Goa Guide

• Overview
• How & when to go?
• What to see?
• Excursions
• Entertainment
• Where to eat?
• What to shop for?
• Events/Festivals

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Overview of Goa

If you are looking for a seductive atmosphere to relax and rejuvenate your spirits on dazzling sun-drenched beaches, then GOA is a perfect choice. 

Prettier than a postcard, India's tiniest state remains the vacationer's hottest spot. Perhaps, the permanent idyll. With its natural scenic beauty and superb beaches, this tropical paradise on the western coast of India is famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals, and above all, its hospitable people with a rich cultural milieu.

Gleaming Portuguese-style whitewashed churches, lush paddy fields, dense coconut palm groves, and crumbling forts make up the Goan landscape. Markets are lively, colorful affairs, and siestas are widely observed during the hot afternoons. Goa's famous Carnival explodes onto the streets over three riotous days & nights prior to Lent in February/March every year.

Goa is one of the youngest states to attain statehood after 451 years of colonial rule and 26 years as a Union territory. Except for a brief occupation by the Britishers, the Portuguese were the masters of Goa till 1961 before they were finally driven out. The Portuguese domination over Goa produced an eclectic blend of East and West. Christmas and Carnival are celebrated as enthusiastically as Diwali and Durga Puja. 

The state's separate identity is discernible in other ways too, most visibly in its architecture, but also in a preference for a fish-and meat-rich cuisine. Another marked difference is the prevalence of alcohol. Beer is cheap, and 6,000+ bars around the state are licensed to serve it. Goans also brew their own local varieties. Feni, the widely known liquor made from cashews and coconuts is worth a try.

Discover Goa in the following sections:

• How & when to go?
  Apart from air, rail, road connections traveling by the ship is an experience in itself.
   
• What to see?
  Goa has variety of places to treat your soul.
   
• Excursions
  Dudhsagar Falls, Molem and Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary and much much more...
   
• Entertainment & Leisure
  Fun and frolic begins in Goa with numerous cultural centers, clubs, nightlife.
   
• Where to eat?
  Some of the best seafood can be had here.
   
• Where to shop?
  Markets of Goa are flooded with plethora of handicraft items.
   
• Events, Fairs & Festivals
  Goans need no excuse to enjoy themselves.