Goa, India

A kaleidoscopic blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures, sweetened with sun, sea, sand, seafood, susegad and spirituality, Goa is India's pocket-sized paradise.

Goa is a state on the southwestern coast of India. It is situated within the Konkan region, geographically separated from the Deccan highlands by the Western Ghats. It is bound by the Indian states of Maharashtra to the north, and Karnataka to the east and south, with the Arabian Sea in the west. It is India’s smallest state by area and fourth-smallest by population. Goa has the highest GDP per capita among all Indian states, two and a half times as high as the GDP per capita of the country as a whole. The Eleventh Finance Commission of India named Goa the best-placed state because of its infrastructure, and India’s National Commission on Population rated it as having the best quality of life in India (based on the commission’s “12 Indicators").^] It is the third-highest ranking among Indian states in the human development index. Panaji is the state’s capital, while Vasco da Gama is its largest city. The historic city of Margão in Goa still exhibits the cultural influence of the Portuguese, who first voyaged to the subcontinent in the early 16th century as merchants, and conquered it soon thereafter, whereupon Goa became an overseas territory of the Portuguese Empire, part of what was then known as Portuguese India, and remained as such for about 456 years until it was annexed by India in 1961. Goa’s official language, which is spoken by a majority of its inhabitants, is Konkani.

Beach Bounty

Goa’s biggest draw is undoubtedly its virtually uninterrupted string of golden-sand beaches. This coastline stretches along the Arabian Sea from the tip to the toe of the state, and each beach community has developed its own personality and reputation since the hippie days of the ’60s. They cater to every tropical whim: choose from backpacker Arambol or bolder, brasher Baga; the palm-fringed sands of Palolem, hippie market bliss at Anjuna or lovely, laid-back Mandrem; expansive groomed sands in front of fancy five-star resorts or hidden crescent coves, where the only footprints will be the scuttling crabs’ and your own.

Spiritual Sanctuary

Want to top up your Zen as well as your tan? Welcome to winter in Goa where yoga is king and the crop of spiritual activities grows more bountiful each year: sunrise yoga sessions on the beach, reiki healing courses, meditation, and just about every other form of spiritual exploration, are all practised freely. Many travelers come here for a serious yoga experience and you’ll find everything from drop-in classes to teaching training courses and spiritual retreats.

The Spice of Life

Food is enjoyed fully in Goa, as it is throughout India. The scents, spices and flavours of Goa’s cuisine will surprise and tantalise even seasoned travelers: whether it's a classic fish curry rice, a morning bhali-pau (bread roll dipped in curry), a piquant vindalho, with its infusions of wine vinegar and garlic, or a spicy xacuti sauce, the Indo-Portuguese influence is a treat for the taste buds. While you're here, visit a back-country spice farm to learn why the Portuguese colonizers were so keen to invade about Goa.

Cultural Crossover

Goa stands out in India for its Portuguese colonial architecture and heritage. The Portuguese invaded Goa in 1510, lured by the exotic East and the promise of lucrative spice routes, before being booted out in 1961. Their indelible mark is still evident in the state’s baroque architecture, whitewashed churches, crumbling forts, colorful Catholic ceremonies, mournful fado music and the stunning cathedrals of Old Goa.

Hippy Events

The vibrant and charismatic vibes that Goa exudes are utterly irresistible. Its golden sand beaches and chilled out ambiance never cease to amaze local and foreign travelers. Another thing that adds to the fun and frolic feel of the state is its exuberant festivals. If you miss out on these events in Goa, perhaps, you lose out on a great deal of fun and entertainment.

A Guide to Goa's Iconic Hippie Culture

Part of the Hippie Trail of the world, Goa is on every hippie travellers' list, and the hippies in Goa have formed a uniquely Goan culture. Goa has been synonymous with the hippie culture since the early 1970s. They have a huge influence on the culture of the coastal state. Here is our guide to the Goan Hippie Culture.

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