Goa lies on the west coast of India in the coastal belt known as Konkan. The capital of Goa is Panaji. Goa became an independent state in 1987; formerly a Portuguese colony and Indian Union territory. Area wise Goa is the smallest state in India and fourth smallest state in terms of population. One can experience diversified religion communities in Goa. The place is also known as ‘Pearl of the Orient’ and a ‘Tourist Paradise’.

Goa is worldwide known for its beaches. Goa is also internationally famous for white beaches also known as ‘Trance Parties’. Some of the popular festivals celebrated in Goa are Gudi Padwa, Holi, Rakasha Bandhan, Ganesh Chaturthi, Krishnajanmashtami, Ramnavmi, Dussehra, Diwali, New Year’s Day, the Shigmo festival and the Carnival.

One of the famous coastal town of Goa is Vasco formerly known as Sambhaji. You can notice church and multi storeyed building in Vasco. Dabolim - the first naval museum is in Vasco. The museum is dedicated to the Indian Naval Aviation. Numerous craftwork, weapons, safety equipment, sensors, and rare photograph’s depicting Goa’s liberation can be seen in the museum.

Beaches
Some of the world’s famous and dazzling beaches are Calangute, Vagator, Colva, Baga and Miaramar. Don’t forget to taste a spicy Goan cuisine and icy cold beer in Goa’s beach shacks.

Bom Jesus Basilica
It is a World heritage Site in Goa. The church is situated in old Goa, and basilica has the mortals of St. Francis Xavier.

Temples in Goa
There is a vast representation of Hindu gods and goddesses in Goa. Some of the main pilgrimage sites in Goa are Arvalem Waterfall, the Brahma Camandolu or Water Pot of Brahma and Noroa River.

Government Emporia
You can pick handicrafts, shell work, crochet, carved furniture, brassware, papier-mache, terracotta, bamboo work and many more items. Cashew nuts are another specialty of Goa available in every market.

Namazgarh
Built during the Muslim era in Goa, it is situated on a hilltop facing the town of Bicholim.