subject: Goa - A Romantic Honeymoon Vacation! [print this page] Popularly known as "Pearl of the Orient", the state of Goa is located in the west coastal belt known as Konkan of India. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations of India. Goa referred as the "Pearl of the Orient" personifies sun kissed beaches, lofty palms, majestic churches and spectacular monuments. Goa is much more than just beaches and sea.
Goa has become the ultimate tourist destination. 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. It is a tiny emeralds land with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches and temples, famous for its architecture, feast and festivals and hospitable people with a rich culture. It has a soul which goes deep into unique history, rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.
Goa is also known as "Gomanchala". Gove, Govapuri, Gopakpattan, and Gomant are some other names that the region is referred to in certain inscriptions and texts such as the Puranas. The Indian epic Mahabharata refers to the area now known as Goa, as 'Goparashtra' or 'Govarashtra"' which means a nation of cowherds. 'Gopakapuri' or 'Gapakapattana' were used in some ancient Sanskrit texts, and these names were also mentioned in other sacred Hindu texts such as the Harivansa and the Skanda Purana.
The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and the visitors. Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, Konkani and Marathi are the state languages. The national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state. So get swept away by the spectacular sunrises and sunsets and rejuvenate yourself.
