Location
The state of Goa is located on the western coast of Indian Peninsula and is
separated from Maharashtra in north by Terekhol River. It touches the
boundaries of Karnataka in south, providing a natural enclosure by Western
Ghats in the east and Arabian Sea in the West. Goa lies between the
latitudes 15º48'00" north to 14º53'54" north and
longitudes 74º 20'13" east to 73º 40'33" east.
Physical Features
Goa is very much similar geographically to the neighboring states of
Maharashtra and Karnataka. Physical geography divides the state into three
geographical divisions. These are Mountainous Region formed by Sahyadri
Ranges in the east, Plateau Region in the center and low-lying river basins
and coastal plains.
Having an average elevation of 800 m, Sahyadris Ranges are spread over an
area of about 600 sq km. Some of the major peaks of the ranges include
Sonsagar, Vaguerim, Morlemchogor and Catlanchimauli. Almost all the rivers
of Goa originate from this region. Central region of Goa has The plateaus
ranging between altitudes of 30 m to 100 m are spread in the Central Region
of the state. The rivers of Mandovi and Zuari drain the major portions of
the plains. The rivers with shallower basins include Chapora in the north
and the Sal and the Kushavati in the south. Having alluvial flats near the
coastal regions, these basins form rich agricultural tracts. Some other
major rivers that drain the state include Baga, Tiracol, Talpona, Mandovi,
Zuari and Galgibagh.
Climate
The climate is almost moderate as you will experience very little
variations in the weather. The temperature rises up to 34 ºC in May,
the hottest month of summer. January and February are the coldest months of
winter when the temperature drops up to 20ºC. It rains here the most
during June to September from the Southwest monsoon. The month of July
receives the highest rainfall.
Flora and Fauna
Around one-third area of the state is green covered. Bhagwan Mahavir
National Park is the largest wildlife reserves in Goa located near Molem.
Spread over an area of 107 sq km, the park is home to chital, leopard and
sloth bear besides numerous bird species. Coconut, aracanut, rice, millet,
cashew nut and jackfruit are the main agriculture produce of Goa.
Roads
Connected well with roads both locally and nationally via National Highway,
Goa is very easily accessible by roads. National highways add up to 224 km,
state highways 232 km and major district roads up to 815 km.
Airport
Only one airport at Dabolim, located nearby Vasco, is catering to the needs
of international and domestic air travelers.
Local Time
+ 5.30 Hours
Language
English, Portuguese, Konkani, Hindi, Marathi
