The Most Popular Attractive Destination of India: Goa Travel Guide

Goa, a medley people, culture and festivals. A land of scenic beauty, pristine beaches. It is the smallest state of India with and area 3.702 Square Kilometers and lies along the western coast of India. Panaji is it's capital city. It is divided into two districts, North Goa and South Goa and comprises of eleven Talukas.

Goan's are friendly, relaxed and extremely happy go lucky people belonging to different faiths and coming from different cultural backgrounds. However all Goans lay emphasis on good living. Goa was ruled by the Portuguese for more than 400 years and was liberated on 19th December 1961. Strong Portuguese influences still abound as can be seen in the architecture across the state and also experienced in their cuisine.

Goa is famous the world over for its beautiful beaches and party culture and offers numerous of festivals/carnivals from cultural to music so it is definitely worth checking out what is on while you are there. Once a year Goa hosts a carnival which lasts for 4 days just before the season of lent, the sunburn festival in January is also worth checking out with top name dj’s making an appearance. 

Most of the beaches are lined with shacks which have evolved into pubs,restaurants,lounge bars or clubs. Authentic beach shacks can still be found on some of the more remote beaches. The culture is quite tolerant,laidback and relaxed. Goa caters to the "hippy" in people, with flea markets and weekend bazaars selling handicrafts, clothes and arts even though the fabled hippy bargains have long since disappeared.
Apart from the beaches, Goa has stunning old heritage churches, old town areas and forts to visit. You can enjoy boat cruises on the river Mandovi and water sports along some of the beaches.

Goa also has a range of resorts and high class hotels. The cuisine is a good mix of western and Indian that can appeal to most travellers, especially when had with some local Feni. Seafood is a staple part of the diet and is also very affordable. 
Goa is well connected by rail, road and air and also has some nice trails that run along waterfalls through lush thick jungle.

Goa is a seasonal destination with the western tourists coming in from October - January and the Indian tourists from February - May. Goa has a severe monsoon season with a large number of establishments closing down for the monsoons which typically last from June - September. Yet Goa is a year round destination with something to offer to everyone.