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Old Goa photo by Richard Randall

Top 10 Remarquable facts about Old Gao

Goa is a state in India within a coastal region known as the Konkan in western India. Maharashtra to the north and the Arabian Sea bound it on the western coast. It is ranked third among the highest Indian states in the human development index.

It is a rich state with a gross domestic product per capita almost thrice of entire India. The state capital is Panaji, which was made by the Portuguese in 1843.

The state has two official state languages which are Konkani and Marathi. Goa is known to be the smallest state in India. Goa is famous for its striking landscape, astounding monuments, beaches, and various places of worship.

Despite a moderate climate in Goa, monsoon winds take five months from June to September.

Ten Remarquable facts have been established about Goa state which have been listed and explained below.

1. The old Goa landmark, Se Cathedral

Cathedral Old Goa photo by Nagarjun Kandukuru

Se Cathedral also dates back to the 16th Century and is the largest church in Asia that is still operational. It is recommended when visiting Goa for 3 days to add this to the itinerary. It has Iberian architecture and the high ceilings flaunt wooden carvings and mosaic work.

The walls are decorated with rich paintings and the church has the standard crucifix shape. The church is normally open from 7.30 am to 6 pm on weekdays and from 7.15 am to 10 am on Sundays. So, plan your visit, keeping the timings in mind.

2. Celebrates two independence days

After India attained independence on 15th August 1947, the Portuguese refused to release the control of Goa. Indian army, including the Navy, invaded Goa where unprepared Portuguese were seized.

Later, on 18th December of the same year, the Portuguese surrendered and Goa celebrates another independence day on 19th December every year. This makes Goa have two subsequent days of celebrating independence.

3. A third of Goa land is a forest

Old Goa photo by Fredrick

Forest covers sixty percent of the total land of Goa. This expands vast forests and eye-catching wildlife sanctuaries.

Some of the beautiful wildlife sanctuaries in the vast land are; Bondla wildlife sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahavir wildlife sanctuary, and Cotigao wildlife sanctuary. Irrespective of the most of land being covered by forest, Goa remains to be the most preferred Indian party capital.

4. It’s a home for around 400 species of birds

Crimson Backed Sunbird photo by Rudraksha

An abounding ecosystem characteristic of all species of birds is found here. Some sanctuaries such as cottage wildlife and Salim Ali Bird are sanctuaries containing these species of birds.

Very rare species of birds in the world such as the Great Pied Hornbill, Indian skimmer, and Asian fairly Bluebird are multiple of bird-life found in Goa.

5. Indian’s first printing press 

Goa is the first state in India where printing machines were established. Missionaries who were the Portuguese were the ones who brought in the printing machines. The printing machines produced several manuscripts and handouts.

The first printing press was established in St. Paul college in goa. The government abandoned and demolished the building later on where remains are an archway in basalt stone.

6. The Non-decomposing body of St. Francis Xavier

St Francis Xavier tomb photo by G41rn8 

The incorruptible body of Goencho Saib[lord of Goa] who is Francis Xavier, the body was transferred to Goa in a lime-slake, from which a ‘miracle’ thing happened where the body emerged without getting decomposed.

The body currently is placed in a glass case where the body is viewed by the visitors who visit Goa. The miraculous remains of Xavier have remained in Goa for at least more than 500 years, where it has been preserved at Basilica in a non- decomposing state.

There is a strong belief that the Xavier protects the land of Goa up to date among the residents.

7. Enforced uniform civil  code

India is a country with many religious communities, and these communities have different civil laws. As the Portuguese ruled, they enforced the Uniform Civil Code in Goa.

Basically uniform civil code means that the selection of the society irrespective of their religion shall be treated equally according to the national civil code, which shall be applicable to all uniformly.

In Goa, the uniform civil code has been upheld up to date. The code was never scrapped even after liberation hence, this makes Goa a unique state in India for upholding Portuguese enforcement even after liberation.

8. The first medical school set up

It was in the 18th century when the Portuguese set up the medical college in Goa, India. This was still when the state was under the rule of the Portuguese.

The medical college was primarily meant to bring up doctors and as well to offer medical treatment. The medical college has attributed to the offering of treatments including very crucial and critical surgery and the normally treatable diseases.

To date, the college has gotten its credit through medical services. The college earned Goa the prestige of being a unique state in India through its establishment.

9. State with two-wheeler taxi

The only place where they use unique pillion-passenger taxis. They are known to be cheap means of transport and ladies use them mostly in Goa to tour around the market.

Visitors or tourists explore Goa’sprecious places without paying much for vehicles (drivers and fuel costs). Similarly, the bikers take the tourists to their desired destinations without much cost.

This is the only place in India where you can pay a motorcyclist for a lift without worrying about riding off with a complete stranger. The motorcycle is known to be the state’s most cost-effective form of transport.

10. Portugal ruled Goa for 450 years

The Portugal gate in Old Gao Photo by Fredrick

Under the Portuguese captain, many more Portuguese arrived two years later after 1524, hence making Goa a Portuguese colony. Several churches, museums, and colorful houses marked the colonial era across Goa.

The food in Goa shows Portuguese influence over the long-term colonial period. Trade flourished under the rule as well. It also stained the ruling of the Portuguese with oppression and bloodshed of natives.

Goa is the only state in India that has a uniform civil code. A Goa resident born before 1961 is eligible for dual citizenship(Portuguese and Indian by default).

 Goa has been a very vital state to India from the ancient days until to date. From being to tourist attraction state through many features found there to becoming a very vital state in improving the human development index through trade and tourism. This borrows evidence by being a state that gets more per capita than the rest of the Indian states. This has kept Goa to date, to continue.
attracting all kinds of people from different countries of the world.