About Goa

Goa – popularly known as the “Pearl of the Orient” and a “Tourist’s Paradise”:

Goa is India’s smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. It is located on the west coast of India known as the Konkan, it is surrounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea adorns its western coast. The magnificent scenic beauty and the architectural splendours of its temples, churches and old houses have made Goa a firm favourite with travellers around the world.
Goa is much more than just its marvelous beaches and the sea. It has a soul which goes deep, an abundance of rich culture and some of the most awesome scenery that nature has to offer. Much of the real Goa is in its interiors, both inside its architectural heritage and in its hinterland, away from the coast. Once you come to Goa; it becomes a part of you!
Panjim is the state’s capital while the port based Vasco da Gama is Goa’s largest city. To date, the cities of Margao, Panjim and Mapusa exhibit influences of Portuguese culture. The Portuguese first landed in Goa as merchants, in the early 16th century, and conquered it soon thereafter. The Portuguese overseas territory existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed by India in 1961. Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by large numbers of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hot-spot.