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GOA
Goa conjures up a land of scenic beauty with abundant
sun, sand and sea. Lying on the west coast, half way between Mumbai
in the North and Cochin in the south, Goa was under Portuguese rule
till 1961 and hence has a very striking and interesting atmosphere.
Sleepy villages and myriads of white churches still characterise this
lotus-eaters paradise, where the romance of the past lingers on and
the mood is as gentle and unhurried as the undulating countryside. There
are paddy fields and dense coconut palm groves and market places that
are lively and colourful affairs!
Lulled by the waters of the Arabian Sea and with shady palms swaying
in the breeze, Goa’s relaxed pace of life has always made it an
ideal introduction to India. Home to some of the country’s best-known
and finest white sandy beaches, Goa is a cosmopolitan melting pot. The
Dutch and Portuguese have both left their mark on the state while the
pilgrimage site of St Francis Xavier’s tomb exemplifies the Catholic
influence. Along with this diverse culture, Goa’s cuisine, blending
fresh seafood with coconut and cashew nuts, produces sumptuous dishes.
A popular holiday destination due to the combination of its picturesque
beaches, accessible culture and laid-back atmosphere. It really does
have something to offer all its visitors. The weather is fabulous, offering
near-constant sunshine between October to April, with temperatures rarely
falling below 91F (33C).
Goa has over 100km of golden sandy beaches, dotted with family-run restaurants
and teams of fishermen hauling their nets. The state offers a unique
blend of Portuguese and Indian culture, which can be seen in its architecture,
cuisine, religion and culture.
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