Attracting sun-worshippers from all over the world, Goa’s coastline is fringed with miles of beaches. The most popular ones dot the 7 km line from Sinquerim through Calangute and Baga in the north, and a 25 km stretch in the south comprising Velesao, Uttorda, Majorda, Colva, Benaulim, Fatorda, Cavellosim and Mobor. There are smaller beaches, Chapora, Vagator and Ajuna in the north, Dona Paula in the cente, Palolem in the south. Each beach has its own appeal. The Portuguese character of Goa is a obvious-old tile-roofed bungalow with deep verandahs and a profusion of whitewashed churches nestling amid coconut palms and fields of paddy. Goa was a Portuguese colony for 450 years. Tourism has scarcely affected the character of the people, for whom laissez-faire and the afternoon siesta is a way of life.

A Union Territory since 1961 following its liberation form Portuguese colonial rule, Goa became the 25^th state of the Indian Union on May 31, 1987. Nestled between Karnataka and Maharastra, it is fringed by the Arabian sea on the west. The eastern region is hilly forming the northern edge of the Sahayadri mountain ranges. A land blessed with abundant rainfall, its climate is warm and humid with little variation in temperature.

A visit to Goa is essentially a visit to the magnificent churches dotting its cities, and the equally remarkable temples which have an architectural style quite distinct from the Dravidian or the north Indian style. Added to these are the plazas, taverns and mansions which speak of Portugese presence in the land till recently.

Beaches of Goa They have good facilities for staying and food, providing visitors endless opportunities to explore the shore, or just laze around. Calangute Beach is 16 km from Panaji and known as the queen of Goa’s beaches, Miramar, 3 km, is nearest to Panaji while Done Paula, 7 km commands a fine view of the Mormugao Harbour. The Colva beach, 6 Km from Margao, competes with Calangute beach in scenic beauty.