Goa is a small state located on the west coast of India along the Arabian Sea. It was under the rule of the Portuguese for about 450 years, and hence its culture and architecture is strongly influenced by them.

Goa enjoys a tropical climate, and the summers can get really warm. It rains heavily in Goa from June to September, so the ideal time to visit is in the winter, from November to February, when the temperature varies between 20C/68F and 25C/77F.

The local languages of Goa are Konkani and Marathi, though English is understood by most of the people. An invariable part of the Goan culture is the seafood, and there are various options that one can try while there.

The capital of Goa is Panaji, a beautiful town located on the banks of Mandovi, and having a distinctly Portuguese feel to its buildings. The other important towns in Goa are Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda.

Goa holds its traditional Carnival Festival in March/April and tourists from all over the world gather in Goa at that time. Goan folk music is a mixture of Portuguese culture (the Mando and the Kantara) and traditional Goan (the Dekhni and the Katti Fugdi.)http://www.goa-tourism.com/

• Goa Beaches: are vast stretches of sand entering into the beautiful Arabian sea, and are many in number. Some of the most popular ones are Calangute Beach, Miramar Beach, Colva, Baga, Palolem, Vagator, Anjuna, Arambol,Dona Paula, Betalbatim, Bogmalo, Keri, Majorda and Morji. Many of these beaches have excellent water sports facilities. Spotted with tall coconut trees,and confortable shacks, these beaches also attract foodies to their special variety of exclusive and spicy beach/street food - the Chaat.

• The churches of Old Goa: are both ancient and new, with huge structures having a distinctly Portuguese style of architecture. It was due to these churches that Goa earned the name of 'Rome of the East'. Apart from tourists, these churches attract a lot of archaeologists, because they are very ancient.

• The waterfalls of Doodhsagar: are located in a deep forest and and are so named because they resemble a strong flow of milky foam. In addition, Goa also has Arvalem Waterfalls, which descend from a height into a lake.

• Shantadurga Temple and Mangesh Temple: are historical worshipping monuments that still stand tall to tell the story of Goa's culture and its inquisition by several rulers. Characterized by 'Gaabharas' plated with gold and silver, that hold the beautifully carved idols of Hindu gods, these temples come alive with sound and light shows during festivals such as Diwali and Navratra.

• The forests of Bondla, Mollem, Chorao and Cotigao: are homes to several species of rare plants, birds and animals, and also house Goa's state animal - the Gaur, which is a breed of ox. The forest department has provided with numerous cottages at safe places in these forests, so that eco-tourists can explore the forests comfortably.

• The lakes, rivers and backwaters: Apart from the coastline that cradles the entire length of this state, Goan land is also interspersed with several reviers, lakes and backwaters. From sunset cruises to water sports, from angling to paddle-boating, these water bodies provide

• The street markets of Mapusa and Anjuna: Whether you like bargaining for exquisite skirts and jewellery or you like to purchase your sea food right out of the sea, the street markets of Mapusa and Anjuna are the places for you. Held weekly or daily, these markets sell local handicrafts and seafood specialities.