Goa
Imagine the hot sand between your toes, a cool breeze coming in off the sea, and the warmth of the tropical sun on your skin. Best of all; imagine leaving your watch and mobile phone locked away in your brand new Apartment or Villa! Welcome to Candolim Valley, Goa.
Located on the Western coast of India, Goa has some 80kms of golden sandy beaches running almost in a straight line facing the Arabian Sea, only interrupted by the outlets of the state's seven rivers.
The climate is consistent through the year with only meagre fluctuations in the temperature, which during the summer months ranges from 24°C to 33°C and during winters, from 21°C to 32°C. The weather from late September through early March is usually dry and pleasantly cool. Then the weather gets fairly hot around May and by end of June, Goa receives the full blast of the Indian monsoon with sudden downpours and tropical thunderstorms. However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery sprouting all around.
Panaji is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi River and Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. Goa is serviced by an international airport located at Dabolim near Vasco. Airlines fly frequently from major cities around the world with flight times from London approx. 9 hours.
The vast green expanse of the Sahyadri mountain range ensures that Goa has an abundance of water. The mouth-watering Goan cuisine is a blend of different influences with fish, curry and rice featuring in many menus around the region. The sea and rivers abound in seafood - prawns, mackerels, sardines, crabs and lobsters are the most popular with the locals and visitors alike.
Over the centuries various dynasties have ruled Goa perhaps most famously by the Portuguese who ruled up until 1961. It then became a Union Territory with two other small enclaves up until 1987 when it gained statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic.
In Goa there is a distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. Hindu and Catholic communities make up almost the entire population with minority representation of Muslims and other religions.
All the communities have mutual respect towards one another and their secular outlook has given Goa a long and an unbroken tradition of religious harmony. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm.
Along with English which is widely spoken all over Goa, the national language Hindi is also well understood in most areas around the state.
Besides the natural beauty, the fabulous beaches and sunshine, visitors to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people. After all, more than anywhere else on planet earth, this is a place where people really know how to relax.
So grab your hammock, pack your suitcase and get yourself to Goa because this just might become one of the most sought after destinations in the world for overseas property owners. Make sure you don't miss the boat!
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