Geography of Goa
Goa is a petite state on the west coast of India in the region of the Konkan. Konkan is an escarpment rising up to the Western Ghats which separates Goa from the Deccan Plateau. Panaji is the capital of Goa. Goa is a desirable tourist destination among the tourists all over the globe. It has sun-drenched beaches that are embraced by sparkling blue waters of the Arabian Sea. More about geography of Goa is harmonized in the account below.
Location of Goa
Goa lies between 15 degrees, 48'00"N and 14 degrees, 53'54" N latitudes and 74 degrees, 20'13"E and 73 degrees 40'33"E longitudes. The height of Goa is 1022 meters above sea level. The total land area of Goa is stretched across 3702 kilometers square and its coastline extends to 105 kilometers. Goa shares its borders with Maharashtra in the north and Karnataka in south and east. The Arabian Sea is on the west of Goa.
Physical Features of Goa
As a region, Goa can be divided into four divisions-
Rivers of Goa
The major rivers of Goa are Mandovi, Terekhol, Zuari, Chapora and the Betul. Goa holds more than forty estuarine, eight marine and approximately ninety riverine islands. Majority of the rivers are navigable and hold enormous economic significance because ores deposits that are exported through Mormugao port.
Soil of Goa
Soil cover of Goa is made up of laterites that consist of rich ferric aluminium oxides. The presence of iron in the soil makes it appear red in color. The soil appears to be alluvial and loamy along the river banks.
Climate of Goa
Goa has moderate temperature without having much variation. Summers are the hottest in May whereas months of January and February are the coldest during winters. The state, otherwise, experiences tropical weather throughout the year. Between the months of June and September, Goa receives rainfall. The highest rainfall occurs in the month of July whereas the driest month is February.
Vegetation of Goa
Maximum Goa’s landscape is enclosed with plantations where no dense forests are found. Cashew, aracanut, coconut, sugarcane, paddy, millets and jackfruit are major agricultural crops here. Iron ore, manganese ore, bauxite, silica and limestone are Goa’s chief mineral products.
Wildlife of Goa
About one-third of total land area of Goa is still covered by forests. Wildlife reserves have numerous leopards, cheetals and sloth bears and a large number of species of birds.
After you have read the account above on geography of Goa, you must have a fair idea about the physical characteristics of the place. Now, you can visit Goa in your favorite season and enjoy the beauty spread in every nook and corner of Goa.
Things to do in Goa
Day Activities in Goa