located on the island of Chorao. The Mangeshi temple and the Malsa temple are among the famous ones.
Morjim Beach in Pernem Taluka, North Goa and Galgibaga Beach in Canacona,South Goa are also Olive Ridley Marine Turtles habitats.Olive Ridley Marine Turtes are an endangered species which are listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Act.
Morjim Beach is also host to a number of migratory birds during late September to early April. The area surrounding the shore at Tembwada in Morjim also abounds in various species of Birds. A number of international Bird watching Tours are organised to the area.
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