Quick Facts Area: 3701 sq km Population: 1.34 million Capital City: Panaji (Panjim) Best time to visit: October to March Languages: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English

Goa is definitely one of the most popular of tourist destinations in India. Situated on the western coastline, which is also known as the Konkan coastline of the country, this beautiful piece of land with its gorgeously long stretches of pure sand and azure waters of the Arabian Sea is a must visit by both national and international holiday makers. The sun kissed beaches are lined up with endless green palms and beautiful churches add to the attraction quotient of this place. This former Portuguese commune is famous for its relaxing atmosphere as well as a roaring party scene, particularly during the summer and New Years Eve.

As compared to the other states of India, Goa is much smaller in terms of size; however, the magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendors of its temples, churches, and old houses have made Goa a hot favorite among travelers from across the globe. Adorning distinctive characteristics from the rest of the country, the Goan landscape is a sight to behold. This is one place where you can find whitewashed churches, coconut palm groves, ancient forts that are almost in ruins, the rocky capes, and parakeet-green paddy fields to lively markets, colorful everyday life, and feasts and events throughout the year.

In fact, there are a number of festivals and events that take place in Goa from time to time. This place is known for its colorful celebrations—religious, historical, or modern—and each has its own charm since the Goan’s welcome every festival with the same enthusiasm and joy. Yes, Goan’s, that’s what they like to refer to themselves as. These folks are a bunch of hearty but easy going people with simple yet interesting lifestyles. Roman Catholicism has been a major religion and this is evident from the Portuguese influence that can be seen everywhere. Skirts continue to outnumber the saris unlike in the other parts of the country and the architectural heritage around the state, all in all, make Goa as unique as any other international tourist destination in the world.

Goa can be divided into three general districts: specifically, North, South, and Central Goa. Panaji (Panjim)—home to lime-white churches and cathedrals, the markets of Mapusa, and a string of beaches that run right up the coast to Maharashtra—is the state capital and has also been the former capital of Old Goa. This is also the place where the crowds gather to party. The beaches here include major tourist attractions such as Benaulim and Colva, the breathtakingly beautiful Palolem, and a sprinkling of high-end luxury resorts and retreats. In Central Goa, lies the inland town of Ponda where you will find spice plantations, several wildlife sanctuaries as well the Dudhsagar Falls. South of Goa does not witness as much of a tourist influx as the rest of the parts and, hence, is more laid back than the north.

The people of Goa are rather passionate about their food and offer a host of their local specialties, which, not surprisingly, are mostly related to sea food. Some of the most popular dishes from this region include Pork Vindaloo, Fish Recheiado (mackerel or pomfret stuffed with a spicy red sauce), and various other fish curries that are widely available. Sanna is another specialty—rice cupcakes soaked in coconut or palm toddy prior to cooking. Xacuti is the almost infamous spicy meat or chicken dish that includes coconut milk as one of the main ingredients. Cafrial and Balchao refer to a couple of methods used by the Goans to cook meat in spicy sauces. Dodol is typically a traditional Christmas sweet dish and so is Bebinca, which is a rich layered pudding made from coconut milk. Other pork specialties include the Sorpotel (a vinegary stew made from pig liver, heart, and kidneys) and the Chourisso, a Goan Sausage.

A trip to Goa is incomplete without its signature drink, the good old firewater feni, which is made from distilled cashew extract. It is strong in both taste and effect and is served best with soft drinks or soda water and with a touch of lime for added flavor

• Very few places offer the luxury of being able to hire a motorbike or moped and wandering around a new place while exploring it for all its worth
• Visit the museum of architecture called “Houses of Goa” in Torda or simply take a trip to Chandor for a wonderful insight into the grand mansions and rich colonial life that was once a norm there
• Spend a relaxed day at one of Goa’s idyllic beaches in Palolem
• Explore the magnificent churches and cathedrals of Old Goa
• Visit the Wednesday flea market at Anjuna while enjoying a lovely sunset
• Take a stroll around Panaji and explore its picturesque lanes and local areas

The monsoons hit Goa in a big way between June and September. The humidity levels start rising from March to the start of the monsoons. Gradually, most of the businesses and tourist spots shut shop and life returns to a normal, usual pace, similar to that of any other part of the country. However, the climate is ideal from late October to February, which is the best months to visit Goa, when once again visitors and tourists start flocking the place, ready to hit the beaches with a vengeance. The atmosphere is generally pleasant and overall the state, being a coastal region, experiences maritime climate.

Goa was formerly a part of the Mauryan Empire during the 3rd century BC. However, it was later ruled by the Satavahanas of Kolhapur and then passed on to the Badami Chalukyas from AD 580 to 750. It 1312, Muslim invaders took over the reins of Goa only to be forced out by Harihara I of the Vijayanagar Empire in 1370. Since Hampi was the capital of Vijayanagar, Goan harbours became important landing zones for sea-carriers that imported Arabian horses to Hampi for the Vijayanagar cavalry. This went on for about one hundred years.

It was the nautical Portuguese who arrived in Goa in 1510, since they considered it to be ideal location thanks to its natural harbours. They came with the intention of controlling the spice route from the east. By 1542, saw the arrival of Jesuit missionaries, led by St. Francis Xavier. For a couple of years, only a small area around Old Goa was under the control of the Portuguese; however, by mid of the 16th century, it also came to include the provinces of Bardez and Salcete.

During the late 18th century, the Portuguese were defeated by the Marathas, who controlled India at different times. At a later stage, Goa was also briefly occupied by the British during the Napoleonic Wars in Europe. However, it was in 1961, when the Indian Army marched into Goa and the Portuguese rule in India finally came to an end. Today, Goa has a flourishing economy and the highest per capita income among all states of India. The people of Goa are engaged in various activities that include farming, fishing, tourism, and iron ore mining.