Goa is a small state on the west coast of India. A coastline with beaches. some nice countryside and a distinct history. In 1510 the Portuguese set up a permanent settlement in Velha Goa (Old Goa). This was the beginning of Portuguese rule over this part of India that would last for four and a half centuries. By the mid-18th century they had expanded the territory to the present state limits. And unlike the Dutch or the English, who were mostly traders, the Portuguese imposed their religion on Goa. They leveled all the Hindu temples they could find and build their whitewashed churches. After independence the Indians took Goa by force, since the Portuguese did not want to give up their colony.

Starting in the 60-ies Goa became a hippy colony, famous for dope and a relaxing life. Nowadays a lot of the coast is a holiday place for the -mostly overweight- middle aged. And tourism made Goa this smallest Indian state the most prosperous one.

But places with the right atmosphere still exist and the history is there to be seen.

Mapusa

A small town with a nice weekly market, where everything imaginable is sold. Check out the the fish street were dried fish of all possible varieties can be found. Whole fresh fish from baby shark, squid and the ubiquitous bangda (mackerel).

Panaji (Panjim)

Panjim lies near the Mandovi River, where cruise boats and floating casinos ply the waters. A more cultural highlight is the whitewashed church in the city centre the broad leafy boulevard by the river and the narrow streets in the old Latin Quarter with its restored ochre-coloured mansions with terracotta-tiled roofs and wrought iron balconies.

Old Goa

The old capital where the Portugese have left their Churches. The remains are a UNESCO World heritage Site. At one point the population was roughly 200.000 people. But after a plague of Malaria and Cholera the city was largely abandoned and the capital was moved to Panaji.

Arambol

A beach as beaches should be. You can rent nice straw huts, there is no house music and no all inclusive hotels,

Calangute, Ponda, Tambdisurla, Siolim, Mardol

Villages in Goa with some places of interest.

Tambdisurla

Thats where the oldest temple in Goa can be found; the Mahadeva Temple. A bit out of the way but worth the ride.