Goa

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Coastline of Anjuna, Goa

Introducing Goa

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Swaying palms, white sands and sparkling waters: the three essential elements that attract 2 million visitors annually to Goa’s balmy shores are plentiful in this tiny, glorious slice of India hugging the country’s western coastline and bounded by the Arabian Sea.

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A solitary Portuguese outpost in India for almost 500 years, the influence of colonial rule can still be seen everywhere: in the exquisite, crumbling architecture; in the East-meets-West cuisine which combines coconut milk, palm vinegar and chillies with the refined flavours of Lisbon; in the melancholy strains of fado that still waft occasionally on the bougainvillea-scented breeze; and in the siesta-saturated joie de vivre that Goans themselves call susegad.

Nowhere else in India will you find the laid-back languidness of a Goan lunchtime, the easy charms of its people or the soothing serenity of a day on its beaches. Here in Goa, a herd of water buffalo will greet you at breakfast; a lily-covered lake might provide the scenery for your morning walk; a sea eagle will be your afternoon companion along a deserted stretch of pristine beach; a gorgeously spice-laden vindalho (vindaloo) might make your evening repast and a fiery glass of cashew-palm feni liquor your bedtime tonic.

But there's far more to discover here than the exquisite pleasure of warm sand between your toes. Pep up your stay with a wander around a vanilla-scented spice plantation, stroll the bird-filled banks of the state's gentle rivers, poke around centuries-old cathedrals, and venture out to white-water waterfalls.

All is not perfect in paradise, however, and Goa has problems aplenty – the state's environment, in particular, is sorely taxed. Nevertheless, with a slowly growing group of environmentalists and ecofriendly individuals on the scene, the picture remains relatively rosy for this most magical of miniature states. So, come, minimise your impact as much as possible, and unwind to the swaying palms and Portuguese rhythms of Goa's still-irresistible charms.

Last updated: Jan 12, 2011

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Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. blisspassport avatar
    RE: Great times India

    by blisspassport 14 September 2011

    What you're describing sounds more like Thailand than India. Not much in India is secluded and quiet with 1.2 billion people. But there…
  2. elflick27 avatar
    RE: India in 3 weeks for first timer solo girl

    by elflick27 14 September 2011

    Haven't read every comment so hope I don't repeat anything... I went to India for 4 months, first month with my boyfriend. I was scared…
  3. trisul avatar
    RE: Train or Plane to Goa from Cochin?

    by trisul 14 September 2011

    By plane you don't save that much time:Kochin airport is 50km from Kochin.And as we all know,nowadays one has to be pretty early at the…

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