Goa, located on the west coast of India, is a land of swaying palms, miles of golden sands, lush greenery, an incredible cultural heritage, magnificent churches, temples and monuments and a unique cultural synthesis of the east and west. The state is divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa. Panaji is the headquarters of the north Goa district and Margao of the south district.

Panaji (also referred to as Panjim) is the state's capital. Vasco da Gama (sometimes shortened to Vasco) is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture. Portuguese merchants first landed in Goa in the early 16th century, and annexed it soon after. The Portuguese colony existed for about 450 years (one of the longest held colonial possessions in the world), until it was taken over by India in 1961.

Renowned for its beaches, temples and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands 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 hotspot. One of the most developed states in India; Goa enjoys a high standard of living.

ATTRACTIONS

St. Francis Xavier Church – World Heritage Site

The church of Bom Jesus, "Good" or "Infant" Jesus, is known principally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. In 1946, it became the first church of India to be elevated to the status of Minor Basilica. One of the richest churches in Goa, it is covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The basilica, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept, is the best specimen of baroque architecture in India. St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death. It now lies in an airtight glass coffin, placed inside a silver casket fashioned by a 17th century Florentine jeweler.

Shri Mangueshi Temple -

The 400-year-old Shri Mangesh temple dedicated to Shiva stands out with its simple and yet exquisitely elegant structure. The temple is noted for the pillars which are considered to be the most beautiful among the temples in Goa. There is a prominent Nandi Bull which is considered to be the Vahana (Vehicle) of Shiva. A beautiful seven-storied deepstambha (lamp tower), stands at the gates in the temple complex. The temple also has a magnificent water tank, which is believe to be the oldest part of the temple.

Dona Paula -

With its aura of romance and myth, the Dona Paula Beach is thronged by tourists to indulge in water sports on the clear waters. The beach is named after Dona Paula de Menezes, the daughter of a viceroy who threw herself off the cliff when refused permission to marry a local fisherman named Gaspar Dias. The Dona Paula Sports Club provides facilities for cycling, motorboat rides, water-scooter, windsurfing, toboggan, ski-biscuit, toboggan, water-skiing, parasailing, skibob, sports fishing, snorkeling, harpoon fishing, yachting, and kayaking on the beach.

Old Goa -

Old Goa is only nine kilometers east of Panaji. Founded in 1510 by Alfonso de Albuquerque as the old capital, the place is replete with churches like the Se Cathedral, the Convent and Church of St. Francis of Assisi (largest Christian church in Asia), Professed House and Basilica of Bom Jesus, the Church and Convent of St. Monica, the Church of St. Cajetan and the ruins of the Church of St. Augustine.

Panaji -

Panaji is situated on the south bank of the Mandovi River. The place became capital of Goa in 1843, replacing Old Goa. The city is charming and the colonial effect is evident in the city landscape. In Panaji, one must visit the church dedicated to our Lady of Immaculate Conception, and the Chapel of St. Sebastian. The Goa State Museum, the Secretariat, the statue of Abbe Faria in the capital is a must see for lovers of art.

Visit a Goan market and you will discover the essence of the land. There is fish in plenty, woven baskets and earthen pots, pickles and preserves, tender coconuts and bananas.