Goa

Goa, also known as "Pearl of the Orient" is the Indian state located on the western coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The splendid scenic beauty and the architectural granduer of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite destination of travellers around the world.Though Goa is famous for its beaches and sea, it has rich culture and some of the prettiest natural scenery that India has to offer.

Goa was liberated by the Indian Army from Portuguese colonisation on December 19, 1961. On May 30, 1987 Goa was conferred statehood and became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. Goa has a multi-hued and distinctive lifestyle quite different from the rest of India. The warm and tolerant nature of the Goans allows them to celebrate and enjoy the festivals of various religions such as Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, Christmas, Easter and Id with equal enthusiasm.
The vast expanse of the Arabian Sea on the west forms the magnificent coastline for which Goa is truly famous.Panaji (Panjim) is the state capital located on the banks of the Mandovi river. Vasco, Margao, Mapusa and Ponda are the other major towns. International Airport is located Dabolim near Vasco.The tourist season in Goa begins in late September and extends up to early March. The weather in these months is usually dry and pleasantly cool.

However it is also during the monsoon that Goa is probably at its most beautiful, with greenery smiling all around.Besides the fabulous beaches and sunshine, travellers to Goa love the laid-back, peaceful, warm and friendly nature of the Goan people.

The most attractive feature of Goan tour is that all the beaches can be visited in a stretch. North from Panaji lies the most famous beach of Calangute. Tourists can cover beaches like Sinquerim, Candolim, Calangute, Baga, Anjuna, Vagator, Morjim and Arambol in the North Goa Circuit. While moving to the south beaches become more lonelier.Beaches like Velsao, Majorda, Betalbatim, Colva, Benaulim, Varca, Cavelossim, Mobor and Betul beaches are all in the interconnected-south Goa circuit.

Goa is also home to a number of Casinos and also to Caravela - the only offshore casino located on a ship in India.Most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies and have well stocked bars.