Goa
 Silver sands, sparkling blue waters, the sky mirroring the sea below, white churches resting against green paddy fields and coconut trees lining the coastal streets. Goa - a place you can fall in love with at first glance, is also home to India's finest beach resorts.
There's much more to Goa than sun, sand and sea. The allure of Goa is that it remains quite distinct from the rest of India and is small enough to be grasped and explored in a way that other Indian states are not.
Goa became one of the youngest Indian states after 451 years of colonial rule and 26 years as Union territory. Its history dates back to the 3rd century when it belonged to the
Mauryas, followed by the rule of the Satvahanas, Chalukyas, the Shilharas and
Kadambas. In 1312, Goa fell into the hands of the Muslims. The Portuguese took over in 1510, ending the Muslim rule. Apart from a brief spell during the Napoleonic wars, when the British briefly occupied
Goa, the Portuguese were the masters of Goa till 1961, when they were finally driven out.
450 years under Portuguese domination produced a unique blend of East and West that is both exotic and strangely familiar. Christmas and Carnival are celebrated as enthusiastically as Diwali and Durga
Puja. The state's separate identity is also visible in its Latinate architecture and preference for a fish- and meat-rich cuisine. Another marked difference is the prevalence of alcohol, which is cheap in the state and is widely available.
Panaji, Goa's capital since 1843, is among the most pleasant Indian capitals. Most people use it as a link to old Goa or to the beaches, but it's worth a visit. The atmosphere is easygoing and the people are friendly. In the oldest part of the town, the Portuguese heritage is evident: broad avenues spilling into cobbled squares, grand public buildings, old houses with overhanging balconies and numerous bars and cafes.
On the coast itself, coconut cultivation and fishing are the major sources of income. But, tourism is the main money-spinner and the majority of the population is engaged in related business.
HOW TO GET THERE?
Air: Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines,
Air Deccan connect Goa with Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore. Goa is also served by International Charter Aircraft from Western Europe during the tourist season.
Road: Goa is well connected by road from
Mumbai (600 kms).
Rail: Goa is served by 2 daily trains from Mumbai and is also connected to other major Indian cities.
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