Goa

Goa is India's smallest state in terms of area and the fourth smallest in terms of population. Located on the west coast of India in the region known as the Konkan, it is bounded by the state of Maharashtra to the north, and by Karnataka to the east and south, while the Arabian Sea forms its western coast.
Panaji(also referred to as Panjim) is the state's capital. Vasco da Gama (sometimes shortened to Vasco) is the largest city. The historic city of Margao still exhibits the influence of Portuguese culture. Portuguese first landed in Goa as merchants, in the early 16th century, and conquered it soon after. The Portuguese overseas territory existed for about 450 years, until it was annexed by India in 1961.

Renowned for its beaches, places of worship and world heritage architecture, Goa is visited by hundreds of thousands of international and domestic tourists each year. It also has rich flora and fauna, owing to its location on the Western Ghats range, which is classified as a biodiversity hotspot.

Goa has a rich local tradition with quaint peculiarities that are common to the Goan community. The mixed Portuguese flavor can be sensed in almost every walk of Goa’s life, from its architecture and music and dance, its language, fairs and festivals, to most evidently, on its cuisine.Goa’s fresh fruit markets are busy markets where there is always plenty of activity. Cashew nuts are available in abundance all over the state, and so is the locally brewed Feni. Brewing Feni is an age-old tradition that is carried pout in three stages. Feni is undoubtedly one of the specialities of the state.Goa’s local handicraft tradition is rather strong and you will find a number of wares on display. Some of the original and traditional crafts of Goa are pottery and terracota, brass metal ware craft, wooden laquerware, crochet & embroidery, bamboo craft, fibre craft, coconut mask carving, sea shell craft and jute macrame craft. There are always plenty of souvenirs to pick up and take home.