The state of Goa, in India, is famous for its beaches and places of worship. Tourism is its primary industry, and is generally focused on the coastal areas of Goa, with decreased tourist activity inland.
Foreign tourists, mostly from Europe, arrive in Goa in winter, whilst the summer and monsoon seasons see many Indian tourists. Goa handled 2.29% of all foreign tourist arrivals in the country in 2011. This relatively small state is situated on the west coast of India, between the borders of Maharashtra and Karnataka, and is better known to the world as a former Portuguese enclave on Indian soil. Thus, Tourism forms the backbone of Goa's economy.
Major tourist attractions include Bom Jesus Basilica, Fort Aguada, a wax museum on Indian culture, and a heritage museum. The Churches and Convents of Goa have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
As of 2013, Goa was the destination of choice for Indian and foreign tourists, particularly Britons, with limited means who wanted to party. The state was hopeful that changes could be made which would attract a more upscale demographic.
On 24 November 2017, Delta Corp Limited claimed to have set up the first casino game training course centre in India at Goa.
Goa also draws tourists from all over India for its bungee activity, water sports and underwater scuba diving experience.
Beaches
Goa's beaches cover about of its coastline. These beaches are divided into North and South Goa.
North Goa Beaches
Pernem
Querim Beach, Kalacha Beach, Arambol Beach, Mandrem Beach, Ashvem Beach, Morjim Beach,
Bardez
Chapora Beach, Vagator Beach, Ozran Beach, Anjuna Beach, Baga Beach, Calangute Beach, Candolim Beach, Sinquerim Beach, Coco Beach, Kegdole beach
Tiswadi
Miramar Beach, Caranzalem Beach, Dona Paula Beach, Vaiguinim Beach, Bambolim Beach, Siridao Beach
South Goa Beaches
Mormugao
Bogmalo Beach, Baina Beach, Hansa Beach, Hollant Beach, Cansaulim Beach, Velsao Beach
Salcete
Arossim Beach, Utorda Beach, Majorda Beach, Betalbatim Beach, Colva Beach, Sernabatim Beach, Benaulim Beach, Varca Beach, Cavelossim Beach, Mobor Beach, Betul Beach
Quepem
Canaiguinim Beach
Canacona
Cabo de rama Beach, Kakolem Beach, Dharvalem Beach, Cola Beach, Agonda Beach, Palolem Beach, Patnem Beach, Rajbag Beach, Talpona Beach, Galgibag Beach, Polem Beach
Sea plane service
The government of Goa conducted trials of a seaplane on the Mandovi river on 23 May 2015. The test plane took off from Dabolim airport and successfully landed in the Mandovi river. The seaplane service had started post-monsoon since 2015.
Wildlife
Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary and Mollem National Park, Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary, Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and Netravali Wildlife Sanctuary harbour Goa's rich bio-diversity. Foxes, wild boars and migratory birds are also found in the forests of Goa. The avifauna includes kingfishers, mynas and parrots. The famous Dudhsagar Falls, India's fifth tallest at 310 metres, is located inside Bhagwan Mahaveer Sanctuary at the Goa – Karnataka border.
The renowned Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary is located on the island of Chorao. The endangered olive ridley sea turtle can be found on Morjim Beach in Pernem, Northern Goa and Galgibaga Beach in Canacona, Southern Goa. The turtles are listed in Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Act. Morjim Beach is also hosting to a number of migratory birds from 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 in the area.