First thing to bear in mind is that when you are visiting Goa, you are visiting a whole state, not a city or a beach. Goa, the smallest state by area and the fourth smallest by population , on the shore of Arabian Sea in the West coast of India, known as the Konkan — is a former Portuguese colony . It is bounded bt the stae of maharastra to the north, Karnatka to the east and south, while Arabian Sea to the West.

Popularly known as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ Goa – an excellent blend of sea, sand and surf. Goa beaches have long been a favourite hunt for beach lovers. Warm golden sand, gleaming sea water and enchanting greenery make Goa a place to relax on some of the less crowed white sandy beaches with clear blue water. In a coastline of 125 kilometres, there are 83 kilometres of beautiful beaches.

Along with an impressive natural beauty Goa has a unique mix of Indian and Portuguese history, cultures architecture, heritage, wildlife and adventure sports that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year throughout the country and the world.

Spread over 3,700 square kilometres with a population of approximately 1.4 million, Goa is small by Indian standards, with only two districts –North Goa and South Goa which are separated by the broad estuaries of The Mandovi and Zuari rivers. There are several towns and villages spread out with considerable distance between them.

In the middle of North and South Goa is the Central part of Goa where Panjim or Panaji – is the state Capital. The other small towns like Margao , Vasco da Gama( the largest city) ,Old Goa, home of famed sixteenth century churches, convents and monuments , Mapusa, Chaudi have their own importance and they are gateways to the nearby touristic areas. Goa has some nearly 350 villages, with paddy field and Cashew nut crops, often scenic and each having a character of its own. North Goa, famous for its numerous distinguished golden beaches, was the first to be discovered.

North Goa- Home to the most popular beaches, Anjuna, Baga, Candolim and Calangute, North Goa is livelier, popular and crowed than the South and has more of an international vibe with tourists from all over the world relaxing and rejoicing here throughout the year.

South Goa is calmer and quieter with beautiful white sand beaches inviting those looking for serenity and repose. There is not as much tourist activity here as well but the distinct natural, unruffled beauty begs to be explored and appreciated. Palolem beach in South Goa is the most recommended beach in Goa, if somebody wants to spend a relaxing lay back holidays with only a few tourists on the beaches.

The Old Goa is the heart of the Portuguese Goa and is home to Goa’s most important heritage monuments, many of which have been declared World Heritage monuments including the Basilica of Bom Jesus, Se cathedral, The church and convent of St. Francis Assisi, archaeological museum, St. Catherine’s chapel, Arch of Viceroy.