|  Goa,
one of India's smallest states with an area of 3,702 sq km is cradled
in the Sahayadri range in the Western Ghats. The vertical strip of the
state begins from Tiracol in the north to Palolem in the south and is
bounded by the Arabian Sea on the west, Maharashtra to the north and Karnataka
to the east and south. Goa is India's most superior beach resort with
superb beaches at least a million years old. Goa's beachnik lifestyle
is best experienced during the winter months between October and the end
of February.
A Portuguese colony till 1961, Goa's Portuguese atmosphere
and its lovely beaches make this an interesting region to spend time.
Goan culture is a blend of Indian and Iberian: European style central
squares and Indian bazaars, white Portuguese churches alongside Hindu
temples and villages and hamlets surrounded by green fields of paddy.
Goa is rich in folk culture with a delightful blend of vigorous Konkani
folk songs and remnants of Portuguese dance and music. Panaji, Margao,
Vasco, Mapusa and Ponda are the main towns of Goa. |
