01About Goa

A small state with a proud history

Language

Konkani is Goa’s official language; Marathi, Hindi and English are widely spoken, and Portuguese survives in older families and place names.

Climate

The conference falls at the tail of the monsoon. Expect warm, humid days around 28–30°C, occasional showers and a countryside at its greenest.

Heritage

451 years of Portuguese rule left Goa a blend of Indian and Iberian worlds — baroque churches, whitewashed chapels, azulejo tiles and Indo-Portuguese mansions.

Food

Fish curry rice, xacuti, sorpotel, vindaloo and bebinca. Vegetarian thalis and international cuisine are easy to find everywhere.

02Explore Goa

Things to do

  1. Heritage walk through Fontainhas

    Panjim’s Latin Quarter, five minutes from the university — colour-washed Portuguese houses, chapels and bakeries.

  2. Old Goa monuments

    Bom Jesus Basilica, Se Cathedral and St. Augustine ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage ensemble about 30 km away.

  3. Mandovi river cruise

    Evening cruises from the Panjim jetty with Goan music and dance, a short ride from campus.

  4. Divar and Chorao islands

    Ferry crossings, village lanes and the Dr. Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary — at their most beautiful just after the rains.

  5. Dudhsagar Falls day trip

    One of India’s tallest waterfalls, at full force in early September, on the Karnataka border.

  6. Spice plantation, Ponda

    A guided walk through a working spice farm with a traditional Goan lunch, about 30 km inland.

  7. Beaches near the city

    Miramar and Dona Paula are minutes from campus; Calangute and Baga lie further north.

  8. Goan food tour

    Try local cafés and family kitchens for vindaloo, chorizo pão and bebinca dessert.

  9. Forts of the coast

    Fort Aguada and Chapora above the mouths of the Mandovi and Chapora rivers.

  10. Art and museums

    Museum of Goa in Pilerne and the Goa State Museum, both a short drive away.

03Connectivity

Reaching Goa University

Airports

  • Dabolim / Goa International Airport (GOI)

    Located at a distance of 29 km.

  • Manohar International Airport (GOX)

    Located at a distance of 40 km.

Railway stations

  • Karmali

    Located at a distance of 10 km.

  • Madgaon (Margao)

    Located at a distance of 35 km.

Bus stand

  • Panaji

    Located 7 km away. With regular, direct connection to Goa University.