Located on the western coast of India in the Konkan region, Goa is the country's smallest state by area and fourth smallest in terms of population. It is India’s richest state with a per capita GDP estimated to be about two and half times that of the country.
It was ranked the best placed state in terms of its infrastructure by the Eleventh Finance Commission and bagged the top spot for the best quality of life in a National Commission on Population survey based on 12 key indicators.
The city of Panaji or Panjim is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city. Goa is one of India's most popular tourist hotspots and is visited by a large number of foreign and domestic tourists who flock its many beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture sites.
Demographics:
As per the 2011 Census, Goa has population of approx 14.59 lakhs, with about 60% people living in urban cities like Panaji, Vasco de Gama and Ponda. Konkani is the official language, though Marathi and English are also widely spoken.
Realty Bytes:
Property prices in Goa are lower than prime locations in Mumbai and Delhi, attracting a steady stream of buyer from both cities. Edcon, Naik-Navare, Ashray Developers, Devashri Group and Acron India are some of Goa’s leading developers. Realty projects in the buzzing North Goa belt generate the maximum demand among buyers and investors.
Baga Beach: One of the more popular beaches in North Goa.
Aguada Beach: Known for its Aguada fort and sandy beach.
Arambol Beach: A traditional fisherman’s hamlet on the north of Keri beach and south of Mandrem beach.
Palolem Beach: Known for its soothing and serene ambience, this beach was also featured in the popular Hollywood flick The Bourne Supremacy.
Calangute Beach: North Goa’s largest beach, about 15 kms from the capital Panjim.
Anjuna Flea Market: A popular weekly bazaar in Anjuna village made popular by hippies and budget tourists looking for a bargain.
Transport & Infra:
Goa's only international airport is located at Dabholim, near Vasco da Gama. Goa has a total of 224 km of national highways, 232 km of state highway and 815 kms of district highways.
Goa also has two major rail lines - one run by the South Western Railway and the other by the Konkan Railway. Major infra development projects on the anvil here include the construction of a new International Greenfield Airport at Mopa in North Goa.
