Goa

Goa is a small state on the southwestern coast of India. The Western Ghats separate it from the Deccan plateau. It was a Portuguese territory for about 451 years, until 1961. You can still see that history in the UNESCO-listed churches of Old Goa and the Latin quarter of Panaji. The villages have colonial houses too. The coast has two different moods. North Goa has Baga, Calangute, Anjuna and Vagator, with beach shacks, markets, nightlife and water sports. South Goa has wider, quieter beaches such as Palolem, Agonda and Colva. Inland there are spice plantations, waterfalls and the Western Ghats wildlife reserves. The food mixes Konkani and Portuguese styles, with fish curry, vindaloo and bebinca. The best time is November to February, when the weather is dry and mild. The monsoon from June to September brings heavy rain and rough seas, and many shacks close. Goa suits a beach break of four or five days. It also combines easily with trips to Hampi or Gokarna.