Goa a state in Indias west region, is a former Portuguese colony with rich history. It is 3,700 km² with a population of approximately 1.4 million. Goa has a unique mix of native and Portuguese cultures and architecture that attracts an estimated 2.5 million visitors each year (including about 400,000 foreign tourists).

Panaji, Goa's state capital is also known as Panjim, Ponnje or Pangim. It is one of the most charming cities in India.

Goa is a hub of tourism in India. From the 1960s, Goa has been attracting a steady flow of visitors -- first the hippies and returning expat Goans, then the charter tourists visiting (starting with the Germans in 1987), pilgrims visiting Catholic and Hindu shrines, those opting to settle in Goa as their home, visitors coming here for medical treatment, and a growing number of those who attend seminars and conferences in Goa.

Goa is visibly different from the rest of India, owing to Portuguese rule which isolated it from the rest of India for 451 years.

Goa's heart is in its villages. Prominent Goan architect Gerard Da Cunha has argued elsewhere that, unlike others, Goans don't live in the cities. They mostly live in the villages and they travel to work.

Not surprisingly, it's the villages of Goa which hold out both charm and character. Take an aimless ride on a relaxed evening or a languid morning - living in Goa can be tough and slow, but holidaying there is just fine -- and surprise yourself about the charms of the Goan village.

Unlike urban areas, the villages tend to be neat and clean, friendly and even good value-for-money. Except maybe in those areas where there are a lot of tourists already.

Goa has many different faces. The coast varies from the "hinterland". Below is a list of some villages where you could find something unusual. But don't restrict yourself to this list alone. You never being surprised what you run into, in Goa without even knowing it exists.

Goa is home to a number of other villages worth visiting: Assolna, Benaulim, Britona, Cortalim, Curtorim, Goa Velha, Mollem, Usgao, Reis Magos, Savoi Verem, Shiroda... a list like this would be far from complete. Please note that you wouldn't necessarily be looking around for accommodation (though you can find it in some places) here, because these villages are often close to the places where most tourists stay (the coastal belt, or the towns).

Goa Tourist Information: Top Goa Sights
Around Goa, tourists will soon realise that the state has much more to offer than simply stunning beaches, fishing, water scooters, windsurfing and scuba diving. Goa has become famous throughout the region for its many night-long open-air raves, which are particularly popular and both Anjuna and Vagator. Further tourist attractions in Goa include elephant rides, football matches at Margao's Fatorda Stadium, many wildlife sanctuaries, bullfighting, nightclubs, fine dining and pleasure boat cruises, where you are often able to spot dolphins and porpoises.

Those looking for a touch of history in Goa should consider visiting the 16th-century Se Cathedral, which features a mixture of Portuguese and Gothic-style architecture. Near to Candolim Beach, Fort Aguada features an old lighthouse boasting great views of the area, while the nearby remains of Chapora Fort are equally impressive, overlooking the coastline and the surrounding countryside. Also of interest is Goa's Cabo Palace (Raj Bahavan), Mormugao Fort and Terekhol Fort, all of which deserve a visit.

Goa is home to a surprising number of cultural attractions and tourists can enjoy a number of quality museums and local Indian art galleries. Highlights include the information about Goa's history and past at the Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery, various artefacts and old photographs at Panaji's State Museum, weaponry exhibits at the Naval Aviation Museum, various antiques and carvings at the Museum of Goa Daman and Diu, and some impressive paintings at the Art Chamber, next to Calangute Beach.

If you've had your fill of beach fun and sea views, then consider venturing outside of Goa, where many world-class tourist attractions await. These include the nearby Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary, which not only boasts an array of indigenous flora and fauna, but also white water rafting and safaris. Also within reach of Goa are the towns of Belgaum and Siddapur, where many historic temples, shrines and forts await. Further afield, both the cities of Bangalore and Mumbai offer something quite different, with enormous shopping centres, long strips of Indian restaurants, theme parks, and yet still plenty of traditional charm.

More Goa Information / Fast Facts and Orientation

· Country: India (west)

· Location: Konkan region, next to the Arabian Sea

· Status: state

· Area: approximately 1,430 square miles / 3,700 square kilometres

· Population: approximately 1.45 million

· Language: Konkani, Marathi, Hindi and English

· Currency: Indian Rupee (IDR / Rs)

· World time zones: UTC + 5:30

· Country dialing code: +91

· Telephone area code: 0832

· Religion: Hinduism, Roman Catholicism and Islam

· Average daily Goa January temperature: 32°C / 90°F

· Average daily Goa July temperature: 29°C / 84°F