Goa, the smallest of Indian states, owes its exotic personality to the Portuguese, who seized it from the Bijapur kings of the Deccan in 1510 under the command of Alfonso Albuquerque-after failing to secure a base on the Malabar coast further south. The state was free from Portuguese rule in 1961 and became the 25th independent state of India on 30th May1987. Situated on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula, Goa is India's most superior beach resort with variety of beautiful sandy beaches. Panaji, Margao, Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa. The colonial heritage is apparent everywhere, in the street taverns, dilapidated Iberian-style villas, women's preference for frocks over saris and influence of Portuguese in the local Konkan language.