Goa is the smallest and youngest state of India. From the history we know, it was ruled by several foreign forces; sometimes by Dutch, sometimes by British, sometimes by Turkish and finally by Portuguese. Goa was colony of Portugal till 1961. Goanese made their state free from Portuguese with the help of India and decided to merge with India. The state is situated at the South of Maharastra and north of Karnataka. It has got Arabian Sea at its West. 

Hills, rivers and sea surround it. It has got 40 beaches through out its 105 k.m. long beaches. Some of those are considered among the best beaches of the world. The beauty of those beaches is that each one is different and special from the other. The state is throughly green and almost covered with of Mango trees, Coconut trees, Caju, Jackfruit and so many unknown trees. Mangrove Forest is also seen in this part of the country. Small hills have increased the attraction of Goa. Fountains are flowing here and there all over the state. River Mandavi and River Juari has formed a creek. There are so many other rivers which are originated either from the Western Ghat Hill range or Sahjadri Hill range and are flowing all over Goa. Sun rise and Sun set gets wonderful dimensions here at different beaches of Goa. The place has the tropical climate with moderate temperature throughout the year. Highest temperature in the summer is 32.7 degree Celsius and lowest temperature in the winter is 21.3 degree Celsius. December and January are the best period for the Goa tour.

In fact, no one can describe the natural beauties of those picturesque beaches of Goa with mere words and some isolated photographs. So, to catch the feel, please

Goa is a tiny pea green land on the West Coast of India, with its natural scenic beauty, attractive beaches and temples famous for its architecture, feasts and festivals and above all hospitable people with a rich cultural surroundings, has an ideal tourist Profile.

It is a land of 3072sq.km and was once a pride of Portugal's Eastern Empire. The relatively new state of India with its wide and attractive beaches and beach resorts is a haven for holidaymakers. Even though independent, Portuguese colonial practices still prevalent in the ways of life. The Roman Catholicism is still Orthodox in Goa. Good food and wine grace the humblest of tables. The life is full of song, dance and merriment. Goa is a place for holidaymaker who seeks sun and sand, food and wine and even old forts and temples.

Although, Goa joined national mainstream only after 14-years of the country's independence, tourist traffic to Goa registered such phenomenal growth that from 2.00 lakhs tourists in 1975 the figure has shot up to 11.26 lakhs in 1996 of which domestic tourists comprise 8.88 lakhs and foreigners account for 2.37 lakhs including almost 73,000 through charter flights from U.K. Germany. Switzerland, Finland. As on today, the total bed capacity stands at 21,000 beds, of which the public sector account for 10% with the rest in the private sector. With the projected rise in tourist traffic to 14 lakhs by the turn of century, the bed capacity would require further augmentation of at least 20 thousand.

Goa is a package- tour paradise, squeezed between the seas and the lush forested hills. It offers glistening sands, swaying coconut palms, and ultra fresh seafood. Luxury hotels and budget guesthouses overlook fisherman mending their nets, and beer comes cheap and chilled. Discovered by pioneering hippies looking for peace and love. Goa’s beaches are now filled with persistent hawkers during the day and rave parties at night. For those intent on discovering the real India, Goa is the best treated as a relaxing break on the southern trail. Lavishly gifted by nature, Goa can also boast of its rich cultural and historical heritage.

Stretches of endless silver sand and white surf beaches wetted by the rush of the 'azure' arabian sea, the revelling of late nights over the local feni brew, the tarvernas, white churches and temples resting against plush green padding fields and coconut trees, the nostalgic atmosphere, longer days of sun, sand and sea, Goa. Goa's natural boundaries, the Arabian Sea and the Sahyadri mountains, had sheltered it from much of India's inland turmoil, while its strategic location on the newly discovered trade route to the East made it even more attractive.Tucked away snugly between the hills of the Western Ghats on the East, Arabian Sea to the West, Maharashtra's coastline to the North, and Karnataka's coastline to the South, this tiny territory covers 1350sq miles (3500 sq km).

Goa which was liberated on 19th December, 1961 along with Daman and Diu from 451 years Portuguese Colonial Rule, became the 25th State of the Indian Union when it was conferred Statehood on 30th May, 1987.

The State of Goa has a Legislative Assembly with a strength of 40 elected members. Besides, Goa has three elected representatives in the Central Parliament. 

The Governor is the Head of the State and is advised by a Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister. Panaji, a small picturesque town on the left bank of river Mandovi, is the seat of the State Administration. However, for administrative purposes, the State has been divided into two districts: North Goa and South Goa with headquarters at Panaji and Margao respectively, and six divisions comprising 11 Talukas.  Ensconced on the slopes of the Western ghats (Sahyadri ranges) Goa is bounded on the North by Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, on the East by Belgaum, on the South by Karwar district of Kamataka and on the West by Arabian Sea. Its rivers, Tiracol,Chapora, Mandovi, Zuari, Sal and Talpona, which are navigable throughout the year, have their origin in the Sahyadri ranges and flow westward into the Arabian Sea, 60 "Kms" . away, breaking the long coast line covering a length of 105 "Kms" . into enchanting estuaries and bays which mark off idyllic palm-fringed beaches like Arambol, Vagator,Atijuna, Baga and Calangute in the North and Colva. Betui and Palolem in the South.

Culture

Goa's cultural heritage evolved from its history of Hindu, Muslim and Portuguese rulers. Each one left behind distinctive marks on the land and the lives of the people. 

The traditional crafts of Goa are pottery, terracotta, brass metal works, wooden lacquer ware, crochet and embroidery, bamboo craft, seashell craft and coconut mask carving.

Goan cuisine is a delicate art. Being a coastal state, seafood is the speciality of Goan cooking. It blends the Indian and western verities to serve delicacies on the table.

The Goans are a highly talented people. They evolved distinctively different forms of art, craft and music blending creatively the East with the West. There are a number of traditional dances performed at different occasions.

Fairs And Festivals

Throughout the year, every month, any kind of fair and festival can be found. These are mainly religious and social in nature. 

The dates of religious festivals are decided according to respective religious calendars. Some festivals like Shigmo and Carnival though have religious origin, but with mass appeal have become the festivals of the whole state and society. Some festivals are celebrated all over Goa, while some take place at particular places.

The Hindu festivals celebrated all over Goa include Makarsankranti, Maha Shivaratri (worship of Lord Shiva), Holi or Shigmo (the Festival of Colours), Gudi Parva ( Hindu New Year), Ramnavami (Birthday of Lord Rama), Nagapanchami, Raksha Bandhan, Janmashtami (Birthday of Lord Krishna), Ganesh Chaturthi (worship of Ganesha, the God of omen), Dussera (the victory celebration of Lord Rama over Ravana, the King of Lanka), Narakasur and Diwali (the Festival of Light). 

The major Christian Festivals are the Feast of Three Kings (Quelim, Chandor and Reis Magos), Procession of All Saints ( Goa Velha), Feast of Our Lady of Miracles (Mapusa), Sao Joao (all over Goa), Feast of Assumption of Our Lady (Panaji), Novidades (all over Goa), Fama de Minino Jesus ( Colva), Feast of St. Francis Xavier (Old Goa), Feast of the Lady of Immaculate Conception (Panaji, Margao) and Christmas.

The Muslim festivals include Idul Fitra and Muharam.