GOA - INDIA

Goa is a state in western India with coastlines stretching along the Arabian Sea. . Goa is also known for its beaches, ranging from popular stretches at Baga and Palolem to laid-back fishing villages such as Agonda.
Goa is a former Portuguese colony, the Portuguese overseas territory of Portuguese India existed for about 450 years until it was annexed by India in 1961.
Panaji is the state's capital, while Vasco da Gama is the largest city.
 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


1.  Markets

The Anjuna flea market is held every Wednesday from morning until evening, except during the monsoon season, on the southern end of Anjuna Beach. The market has has exploded in size and attracts people from all over Goa. It's now got over 500 stalls, and is still growing.. After a day of shopping til you drop, head over to Curly's beach shack and take in the sunset scene there.

2.  Goa Beaches

Goa's long stretch of sandy coastline is renowned for its multitude of beaches. There's something on offer for everyone, from luxury resorts to makeshift huts, and trance parties to tranquility.

3.  Spice Plantations

Another highlight of a trip to Goa India is the spice plantations in the dense jungle around Ponda. Goa's lush tropical climate makes it an ideal place to grow spices. The spice farms are open to visitors.
One of the oldest and most acclaimed plantations in Goa is the  Sahakari Spice Farm, located around 40 minutes from Panjim.  Others include the Tropical Spice Plantation, Savoi Plantation, and Pascol Spice Village. Accommodations, and other activities such as elephant or boat rides, are offered at many of the farms.

4.  Old Goa

Once the magnificent Portuguese capital of Goa India, these days all that remains of Old Goa is a handful of imposing churches and cathedrals. They are amongst the largest in Asia though. Some of the buildings have now become archeological museums, and provide a fascinating display of Goa's history.

One of the most interesting buildings in Old Goa is the Convent and Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, built in 1521. Just opposite is the Basilica of Bom Jesus, which contains the preserved remains of the body of Saint Frances Xavier, a revered missionary and the patron saint of Goa. The body is shown to the public every 10 years, Old Goa is situated not far from Panjim, Goa's current capital.

5.  Latin Quarter

Capital city Panjim is worth visiting for its Fontainhas neighborhood. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Zone in 1984, it gets its name (meaning "fountain") from the fountain at the foot of the hill. You'll be transported back in time as you wander past colorful old Portuguese homes, belonging to the last surviving Portuguese families of Goa. Narrow winding streets and lanes, quaint shops, art galleries, bakeries, and restaurants give it undeniable charm.

6.  Wildlife Sanctuaries

Goa India isn't just all about beaches and churches. The state's location along the mountainous Western Ghats is home to an array of birds and animals. Around 20% of Goa consists of wildlife sanctuaries. They're open all year round, although October to March are the best months to visit.

The two main sanctuaries are Bhagwan Mahvir (of which Mollem National Park is a part) and Cotigao. On the fringe of the Mollem National Park you'll find the imposing Dudhsagar Falls, where the water rages down from a huge height during and just after the monsoon season. Accommodations, provided by the Goa Forest Department, are available at both sanctuaries. For a very eco-friendly stay, try a mud hut at the Shanti Nature Resort in Mollem National Park.