Goa famously called Pearl of the Orient is situated on the western coast of India. Its picturesque scenic beauty, marvelous architectural monuments in the form of Hindu temples, Christian Churches and many over hundreds of years old bungalows have made it a tourist’s paradise. Goa is rich in its mixed Hindu- Christian, Indian –Portuguese culture and this has given it a distinct multihued lifestyle very distinct from rest of India and made it truly unique.

Goa with its 131 km long line of mesmerizing beaches thrills you beyond your wildest expectations. Of its 11 beaches, Calangute Beach, also called queen of beaches, Anjuna beach, Morjim Beach, Arambol or Harmal Beach (the foreigners haunt) and Palolem Beach are most popular. Calangute offers variety of beach and water sports facilities to the tourists. Calangute is the perfect tourist haven dotted with numerous shacks and stalls selling everything from seafood and beer to Seashells trinkets. Anjuna beach is famous for its night and party life along with its traditional Wednesday Flea Market. Next on the list is Morjim Beach. Environmentalists and turtle lovers frequent it, as it is on this beach that en-

Panaji (Panjim) the state capital of Goa is a modern city with all amenities and facilities of a big metropolitan city. Being situated on the banks of River Mandovi gives it a cool climate all round the year .Other major towns of the state are Vasco, Margo, Mapsua and Ponda. They are the showcase pieces of old style Portuguese lifestyle that has been blended with Indian culture.

Goa has seven forts and out of the seven forts Fort Aguada is most famous. It was built in 1612 and it gets its name from the three fresh-water springs within the fort which still exits.

Ancestral Goa is a showcase Goan village whe-

Goan cuisine has three main ingredients i.e. - fish, curry and rice in all trademark Goan dishes that have Portuguese influence in preparation. Its traditional Hindu vegetarian and sea food cuisine offers great variety to the visiting tourists. There is something for everybody. Goan Cashwenut and fenny, locally brewed drink is a must try for every visitor.

Finding accommodation in Goa is easy as there are options to suit everybody’s needs ranging from five star spa hotels for luxury demanding tourists, to resorts, to budget hotels for those traveling on a medium budget and to bread and breakfast option for backpackers.