Goa, the smallest
state in India is rich with its cultural heritage, churches, beaches and world
heritage architecture. The culture of the state has been largely influenced by
the occupation of the Portuguese when they first landed on the beaches of Goa
in the 16th century. There are churches that are built according to the Portuguese
architecture and the vault of St. Francis Xavier, where the mortal remains have
been laid to rest.
Goa is rich in
flora and fauna owing to the presence of the Western Ghats which is a rich
biodiversity hotspot.
HISTORY
Goa had also been
referred to in the great epic, Mahabharatha as Goparashtra or Govarashtra which
means’ a nation of cowherds’. The state had also been mentioned in some of the
sacred texts such as ‘Hariyansa’ and ‘Skanda Purana’ as ‘Gopakapuri’ and ‘Gopakapattanam’.
The Greek geographer, Ptolemy had mentioned about Goa as ‘Aparantha’ in the
third century BC and it was also mentioned as ‘Nelkinda’ by the later day
Greeks in the 16th century.
There is sufficient
proof that Goa had been inhabited 20000 to 30000 years back as there is
presence of rock art engravings. Cones, stone axes and choppers of inhabitants
10000 years ago have also been unearthed. There are sufficient proofs to
state that the Maurya Empire ruled the area during the 3rd century BC and later by many other dynasties like Chutus of Karwara
feudatories and Satavahanas of Kolhapur. There was a brief reign by the Delhi
sultanate followed by the Vijayanagara Empire and later by the Bahmani
Sultanate. The Portuguese came in by 1510 and were there till 1987.
NATURES GIFT
Goa has a few
rivers like the Mandovi, Zuari, Terekhol, Chaporakushavathi and the Sal with
tributaries that run a large network throughout the state. These are the
lifelines of the state. There are rocks that are 3600 million years old. There
are a number of beaches which account for the popularity of Goa especially by
foreigners who come in droves to escape from the harsh winter in their
countries. Tourism to a great extent is based on the coastal area.
Another beautiful sight is the waterfalls that are magnificent within the
virgin forest areas. One of the most fascinating waterfall is Tamdi Surla.
The Tamdi Surla
Waterfalls is at a distance of 32 kms. from Margao and 65 kms. from Panaji, the
capital of Goa. It is situated deep in an area that has to be trekked. It takes
45 minutes of brisk walking to reach the place. There is a temple known as the
Tamdi Surla temple which has been made under the Kadamba style of architecture.
The last stop before reaching the place is Darbondora village from where
visitors will have to walk to the falls. The trek is to be made through dense
forest and several streams which makes the walk very refreshing and enjoyable.
The waterfall can be heard before it is reached by the roar of the water that
cascades down from the heights.
WHEN TO GO
The climate of Goa
features the tropical monsoon variety and is hot and humid most of the year.
Summers are hot and the hottest month is May where temperature goes up to 350C. The rains visit
the state from June till September. Winters are mild from mid December to
February when the temperature remains between 210C during the night
to 280C during the day.
REACHING THERE
Tamdi Surla can be
reached from Bolcomem village which is 13 kms. away or from Darbondora Village.
There is an airport in Goa at Dabolim near Vasco-da-Gama. This airport largely
caters to all international and domestic flights apart from chartered flights.
The public transport system is not adequate and people resort to small taxis
and motorcycle taxies. The National Highway 66 passes through Goa and is
connected to many major metros and cities in the country. The state is linked
by South Western Railway and the Konkan Railway and the station is at
Vasco-da-Gama. Goa also had a harbour at Mandovi that catered to passenger
steamers.
PEOPLE
The people of Goa
are a boisterous lot with a hearty cheer and they welcome all people with a
smile. Generally non-vegetarians, there are Hindus, Christians and Muslims in
that order and speak Marathi, Konkani, Kannada and English. There are people
who speak Portuguese also.
FOOD AND
ACCOMMODATION
There are some
eateries near the Mahadev Temple at Tamdi Surla where there are light
refreshments. Accommodation is available in Tamdi Surla but is limited.
Margao is not far and there are accommodations that will fit every pocket. Reserve
in advance if Goa is being visited during seasons.
PRECAUTIONS
- Visitors will have to watch their step next to
the waterfall. The rocks are slippery and treacherous.
- There is no way that a visitor can have a bath
in the stream below the waterfall. The current is too strong.
