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     Goa lies on the western slopes of the western Ghats, touching the Arabian sea. Easily accessible, it is world famous for its beaches. It also has picturesque landscapes, monuments, a pleasant climate, cuisines for every taste and above all a hospitable people. Goa was under the control of the Potuguese for over four centuries till after India's independence in 1947 and it was liberated only in 1961. Goa's architecture is a class apart. It combines Portuguese, Indian and Mughal styles. Tourist traffic to the state is increasing. About 10 lakh people go there a year. And, tourism provides jobs for 20 per cent of the population in the state.

     The major towns in the state are: Panaji, the Capital and headquarters of north Goa district, on the bank of Mandovi river; Margao (33 km), headquarters of south Goa district and commercial centre; Vasco-da-Gama (30 km); Mormugao harbour, 5 km from Vasco-da-Gama.

     The well-known beaches are: Calangute (16 km); Colva, near Margao; Dona Paula (7 km), for water scootering; Miramar, near Panaji; Anjuna (18 km).

    Other Sites:- Old Goa: Founded by Adil Shah in the 16th century and conquered by Alfonso de Albuquerque; Basilica of Bom Jesus: Most popular church, a World Heritage monument, and where St Francis Xavier is buried; Se Cathedral: The famous Golden bell is here; Brahma temple (7 km), built in the 5th century; Sri Chandranath temple (45 km), where the deity installed by the Bhoja kings gets moonlit during full moon nights; Sri Saptakoteswar temple (37 km); Safa masjid at Ponda; Aguada fort (18 km), built by the Portuguese; Dudhsagar waterfalls (60 km); Mayem lake (35 km); Bondla forest sanctuary (50 km); Cotigao wildlife sanctuary (60 km); Salim Ali bird sanctuary, near Panaji.

HOW TO REACH: Conveniently located, by air, sea, rail and road, Goa is well-connected. There is a catamaran service from Mumbai that takes just 7 hours in place of 14 hours by road. There are flights to Dabolim airport from Mumbai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore and Delhi. Local transport is autorickshaw, motorcycle-taxi, cruise, bus and taxi.

ACCOMMODATION: 5-star to plenty of budget hotels and paying guest accommodation available.

FOOD: Almost all types of food are available. Fish is common dish. Wine is widely consumed. Some of the popular dishes are: Xacuti, Vindalo, Prawn Balchao, Sweets: Bebinca, Dodol, Doce, Fenni is a very very popular local liquor.

SHOPPING: The exclusive shopping items are handicrafts like pottery, shell work, furniture, brass work, papier mache. The shopping centres are handicraft emporia in Panaji, Dabolim airport, Vasco, Margao, Calangute and Mapusa.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS: Deepavali, Christmas and Ganesh Chaturthi are the main festivals. They are celebrated by all communities.

ENTERTAINMENT: Plenty of folk dances

CLIMATE: Summer, 24 to 32 deg C; Winter, 21 to 32 deg C; Best season: Round-the-year, though during the monsoon there is flooding and traffic dislocation.

CLOTHING: Cotton

LANGUAGES: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English, Portuguese

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