The Beach Capital of India, Goa situated between the borders of Maharastra and Karnataka derives its name from the Konkani word 'Goyan', meaning a patch of tall grass. It is better known to the world at large as the former Portuguese enclave on the Indian soil. It is lively and modern, with many western style entertainments and as a matter of fact the place is for relaxation and experience the idyllic peace. Vasco-da-Gama is Goa's main Sea Port and Transport Hub.

Goa presents a totally different picture of India to a foreign visitor as compared to other parts of the country. This is may be due to the influence of Latin culture and the Portuguese rule for more then 450 years. Goa is a city where western influence can be seen to a very great extent especially in the food habits and dresses of people.

Another major striking feature of this place is the relationship between two chief religious communities which are the Catholics and the Hindus. These two religious communities have lived very peacefully for generations. Goa is also famous for a lot of other reasons. It has one of the finest Beaches in India, it is famous for its cashew, seafood, locally brewed wine (feni), its dance and song and above all for the serene and peaceful atmosphere it has.

Capital:  Panjim (Panaji)

Area:  3,701 sq. Km

Population:  1.3 million

Language:  Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, English and Portuguese.

People of Goa:  The natives of Goa are vivacious, amiable and friendly. When you travel to Goa, you discover that they enjoy life to the fullest without getting tense about the unfavourable repercussions. 'Siesta' is an important part of life in Goa. On your trip to Goa, you will notice shuttered down shops from 1-4 pm that provides an afternoon nap to the Goans. Though the people belong to different faiths, sects and cultural backgrounds, their living spirit knits them together unlike other places in India.

Cuisine of Goa:  Goan cuisine is really palatable satisfying the gluttony of anyone, especially a gourmet or connoisseur. If you belong to the above category and you are making a trip to Goa, then you have made the right choice. The cuisine in Goa is a perfect blend of diverse food cultures - the Konkan, the Portuguese and the Bahamani Nawabi traditions. When you travel to Goa, you will find Goan food is simple but also very hot and spicy. The major attractions of the cuisine take in seafood, sea-fruits, fish, prawns, mussels, oysters, crabs, feni, gin and many more.

Goan restaurants also offer chourisso (pickled pig's liver cooked in vinegar with tamarind) & vindalho (spicy pork). Goans use coconut sauces. One can also find India's best of beers& local wines (port being the most palatable). Goa offers equally good options for vegetarians also with a wide range of regional vegetarian thalis from North-Indian, South-Indian, Jaini thali, marwari thali so on and so forth.

Fairs and Festivals of Goa:  When you travel to Goa, you will find that Goa is famous for its Indo-Latin festivals especially the famous carnivals. These are the occasions when a Goan peasant manifests joy and happiness. The word, 'carnival' originated from Medieval Latin: carnem levare or carnelevarium which means 'take away or remove, meat'. Even recapitulation discovers its origin in the ancient Saturnalia festival of ancient Rome.

For the Hindus of Goa it's Shigmo. This, too, was originally a spring festival like Saturnalia honouring the New Year and celebrating the burgeoning of life. While Carnival and Shigmo are festivals of joy, Shivaratri is one of austerity and penance. It is also, in all likelihood, the most ancient of the three major festivals of Goa because it is in honour of Lord Shiva, a God who had been worshipped in India for centuries before the Indo-Iranians migrated into this land. Shivaratri, however, is essentially an introspective festival. Zatra is celebrated in all special temples at Mangueshi, Nagueshi, Ramnathi, Kavlem, Madkai, Kundai, Shiroda, Khandepar, Borim, Kapileshwari, Mulgaon, Fatorpa, Amona, Shirgao, Marshel, Mala-Panaji, Mapusa, Velinga, Karmali and Calangute.

Goa, so, completes the trio of Christianity, Hinduism & Islam. Apart from these there are several festivals celebrated by the respective communities but enjoyed by everyone making Goa an example of Indian secularism.

Nightlife in Goa:  When you travel to Goa, be sure to enjoy the nightlife at Goa. The nightlife in Goa is tantalising and people party out to enliven the evenings. A family on a night-out attending rave parties or cheering up over a cool peg of feni or gin is a daily routine in Goa.

The strangest custom one comes across in some areas as they make a trip to Goa is the presence of a bar-cum-restaurant in almost every third house. All the trendy looking rooms of the houses are open to the public with a couple of chairs and a table. The atmosphere is just great - relaxing and conducive to a pleasant night out with family and friends. Most of the places serve exquisite seafood and other Goan delicacies having well stocked bars. And if you want to jive the night away, there are a couple of nice discotheques in Goa.

Capital:  Panaji.

Population:  1.3 Million.

Climate:  Goa is generally humid due to its proximity to the sea. It is cool and pleasant from December to February. March to May is warm, with a hot and humid temperature.

Temperature:  Summer - Max : 33.2. Min : 26.5. Winter - Max : 31.9 Min : 20.0.

Best Time to Visit:  October to February.

Geographical Location:  Goa is a small tropical paradise set on the Konkan coast, on the Western Ghats, along with the Arabian Sea. It's a tiny emerald land on the West Coast of India situated between the borders of the States of Maharashtra and Karnataka. This former Portuguese enclave has enjoyed a prominent place in the travellers' lexicon for many years with its magnificent palm fringed beaches.