Information about Goa

Country: Goa, India Area: 3660 sq km Population: Capital City: Panaji Aiport: Dabolim (29kms from Panaji) People: Goans Language spoken: English is widely spoken and understood. Konkani (The Official State language) and Hindi are the other languages used for communication. Religion: Hindu, Christian and Muslim Time: Five and a half hours ahead of GMT.

Neighbouring Cities - Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra towards the North, Belgaum at the East, Karwar district of Karnataka on the South and on the West by the Arabian Sea.

Major Rivers of Goa - Tiracol, Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona.

Main Beaches of Goa - Arambol, Mandrem, Morjim, Vagator, Anjuna, Baga, Calangute, Sinquerim are the major beaches on the Northern stretch of Goa while Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim and Palolem are towards the Southern stretch.

The Eastern side of Goa is densely forested where most of the Wild Life Sanctuaries are located.

Languages

Goa is a multi-lingual state, thanks to its chequered history of thousands of years, which has seen people of various regions, ethnic races and religions from India and abroad settling in Goa and influencing the local language. Konkani is the mother tongue of the Goans, while Marathi too is widely spoken.

Climate

Rainfall
Goa receives rainfall from South-West monsoon between the months of June to September. The average rainfall in Goa varies between 3000-3500 mm.

Monthly rainfall distribution data for past 10 years shows that highest rainfall occurs in the month of July while February is the driest month during most of the years. Few showers occur during winter and pre-monsoon season.

Temperature
Temperatures in Goa vary from 18C to 32C, but during the recent years a little increase in summer temperatures i.e. 34C (May 1997) & 33C (May 1996) has been recorded.

The mean monthly temperature (Average of maximum + minimum value) is highest in summer (May) and lowest in winter (Jan-Feb). Moderate tropical weather prevails during rest of the year.

Relative Humidity (Rh)
As mentioned earlier, Goa's climate is generally humid due to its proximity to the sea. The relative humidity is higher during the months of July to September